Don't Know Much About the Solar System » (Reprint)

Kenneth C. Davis is the bestselling author of America's Hidden History and Don't Know Much About^® History, which spent thirty-five consecutive weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has sold nearly 1.6 million copies, and gave rise to his phenomenal Don't Know Much About^® series for adults and children. He lives in New York City and Dorset, Vermont.

Nine planets
— More than seventy moons —
And hundreds of stellar facts about the
Solar System!

True or False:
1. Venus is the coolest planet in our solar system.
2. Halley's comet returns every seventy-six years.
3. The universe is 15 to 20 billion years old.

Blast Off and discover the secrets of outer space! Have you ever wondered why our galaxy is called "the Milky Way," or if you could really catch a shooting star? Here's your chance to find out without ever leaving Earth. Best-selling author Kenneth C. Davis packs fascinating facts and riddles into his signature question-and-answer format. He makes exploring the solar system an out-of-this-world experience!

Children's Literature

This entry in the "Don't Know Much about" series delivers the goods in zippy, hip, question-and-answer format. Each double-page includes four or five questions with paragraph answers; boxed extra, silly or fascinating facts; trivia contests; jokes; occasional bulleted material; and other varieties of design elements to catch the eye. Report writers can look in back for more numbers with which to compare planets, but there are more than enough facts and sidelights in the text that will interest children and invite plenty of "Dad! Mom! Did you know..."s at the dinner table. No index but the bold headings on each page lead children to information about each planet, the moon, the solar system and planet movement, the science of astronomy, and our place in the universe. Martin's black line and full-color cartoon illustrations contribute humor and visual interest. A cool presentation about a topic of great interest to middle elementary school students, this book could serve as a classroom catalyst and resource plus it's a good family kind of book. 2001, HarperCollins, $15.95 and $15.89. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler