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13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System
First, Pluto left. Then it came back, along with Ceres and Eris...and now Haumea and MakeMake, too! The recent actions of the International Astronomical Union have put every solar system book out of date. In response, National Geographic joins forces with David Aguilar of the Harvard Smithsonian Astronomical Observatory to revise our 2008 book—and to update young readers on the high-interest topic of space. Using simple text and spectacular photorealistic computer art by the author, this book profiles all 13 planets in their newly created categories—plus the sun, the Oort Cloud, comets, and other worlds being discovered. Back-of-the-book activities offer hands-on fun for budding astronomers.
64 pages, Hardcover
First published March 8, 2011
13 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
David A. Aguilar
18 books10 followersDavid A. Aguilar is past Director of Science Information and Public Outreach at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, MA. A naturalist, astronomer, author and space artist, David’s expertise lies in showing us the fascinating connections between the universe and ourselves.
In 2015 he joined NASA's New Horizons Mission team to lead special media coverage for the historic PLUTO Flyby.
He is author and illustrator of seven National Geographic Society and three Random House Penguin books on space science.
2017's "7 Wonders of the Solar System" has garnered 2 book awards from the Nat'l Science Teachers Assoc, and the New York Public Library.
Other titles include: "Cosmic Catastrophes: Seven Ways to Destroy a Planet Like Earth"; ALIEN WORLDS" which examines just how surreal alien life may be throughout the Universe; "SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA" winner of the 2008 VOYA (Voice of Youth) Award; 13 PLANETS - winner of the 2011 Eureka Gold Award for best science book for kids; and the upcoming "7 Wonders of the Milky Way" for release in June 2018.
His books and space art have appeared on the BBC, the “UNIVERSE” series on the History Channel, ABC Nightly News, Time magazine, US News & World Report CNN, NY Times, USA Today, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, and Scientific American.
He is past Director of Fiske Planetarium and Science Center and the producer of the Science Discovery Program at University of Colorado Boulder; past Marketing Communications Director at Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation; and former Marketing Director for PBS’s Emmy-winning NOVA series, Evolution.
He is a Smithsonian Scholar Enrichment Lecturer and Harvard Expert Study Tour Leader. In 2010, asteroid 1990DA was named to honor his contributions to science education.
David and wife Shirley reside just outside Aspen, CO. For more information please flyby our site at: www.aspenskies.com or davidaguilar.org
In 2015 he joined NASA's New Horizons Mission team to lead special media coverage for the historic PLUTO Flyby.
He is author and illustrator of seven National Geographic Society and three Random House Penguin books on space science.
2017's "7 Wonders of the Solar System" has garnered 2 book awards from the Nat'l Science Teachers Assoc, and the New York Public Library.
Other titles include: "Cosmic Catastrophes: Seven Ways to Destroy a Planet Like Earth"; ALIEN WORLDS" which examines just how surreal alien life may be throughout the Universe; "SPACE ENCYCLOPEDIA" winner of the 2008 VOYA (Voice of Youth) Award; 13 PLANETS - winner of the 2011 Eureka Gold Award for best science book for kids; and the upcoming "7 Wonders of the Milky Way" for release in June 2018.
His books and space art have appeared on the BBC, the “UNIVERSE” series on the History Channel, ABC Nightly News, Time magazine, US News & World Report CNN, NY Times, USA Today, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, Astronomy, and Scientific American.
He is past Director of Fiske Planetarium and Science Center and the producer of the Science Discovery Program at University of Colorado Boulder; past Marketing Communications Director at Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corporation; and former Marketing Director for PBS’s Emmy-winning NOVA series, Evolution.
He is a Smithsonian Scholar Enrichment Lecturer and Harvard Expert Study Tour Leader. In 2010, asteroid 1990DA was named to honor his contributions to science education.
David and wife Shirley reside just outside Aspen, CO. For more information please flyby our site at: www.aspenskies.com or davidaguilar.org
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 3, 2019
This National Geographic Kids guide to the planets looks not only at the planets orbiting our sun but also at other inhabitants of our solar system. Along with the expected Mercury, Venus, Earth, Earth’s Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, young readers learn about meteorites, Ceres and the asteroid belt, the Haumea/Kuiper belt, MakeMake, Eris and dwarfs. There are also sections on comets and the Oort Cloud, the end of our solar system, and other solar systems. An intriguing “Solar System in a Grocery Bag,” planet charts, and a glossary are also included. Full-color photographs, photorealistic computer art, and illustrations accompany the comprehensive narrative.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
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April 20, 2018Not the target audience, read only for a group. Can't rate fairly. But for someone who is interested in the subject to the point of wanting more and more data, this is wonderful.
May 26, 2011
Aguilar clearly loves his subject, and is bubbling up with fascinating facts on each of the 8 planets and 5 swarf planets now in the solar system. I was impressed that the captions to many gorgeous photos of planets did not simply repeat info from the text but added completely new information to the book. He also gives an activity to help kids visualize the sizes and distances involved in the solar system and outside of it using common grocery items, including an orange to represent the star closest to our solar system, Alpha Centauri. I liked it enough I would rather like to take the time to reread it!
April 6, 2019
Incredible book and not just for science!!! This book has so much information. This book has every single text feature you can imagine with so many facts. The photographs are incredible and it is a beautiful book. Illustrations and realistic pictures. The book starts out with where we are relative to our solar system. It talks about how our controversial dwarf planet came to be, Pluto! This book mentions up to date information and everything that we know now about our solar system. The title is very catchy as well. The book is a recommended for kids 8 and up and I would agree. For students in upper grade levels 3rd and up. I think this book would be a wonderful way to introduce text features to a class. It has every single one and it would be a great way to explain why the author chose to use certain text features over other. It is full of information and it would be a wonderful way to engage students and look at new vocabulary. Especially how it may be pronounced. The book is long but it would be a great way to keep students engage by taking it one page at a time and to let students explore on their own. Students can also discuss main ideas and key details that help convey the authors message on a particular page in a book. This book has it all and I am happy I own it now.
December 2, 2017
13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System by David A. Aguilar explores and portrays the 13 planets (including dwarf planets) and their moons as well as other major features that make up the solar system. The illustrations are realistic and very detailed. The information gives and introduction to each planet or body of the system. The back of the book includes a glossary, comparative charts, and an index. This book would be great for children in the middle and upper grades of elementary school.
March 25, 2020
Even though I didn't love the content, (This was one of those books where I was reading the words but nothing was sticking.) I thought it was well done. Big beautiful pictures and just the right amount of info for the kids.
November 15, 2020
A fantastic book covering the known information about the 13 planets in the solar system to-date. I especially enjoyed learning the history of the planets' namesakes. Perfect for elementary aged kids to begin to learn about space.
May 10, 2017
Another great resource for all things astronomical! Great images!
July 4, 2018
short but decent intro to the planets of our solar system.
September 6, 2018
This book can be used in a Preschool or Kindergarten classroom. Not suggested for a Read Aloud, but can be used to support questions. This book would be great in centers as well.
January 15, 2021
Love it fantastic
August 15, 2017
This is such a fun book! My son and I loved the journey all the way from the sun to the 13th dwarf plant, Eris. Some of our favorite facts learned included: Why is Mercury silent? Could life be possible on one of Saturn's moons? Why is Venus considered earth's "evil twin"? How did earth's moon form? Which two planets do scientists think might have diamonds under their clouds?
I enjoyed having all the Planetary updates from my elementary school days when Pluto "lost" its planet status and all we had was "My Very Energetic Mother Jumped Straight Up Near"...
My son and I finished this book wanting to learn even more about our solar system and wondering about its mysteries.
I enjoyed having all the Planetary updates from my elementary school days when Pluto "lost" its planet status and all we had was "My Very Energetic Mother Jumped Straight Up Near"...
My son and I finished this book wanting to learn even more about our solar system and wondering about its mysteries.
December 5, 2011
Grades: 3-6
This book was really well organized. Each section includes a photograph of the actual planet, a digital depiction of scientific exploration in the future, as well as examples of size and distance comparisons. What I really enjoyed about this text is that it was clean, organized, provided enough information without overwhelming me. The photographs are used to show what the solar system looks like from Earth and from space. This text used a mixture of photographs and digitally created art to provide a current view of space with an idea of what astronauts could do in the future. For example they show a picture of a solar sail floating around Venus’ orbit to better understand the weather occurring in its atmosphere. The photographs give a accurate view from a telescope but the digital art allow for a student to see a planet and/or its moons from a surface level, making the experience more real. This text focuses purely on the planets. Each section is split to focus on one portion of the universe so that you have a section on The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres/Astroid Belt, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Haumer/Kuiper Belt, MakeMake, Eris/Dwarfs. In each section, the reader is provided with a short description of the planet’s namesake so we can make a connection to prior knowledge of that namesake and the planet. It discusses the scientific findings of each planet, the atmosphere, weather, orbit, and moons.
This book was really well organized. Each section includes a photograph of the actual planet, a digital depiction of scientific exploration in the future, as well as examples of size and distance comparisons. What I really enjoyed about this text is that it was clean, organized, provided enough information without overwhelming me. The photographs are used to show what the solar system looks like from Earth and from space. This text used a mixture of photographs and digitally created art to provide a current view of space with an idea of what astronauts could do in the future. For example they show a picture of a solar sail floating around Venus’ orbit to better understand the weather occurring in its atmosphere. The photographs give a accurate view from a telescope but the digital art allow for a student to see a planet and/or its moons from a surface level, making the experience more real. This text focuses purely on the planets. Each section is split to focus on one portion of the universe so that you have a section on The Sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres/Astroid Belt, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Haumer/Kuiper Belt, MakeMake, Eris/Dwarfs. In each section, the reader is provided with a short description of the planet’s namesake so we can make a connection to prior knowledge of that namesake and the planet. It discusses the scientific findings of each planet, the atmosphere, weather, orbit, and moons.
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June 17, 20141. Skippy Jones Lost in Spice, Judy Schachner, 2009.
2. Skippy Jones Lost in Spice, was a perfect book to be the twin for 13 Planets. Skippy Jones, goes on an adventure to Mars. It has good space vocabulary such as: Mars, comet, and Jupiter. This book also has humor to it that I think my students would enjoy. it discusses Martians, and think gang about a dog going to space can be a little fun. 13 Planets, offers a more realistic view of the solar system, but I think the two books would balance one another out. It do success each of the 13 planets in depth, but also includes sections about other solar systems, comets, and dwarf planets. Depending on her focus the purpose, this nonfiction text can be broken up into several sessions or covered at different parts throughout the year.
3. The text structure of 13 Planets, is descriptive. This book describes all 13 planets separately, in detail. The strategy I would use for this set of twin text is activating prior knowledge. Before reading 13 Planets, I would ask students what they know about space already. Since we would have already read Skippy Jones, students should have some background knowledge of space. I anticipate that students would also share things they have learned from years before, or from home.
4. (2011, March 15) Booklist. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
2. Skippy Jones Lost in Spice, was a perfect book to be the twin for 13 Planets. Skippy Jones, goes on an adventure to Mars. It has good space vocabulary such as: Mars, comet, and Jupiter. This book also has humor to it that I think my students would enjoy. it discusses Martians, and think gang about a dog going to space can be a little fun. 13 Planets, offers a more realistic view of the solar system, but I think the two books would balance one another out. It do success each of the 13 planets in depth, but also includes sections about other solar systems, comets, and dwarf planets. Depending on her focus the purpose, this nonfiction text can be broken up into several sessions or covered at different parts throughout the year.
3. The text structure of 13 Planets, is descriptive. This book describes all 13 planets separately, in detail. The strategy I would use for this set of twin text is activating prior knowledge. Before reading 13 Planets, I would ask students what they know about space already. Since we would have already read Skippy Jones, students should have some background knowledge of space. I anticipate that students would also share things they have learned from years before, or from home.
4. (2011, March 15) Booklist. http://www.booksinprint.com.leo.lib.u...#
December 20, 2011
As an adult, I learned a ton of new information reading this non-fiction picture book. This book discusses the current state of our solar system, and briefly summarizes recent information about each planet, and other objects within our solar system. It is organized in a phenomenal manner. It begins by discussion the formation of the solar system, and then discusses each planet in sequential order outward from the Sun. It finally ends with a discussion of possibilities in other solar systems besides ours. For each entry about the planet, there is a marvelous picture of the planet, a brief side note about the name of the planet, and a few paragraphs about conditions on the planet, such as temperatures. There is not too much information that will overwhelm young readers, and it the author gave touchstones for the temperatures, such as, "lead would melt." There is a glossary at the end, and some additional resources for curious minds. This book would surely spark some creative ideas and questions from young readers. It is highly recommended for readers in grades 2-6.
September 21, 2011
Ice, rocks, gas, dwarfs and belts are what kids will learn about when they peek inside 13 Planets to see what Aguilar has in store for them. Did you ever wonder if the dust on top of your dresser is from a meteor? Readers will learn about all of the planets in the solar system that surrounds earth. Greek and Roman symbols and their names will be revealed along with an explanation of how the planets got their names and who discovered them.
Fantastic photography creates an awe inspiring adventure towards learning which will allow a child's imagination to soar. Parents and teachers will explore other solar systems as well. In the back of the book is a detailed glossary explaining all of the terms that readers will absorb as they flip through the galaxy one page at a time. And if this book isn't enough and readers want more once the last page is turned there is a list of other sites on the web for more learning, growing and exploring.
Fantastic photography creates an awe inspiring adventure towards learning which will allow a child's imagination to soar. Parents and teachers will explore other solar systems as well. In the back of the book is a detailed glossary explaining all of the terms that readers will absorb as they flip through the galaxy one page at a time. And if this book isn't enough and readers want more once the last page is turned there is a list of other sites on the web for more learning, growing and exploring.
May 6, 2015
Personal Thought:
I enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. I think my favorite aspect of this book was that each page included a small section dedicated to where the planet or objects received their names. A little Greek Mythology for you!! Also the book is some what set up in a chronological fashion. It starts with the Sun which is of course the center of our solar system then it ends with the dwarf planets and comets.
Classroom Uses:
Recommended grade(s): 2-6
Solar System in a Bag activity (put into perspective the size of the planets in relation to one another) (Science and Math)
Independent Read
Introduction into Solar System Unit
Not suitable for a read-aloud due to length but may be broken into sections for round table discussion or used during transition time to next activity or special
I enjoyed this book for a variety of reasons. I think my favorite aspect of this book was that each page included a small section dedicated to where the planet or objects received their names. A little Greek Mythology for you!! Also the book is some what set up in a chronological fashion. It starts with the Sun which is of course the center of our solar system then it ends with the dwarf planets and comets.
Classroom Uses:
Recommended grade(s): 2-6
Solar System in a Bag activity (put into perspective the size of the planets in relation to one another) (Science and Math)
Independent Read
Introduction into Solar System Unit
Not suitable for a read-aloud due to length but may be broken into sections for round table discussion or used during transition time to next activity or special
December 8, 2014
Aguilar, D. A. (2011). 13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System. Washington D.C.: National Geographic Children's Books.
2014 Best Non-Fiction Book Award from the Garden State Children’s Book Awards, NJLA
Informational
This fascinating book guides readers into space as they learn about the most recent information on the solar system. Children will enjoy reading about the latest space data as they learn about the eight planets, 5 dwarf planets, the sun, comets and more. Aguilar incorporates realistic illustrations that young readers will love. There are even fun hands-on activities in the back of the book! This is a current and accurate book that children will be drawn to. Teachers would benefit greatly from using this book for science lessons!
2014 Best Non-Fiction Book Award from the Garden State Children’s Book Awards, NJLA
Informational
This fascinating book guides readers into space as they learn about the most recent information on the solar system. Children will enjoy reading about the latest space data as they learn about the eight planets, 5 dwarf planets, the sun, comets and more. Aguilar incorporates realistic illustrations that young readers will love. There are even fun hands-on activities in the back of the book! This is a current and accurate book that children will be drawn to. Teachers would benefit greatly from using this book for science lessons!
May 9, 2015
* Personal Reaction: I found this book really interesting. It is a great book that goes into detail about all the planets. I thought it was fun that in the book the author incorporated how the planets got their names. The layout of each page was nice on the eyes also.
* Read Aloud: This would be a fun book to read aloud during solar system unit. It could introduce planets to students and get them excited about the unit.
* Independent Read: I think second to fifth graders would enjoy this book. Students could use this book to read for fun or to help with a project on planets.
* In the back of the book there is a list of all the planets and fun facts about each. There is also a glossary to help explain more difficult words that students may not be familiar with.
* Read Aloud: This would be a fun book to read aloud during solar system unit. It could introduce planets to students and get them excited about the unit.
* Independent Read: I think second to fifth graders would enjoy this book. Students could use this book to read for fun or to help with a project on planets.
* In the back of the book there is a list of all the planets and fun facts about each. There is also a glossary to help explain more difficult words that students may not be familiar with.
April 27, 2011
An excellent and informative look at the "new" Solar System. Aguilar does a great job putting things in kid-friendly terms... for instance, the dwarf planet Haumea "tumbles end over end like a football kicked for a field goal"; also, "If you could cut it in half, it would remind you of an M&M," with the outside being the candy shell and the inside being the chocolate. Off to weed all the outdated planet books!
August 3, 2011
This is a very well done book about our solar system. As a children's librarian, I know how popular space and solar system books are and Aguilar does a fantastic job of joining vibrant pictures with the most updated information on this popular topic. I was fascinated by this title, I loved the layout and information on each planet. Would definitely recommend to any space lover!
May 24, 2013
Genre: Informational
Age: 8 and up
Summary: This National Geographic children's book covers all of the planets in the solar system. Photographs, illustrations, and facts about the planets, galaxies, comets, and meteorites fill the pages of this amazing book.
Reflection: This book is designed in a kid-friendly way. It makes the study of Astronomy seem absolutely amazing!
Age: 8 and up
Summary: This National Geographic children's book covers all of the planets in the solar system. Photographs, illustrations, and facts about the planets, galaxies, comets, and meteorites fill the pages of this amazing book.
Reflection: This book is designed in a kid-friendly way. It makes the study of Astronomy seem absolutely amazing!
April 17, 2016
we checked this out at the library and I red with my 7 year old who is very interested in space, planets, and the solar system. It was very informative and I never knew there was technically 13 planets and there are more dwarf planets than Pluto. If you have any children into planets and space I would recommend this for reading.
February 10, 2012
An updated version of the previous book 11 planets. Again this is a Children's reference book but it was insightful. Since the exploration into space is very liquid with new discoveries everyday I expect there will be another update soon.
April 22, 2012
Teachers could use this book as a top shelf book on the planets. Students could use its contents to determine the similarities and differences between the planets and stars. It would be appropriate for students in fourth grade.
July 12, 2013
National Geographic Kids always does an great job with their books and this is no exception. There's plenty of information for those doing assignments but written enjoy reading nonfiction for fun. As always, the photographs are fantabulous and the captions give lots of neat extra stuff.
August 13, 2016
Computer-generated imagery of solar system with detailed explanation of the planets and 5 dwarf planets (Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea and Makemake). Fun facts about the solar system with a nice size and distance scale at the end utilizing regular grocery items.
March 9, 2011
Reviewed on our blog: http://bookends.booklistonline.com/20...
September 11, 2012
Beautiful images from Discovery Kids.
August 16, 2016
it will be good
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews