11 Planets: A New View of the Solar System

by David A. Aguilar

National Geographic proudly presents the essential reference book for what is now officially a NEW AGE in space.

In August 2006, the International Astronomical Union redefined the word "planet" and relegated Pluto to the status of a dwarf planet, along with Ceres and Eris. Naturally, National Geographic is there to map out this new view of our solar system. In 11 Planets, David Aguilar, an expert who works on the leading edge of this astounding shift, explains and explores our new galactic knowledge.

Using spectacular computer artwork, exclusive to National Geographic, and simple engaging text, this colorful book profiles all 11 planets in our newly categorized solar terrestrial Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars; gas giants Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune; and dwarf planets Pluto, Ceres, and Eris. The author of the hugely popular Planets, Stars, and Galaxies now leads young minds through into this exciting new view of space, giving readers a vivid "you are there" sensation through his photorealistic artwork.

David Aguilar’s 11 Planets is a simple yet compelling introduction to the solar system as it is now classified. This beautiful volume also includes informative spreads The Sun Earth’s moon Mars’ moons, Phobos and Diemos Ceres, one of the new dwarf planets The Asteroid Belt Pluto and its moon, Charon Sedna and Eggland, two large Kuiper Belt objects Saturn's rings and moons Comets and the Oort Cloud Other new worlds now being discovered

This engaging volume also includes fun activities for young readers. Aguilar’s text presents the latest discoveries in space to young imaginations in a compelling and scientifically accurate way, encouraging understanding of mankind’s new view of our solar system. This is the volume that every library needs; and the book that every child should have access to as the ultimate reference for the new age in space.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Childrens, Space, Picture Books, Juvenile

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

David 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

Reviews

[Kai Metcalfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this children's book! Might be a little outdated but I liked the full page illustration followed by a page of text style, the captions for the pictures were informative, the author included the symbols for the planets and their associated deity namesake, three dwarf planets are included, plus the info on each planet was just plain fun to read. I learned things that I didn't know before. The glossary page has a great quick reference section on the planets thats really fun to look at as well. But with a copyright date of 2008.... might be very behind the times.

[Mickayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Informational
Grade range: 3-6
I thought this book was very well written and full of new interesting information! I learned things from this book that I never knew before. Like there is no real surface on any of the gas giants, imagine that! Overall, this was a great read and something I think a lot of students would like.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of fascinating facts and by far my favorite youth astronomy book.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cybils finalist 2008

Simple layout, interesting facts. I’d read it with a kid or hand it to an elementary researcher

[Kayla Pollema · Rating 4 out of 5]

11 Planets is a book that introduces a new way of looking at the planets in our solar system. This book has unique facts and information about each planet and moons.

They layout of this book makes the in-depth information accessible to a younger reader. Each section is a two page spread. On the left, there is a picture and on the opposite page there is all the information. Within the information page there are different sections such as the Greek myths, the conditions on each planet, a diagram of the distance from the Sun and also a fun fact. Each element is in the same place on the pages this makes it easy for the readers to find the information they are looking for. Another great aspect of the layout is the text size. The content is difficult but is more approachable because of the short sections and the larger font size. Keeping the layout consistent makes the book effective in sharing the information contained in the book.

[Tracy Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't care for the title, but the author does differentiate the dwarf planets in the text. It's organized into sections on each of the 8 planets, and the 3 dwarfs, Pluto, Eris, and Ceres, laid out in order from the sun. Extra pages include moons, comets and the oort cloud, and other solar systems. Not included were the two new dwarf planets, Makemake and Haumea.
The illustrations are absolutely spectacular, and the text was light enough to engage a six year old, and informative enough for a ten year old.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at the solar system...they have 2 "new" planets they took the liberty of adding to the list. My 7-year old enjoyed reading the book and my 6-year old loved looking at the pictures and reading snippets here and there. (Definitely intended for children more in 4th-6th grades.) Not the "best" book I've ever read on the solar system but a good one for children with an interest in the subject.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a newly discovered interest in outerspace, my 7-year old has been entranced with this book. The photos and illustrations are great. He's been especially intriguied by the short description and picture of the ancient gods for whom the planets were named. He has also enjoyed the factoids relating the other planets to earth—if Earth's poles were tipped like Uranus's then the oceans would cover our house.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books like this and this one is one of the best. I have always had a fascination with the Solar System. I like how this book breaks down the planets and includes the dwarf planets. Nice picutres and great text. This will enter my classroom library and my unit on the Solar System.

It will be a 2009 DCF nominee so I am ahead of the game for next year's voting!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really? 11?

this is a fun one to booktalk, if for nothing else, the mnemonic at the beginning of the book coined by 4th grader Maryn Smith:

My Very Exciting Magic Carpet Just Sailed Under Nine Palace Elephants.

(Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Ceres, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, Eris)

hey, I learned something too!

[Mary Train · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important for those of us who grew up knowing 9 planets to reintroduce ourselves and our children to the new knowledge about space...great photos and great information. The text is a little dense for younger children, but if you pick and choose what you read and talk about with them, an interested child can access this book.

[Amy Wadsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This educational book has beautiful illustrations and is full of information. It is especially good for those who want to learn more about recent changes in classification of planets that happened in 2006.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting information about scientists' latest view of our Solar System and the classification of planets. My only complaint-- the origins for days of the week Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are incorrectly attributed to Roman gods instead of Norse gods Odin (Woden's Day), Thor, and Freya.

[Liliane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this book is certainly up to date with the solar system. It no longer calls Pluto a planet but a dwarf planet. I believe that this is a good read and that children will enjoy reading from it. It has good pictures.

[Hannah O'Hearn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book talks about each planet and includes really cool pictures. I like this book because of the set up. I think it would be great to teach about non fiction feature. I would use this book to teach about non-fiction literature and also recommend it for research projects.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good information book. It mixes basic and some jr high concepts really well. A good way to introduce some of the changes to planet classification.

[Chak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a planet book for kids that covers Ceres and Eris. However, no Sedna, no Haumea and no Quaroar (sp?). Decent. Ages 6-10.

[Ginny Churchill · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book gives lots of facts about what is really out there

[Sam Bloom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well-done.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really good explanation of the solar system for kids and adults,alike.

[Teri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice concise look at the solar system. Good pictures.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Up to date information. Full color illustrations, added benefit of talking about the connections to the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The remarkable pictures make you really want to be an astronaught! So much information that I learned too.

[Michelle Tempted By Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little outdated by the time I read it and yes it is a reference books for kids. BUT having been so many years since I have been in a Science class I felt the need for a refresher. I LIKED IT.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm still upset Pluto has been downgraded. Other than that -- this is a great overview to own.

[Horace Mann Family Reading Challenge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jupiter is the biggest planet. There is no solid surface to walk on. All the other planets could fit inside it. J.R.

[Jules · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome is you want to have a basic idea of the Universe. Definitely recommended for all of the dreamers out there who want to see the stars for themselves like me.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

It gave a lot of information. There were many interesting facts.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

awsome