Review by Booklist Review
This straightforward guide attempts to convey the complexities of the universe to young readers. Coverage begins right at the beginning, with the big bang, and then accessible text, complemented by closely aligned illustrations, describes the roughly chronological creation of stars, moons, asteroids, meteors, and planets; the development of life on earth; the first moon landing; the proliferation of space junk; and further plans for interplanetary exploration. These are pretty heady concepts: atoms, galaxies, black holes, matter, and gravity, to say nothing of the sheer magnitude of sizes and time spans. The vivid mixed-media and collage illustrations feature comparisons, action shots, and lots of labels, and help convey these abstract ideas. A couple of young astronauts float across the pages, reinforcing facts to help readers grasp the enormity of the topics. There is a glossary and time line but, alas, no source notes. The alluring cover and bright, detailed two-page spreads are sure to attract browsers as well as budding astronomers, and present an intriguing introduction to our cosmos.--McBroom, Kathleen Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-In simple yet clear language, Barr and Williams examine the history of space, beginning more than 13.8 billion years ago and concluding with modern space exploration. While the explanations are basic and straightforward, the coverage is broad, with such topics as the creation of stars (including the sun), planets, and asteroids; the atmosphere on Earth and why it allows for an abundance of animal life; a history of astronomy and space exploration; and the International Space Station. Cartoonlike collage and mixed-media drawings of planets, solar systems, and more help to illustrate the concepts conveyed. Also depicted in each spread are a diverse cast of astronaut children who offer commentary in word bubbles. Main ideas appear in a larger font size. In addition, a ribbon runs along the bottom of the pages, indicating the time span being presented. The book ends with a glossary of useful terms. However, words in the glossary are not in boldface in the text. VERDICT A solid introduction to bolster space collections. Pair with Catherine D. Hughes's First Big Book of Space, Lori Haskins Houran's A Trip into Space: An Adventure to the International Space Station, or Tom Jackson's Magic School Bus Presents: Our Solar System.-Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Barr and Williams present 13.8 billion years of cosmic history, from the Big Bang to the International Space Station and, possibly soon, flights beyond.The co-authors write with the same enthusiasm and energy they showed in telling The Story of Life (2015) but with less regard for accuracy or internal logic. Following an inherently paradoxical opening claim that "Before the Big Bang there was.[n]o time," they go on with a sweeping survey of the cosmos. It offers a picture of galaxies "sparkling silently" (wrong on both counts) in "bitterly cold" space (likewise wrong: space has no temperature), with incomplete references to the "freezing" atmospheres of our solar system's other planets (Venus' 462 C average temperature goes unmentioned) and the "cold, dusty moon" orbiting Earth (cold only on the side away from the sun). Two space-suited young explorers, one light-skinned, one dark, float through painted illustrations that progress from mighty explosions and swirling starscapes to closely packed planets, fleets of early spacecraft, a cloud of satellites, and, finally, space liners ferrying multicultural tour groups to an orbiting hotel, or maybe Mars. Prospective space tourists should have no trouble finding a more reliable travel guide. (glossary) (Informational picture book. 7-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
