Review by Booklist Review
*Starred Review* In exceptionally clear prose, Jenkins surveys the history and possible future of space exploration. This oversize volume opens on Voyager 1, which has traveled the farthest of all spacecraft, to explain the sheer enormity of the universe. From there, Jenkins zips back to the beginning, taking logical steps through the history of space exploration, as he covers early discoveries in astronomy, the development of telescopes and rockets, the necessities for human survival in space, unmanned spacecraft and some of their discoveries, and proposed future technologies, including colonies on Mars and the construction of a space elevator. All the while, Jenkins' engaging, easygoing writing style vividly presents the concepts at hand, and Biesty's meticulously detailed illustrations are the perfect visual complement. Labeled diagrams with cutaway sections, some taking up an entire page, reveal key components and inner workings of spacecraft and telescopes with scientific accuracy. One spread, describing the challenges of living in zero gravity, is cleverly interspersed with spot illustrations of astronauts upside down, right side up, and sideways while eating, sleeping, and working on the International Space Station. The subject matter is thrilling on its own, but this expert portrayal of the facts makes it all the more captivating. Space-mad kids will want to browse this again and again.--Hunter, Sarah Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Jenkins (Fabulous Frogs) and Biesty-who illustrated the first two books in the Cross-Section series, Into the Unknown and The Story of Buildings-offer a detailed and meticulously illustrated history of space exploration. After a quick overview of the solar system, Jenkins discusses astronomical history and the advances that led to feats including the Voyager and Apollo missions, as well as the development of the International Space Station. Biesty's delicately drafted cross-sections and cutaways let readers peer inside space vessels, the Kennedy Space Center, and other vehicles and dwellings, including a theoretical Mars colony of partially buried interconnecting pods (Jenkins emphasizes that the idea of such colonies "is still only a pretty distant possibility"). The careful and thorough presentation, both in the text and images, offers valuable information for readers fascinated by humanity's efforts to study and explore the stars. Ages 8-12. (June) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4-8-Jenkins covers everything from ancient Greek astronomers to current scientists considering human travel to Mars. The author explains how increasingly sophisticated telescopes provided valuable data and how developments in rocket technology launched satellites and humans into space. Jenkins also discusses the influence of the Cold War on the space race and how the International Space Station has hosted scientists from five continents. The book addresses challenges and risks to astronauts living in space. While the text is readable and informative, the highlights of the oversize volume are the intricate illustrations. Large, detailed drawings, depicting, for instance, a Mars rover, a communication satellite, a space shuttle, the International Space Station, and a possible Mars colony, are supplemented by dozens of smaller images that will fascinate space buffs. For those who prefer CGI, many of these topics are tackled in the more wide-ranging DK volume Space! In addition, Robert Grayson's Exploring Space emphasizes events of the past 60 years (especially the space race), while Liz Kruesi's Space Exploration focuses on technology. VERDICT This well-crafted overview of historic and potential developments in astronomy and astronautics will hold special appeal for visual learners.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato © 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
Finely detailed cutaway views of spacecraft and satellites launch a broad account of space exploration's past, present, and near future.Jenkins begins with the journey of Voyager I, currently the "most distant man-made object ever," then goes back to recap the history of astronomy, the space race, and the space-shuttle program. He goes on to survey major interplanetary probes and the proliferating swarm of near-Earth satellites, then closes with reflections on our current revived interest in visiting Mars and a brief mention of a proposed "space elevator." This is all familiar territory, at least to well-read young skywatchers and would-be astronauts, and despite occasional wry observations ("For longer stays [in space], things to consider include staying fit and healthy, keeping clean, and not going insane") it reads more like a digest than a vivid, ongoing story. Biesty's eye for exact, precise detail is well in evidence in the illustrations, though, and if one spread of generic residents of the International Space Station is the only place his human figures aren't all white and male, at least he offers riveting depictions of space gear and craft with every last scientific instrument and structural element visible and labeled. A coherent if unexceptional overview of the subject given a solid boost by the visuals. (index, timeline, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 10-13) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
