Earth: Our Planet in Space

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour. EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE. 2003. Revised edition. New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing. ISBN: 9780689835629.

2. PLOT SUMMARY

In Simon’s photo essay book, EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE, the many facets of Earth are explored. Topics include the Earth’s relationship to the sun, moon and other planets; how seasons occur; the roles of the Earth’s atmosphere and magnetic field; and how our planet’s surface is constantly changing. The book features Simon’s signature color photos, most of which are courtesy of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Seymour Simon, the award-winning author of 250 science books for children, presents a breathtaking look at our planet in his book EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE. Simon matches fascinating facts and explanations about Earth and other aspects of our solar system with stunning photographs from space. The book follows a logical flow, beginning with simpler concepts of how Earth looks from space and it’s relationship to the sun, moon, and other planets. It progresses with more complicated topics including the Earth’s rotation, orbit, atmosphere, and magnetic field.

While the book does not contain a bibliography, on the verso page of the book, Simon credits NASA for providing nearly all of the photographs. Many of the photos cover the entire page or are superimposed on black backgrounds that make the images pop from the sheet. Multicolored and informative diagrams are also present and help to support the complicated topics that Simon clearly and concisely describes. However, a list of other recommended resources or kid-friendly Web sites, would have been helpful for parents, teachers, and children to further explore Earth- and space-related topics.

EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE is a wonderful introduction to astronomy and is a must for children’s library and classroom collections. While Simon’s book is only 32 pages, it does contain a wealth of information that should satisfy the most curious of young astronomers. Simon’s easy to understand writing style and enthralling photographs encourage young readers to explore more about our planet and other outer space discoveries.

4. AWARDS WON AND REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

• Horn Book (2004): “These new editions include fresh images and minor editing of the original texts; what hasn’t changed is Simon’s gently authoritative signature voice… The books feature updated and now color photos, primarily of the earth from space and the moon from surface expeditions. [Review covers these titles: Earth and The Moon.]”

5. CONNECTIONS

• Recommended for children ages 9 to 12.

• Younger children (ages 4 to 8) will also appreciate the photographs and information presented in this book. The text is not too difficult for this age group and may be shared as part of an outer space unit.

• Celebrate Earth Day (April 22, 2010) with children by reading EARTH: OUR PLANET IN SPACE and perhaps one of these other titles:
  -Earth Works Group. 50 SIMPLE THINGS KIDS CAN DO TO SAVE THE EARTH. 1990. Kansas City, MO: Andrews McMeel Publishing. ISBN: 0833544721.
  -Schwartz, Linda. EARTH BOOK FOR KIDS: ACTIVITIES TO HELP HEAL THE ENVIRONMENT. 1990. Huntington Beach, CA: Learning Works. ISBN: 0881601950
  -Ross, Kathy. EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY. 1995. Brookfield, CT: The Millbrook Press. ISBN: 156294888.
  -Nobleman, Marc Tyler. EARTH DAY. 2005. Mankato, MN: Compass Point Books. ISBN: 075650645X.
  

• Visit Seymor Simon’s blog at: http://www.seymourscience.com/ to see what Simon currently has to share and where “readers are invited to post comments and questions about Seymour Simon's books.”

• According to Simon’s blog, he has written over 250 science books for children. Examples of just a few of these titles include:
  -Simon, Seymour. THE BRAIN. 1999. New York: HarperTrophy. ISBN: 9780688170608.
  -Simon, Seymour. GORILLAS. 2008. New York: Collins. ISBN: 9780060891015.
  -Simon, Seymour. OUR SOLAR SYSTEM. 2007. New York: Collins. ISBN: 9780061140082.
  -Simon, Seymour. THE SUN. 1989. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780688092368.
  -Simon, Seymour. TORNADOES. 2001. New York: HarperCollins. ISBN: 9780064437912.
  -Simon, Seymour. WHALES. 2006. New York: Collins. ISBN: 9780060877118.