(4) K-3 Dash!: Planets series. Facts about the eight planets are conveyed in simple choppy sentences constructed for more-advanced beginning readers. Each book includes basic stats about the planet's size, distance from Earth, average temperature, as well as distinctive features such as the storms of Neptune or the crater fields of Mercury. A summary of exploratory missions is included. Images from those missions, as well as colorful artistic renditions, illustrate the spreads. Glos., ind. Review covers these Dash!: Planets titles: Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Venus.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Seedlings: Planets series. Beginner facts about the planets in our solar system are bookended with a greeting ("Hello, Mars!") and farewell ("Goodbye, Earth!"). The simple sentences are accompanied by images that include familiar photographs of the various planets as well as artistic renditions that effectively convey atmospheric conditions and landscapes. Also available in Spanish. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Seedlings: Planets titles: Earth, Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, Uranus, Venus, Neptune, and Saturn.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Solar System series. This exhaustive coverage of planetary science includes cutting edge theory as well as established facts about planet formation and features, recent and historical exploration and technical innovations, and related physical science concepts. The complex explanations and diagrams are very sophisticated and require advanced knowledge in science and mathematics to interpret. They will be thoroughly appreciated by those who can handle it. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Solar System titles: Asteroids, Meteorites, and Comets, The Earth and the Moon, Jupiter and Saturn, Mars, The Sun, Mercury, and Venus, and Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and the Outer Solar System.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Worlds Beyond series. In Earth and the Moon, Miller covers the history, physical composition, and atmosphere of these bodies, as well as the development of life on Earth. Uranus and Neptune concentrates on what astronomers believe to be the appearance and composition of these planets and the reasons behind these beliefs. The striking illustrations, diagrams, and photos are well chosen. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Worlds Beyond titles: Earth and the Moon and Uranus and Neptune.]

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) 4-6 Countdown to Space series. The books in this series provide history of what's known about these planets including near-current interpretations of spacecraft data. Physical characteristics (size, orbit, composition, satellite systems) are well covered. Color photographs and diagrams accompany the text. Lists of Internet sites and suggested reading are appended. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Countdown to Space titles: Neptune, Pluto, Saturn, and Uranus.]

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Blastoff! series. The books in this series provide somewhat dry descriptions of what is presently known (and calculated) about these planets and the sun. The photographs, illustrations, and diagrams are well chosen and captioned. The few errors are more unfortunate choices of wording rather than misstatements of fact. A list of related websites is appended. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Blastoff! titles: The Sun, Pluto, Uranus, Mercury, and Venus.]

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) 4-6 Planet Library series. This clearly written series is quite up-to-date and includes many spacecraft discoveries, such as that of extra-solar planets. Each volume contains a few errors, but the diagrams are well done and the photos are generally well chosen and captioned. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(4) K-3 Galaxy series. These are adequate, up-to-date discussions about the nine planets and the sun in our solar system. Color photos and diagrams are well chosen; the stilted texts contain a few questionable or ambiguous word choices but are generally accurate. In addition to a list of Internet sites and addresses, each volume includes a simple activity to demonstrate physical concepts such as magnetic fields or the phases of the moon. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs

(3) K-3 True Book series. These simply written texts provide solid, up-to-date information about current knowledge of the outer planets, acquired mostly from space probes. The captioned color photos are generally well chosen, and the odd nature of the interiors of the gas giants is well described for the intended audience. Lists of organizations and online sites for more information are provided. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Harry Clement Stubbs