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Science Comics
Solar System: Our Place in Space
With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors―Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System―and beyond!
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors―Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System―and beyond!
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 18, 2018
21 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
About the author
Rosemary Mosco
23 books151 followersRosemary makes books and cartoons that connect people with the natural world. Her Bird and Moon nature comics won the National Cartoonists Society’s award for Best Online Short Form Comic and were the subject of an award-winning museum exhibit. She makes best-selling science books for kids and adults and gives keynotes at birding festivals. She’s written and drawn for The New York Times, Audubon, PBS kids’ Elinor Wonders Why, Ranger Rick, and more. She’s represented by Seth Fishman. Her favorite glacial landform is the esker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 28, 2022
Bardzo przyjemny komiks utrzymany w humorystycznym tomie i z lekkością przemyca wiedzę o naszym Układzie Słonecznym.
March 19, 2018
This is a great graphic novel to interest middle grade students in the Solar System. Sara is home sick from school and she is bored. Her friend Jill comes to visit and brings the book she has been reading called "Solar Systems." Using the book and her imaginations, she takes Sara on a trip through the Solar System on the ship called the Unbored. The crew on the ship are Sara's dog, and hamster and Jill's cat and snake. As they travel from the sun to the outer reaches of the solar system, they learn about each planet and the moons. They have to solve some problems and write short reports after each stop. It is a fun way to learn about the solar system and could be a starting point for further research into any of the things the ship encounters along the way. There are some great illustrations mixed in with the cartoon ones. A great addition to any school or class library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.
August 14, 2023
This is a graphic novel. The premise is that one kid is home sick and bored. Her friend comes by with a book about the solar system, so they invent a spaceship (with their pets as the fictional crew) to travel throughout the solar system – to the sun, then to all the planets and “belts” in between them and slightly beyond, where they learn about where they are visiting.
This is aimed toward kids, but I learned some stuff about the solar system, as well. I really enjoyed this. The pets as crew was kind of silly, but likely appealing to kids. I liked that there was a summary at the end of each planetary visit to explain some of the things learned. I also liked that they stopped at Pluto, even though it is no longer considered a planet. And I also enjoyed learning about a few of the planets’ moons. It was unfortunate temperatures were only in Fahrenheit, however. The illustrator did a really nice job, as well; the illustrations are all in colour.
This is aimed toward kids, but I learned some stuff about the solar system, as well. I really enjoyed this. The pets as crew was kind of silly, but likely appealing to kids. I liked that there was a summary at the end of each planetary visit to explain some of the things learned. I also liked that they stopped at Pluto, even though it is no longer considered a planet. And I also enjoyed learning about a few of the planets’ moons. It was unfortunate temperatures were only in Fahrenheit, however. The illustrator did a really nice job, as well; the illustrations are all in colour.
June 20, 2018
We (myself, hubs and kids) are totally in love with the Science Comics series! A great and entertaining way for kids (and adults) to learn! I highly recommend all of them! We loved this one too!
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July 25, 2022Świetna pozycja dla młodszych czytelników. W przystępny sposób, bo w formie komiksu, opisuje Układ Słoneczny – każdą planetę z osobna, niektóre księżyce, a także określa czym są planetoidy, meteory, meteoryty czy komety.
July 14, 2023
henry said “this book was pretty good but not as good as science comics cats”
September 27, 2025
This is my favorite book of the Science Comic Series so far. It has wonderful comic art and true science details about the planets in our solar system. There are even a few jokes that if you know you know.
March 30, 2024
This was fine. The framing device wasn't awful. But even with a fairly silly framing device, this book felt dry. There's not really anything new. And really how do you make solar systems seem new to an adult reader? The text was fine. The art was fine. It was readable and it wasn't very long. I did keep on hearing interplanet janet she's a galaxy girl in my head.
October 30, 2023
urocze obrazki + duzo informacji jak na komiks, wiec jest super mega
September 24, 2018
http://openbooksociety.com/article/sc...
Summary:
With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth’s nearest neighbors—Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System—and beyond! (Goodreads)
Review:
I am always delighted to read a Science Comics book – I learn SO much while reading a comic book ☺. This title – Science Comics: Solar System: Our Place in Space is well written and illustrated. From the forward I found the following, which peaked my interest”
“The Solar System isn’t just weirder than we imagined, but (to borrow a phrase from the scientist J.B.S. Haldane), it’s weirder than we could imagine.”
“The Universe is like a puzzle spread out across the sky, and who could ever face a puzzle like that and not want to try to get the pieces to fit? That’s what scientists do, and when we do it, we find that there are more pieces to play with, more places to discover, and more ideas to understand. The universal puzzle is one that never ends. The more you explore, the more there is to explore.”
Sara is home with a cold and her friend Jill comes to visit. In an effort to alleviate Sara’s boredom, Jill suggests reading about the solar system. To make the activity interesting and fun, Jill and Sara create their very own spaceship, the Unbored. The crew is made up of the girl’s pets: Sara’s dog – Captain Riley the loyal space hound, Sara’s hamster – Engineer Fortinbras the handy hamster, Jill’s cat – Commander Pepper the cosmic kitty, Jill’s snake – Science Officer Slithers the smart space serpent.
At the beginning of the mission – they head for the sun. Along the way, creation of the solar system is discussed. All the dialogue is between the pets. I found the explanations easy to understand and entertaining at the same time. Gravity is defined in a manner that is understandable… and fun ☺
I found the layers of the sun section was very informative without being overwhelming to the reader. The Sun: A Report was written to describe what was learned by the crew to send back to Sara. I fact, after each planet a report was sent back to Sara outlining the most striking pieces of information regarding that particular planet.
The humour was also evident throughout. For example while exploring Mercury:
“Crew, I think we should land on this planet and explore.
Suit up and head to the shuttle.
Right. Let’s have a sniff around.
Hmmm. Sniffing does not seem to work in space suits.”
I really found there was just the right amount of detail for each planet, explained in a manner that is understandable and interesting. I particularly found it interesting that:
“Neptune has a dozen known moons, but Triton is the biggest and most amazing. Unlike any other moon in the Solar System, it orbits in the opposite direction of the planet’s spin.”
Enthusiplasma was the fuel that kept the journey to all the planets going. Essentially the journey was fuelled by Sara’s interest and enthusiasm about the solar system. As the journey progressed, my enthusiasm also increased.
I think anyone wanting a basic introduction to the solar system will enjoy this book. It is presented in a fun, factual manner with interesting characters. A great, entertaining way for children (and adults) to learn about our solar system.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Summary:
With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth’s nearest neighbors—Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice, and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill, and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System—and beyond! (Goodreads)
Review:
I am always delighted to read a Science Comics book – I learn SO much while reading a comic book ☺. This title – Science Comics: Solar System: Our Place in Space is well written and illustrated. From the forward I found the following, which peaked my interest”
“The Solar System isn’t just weirder than we imagined, but (to borrow a phrase from the scientist J.B.S. Haldane), it’s weirder than we could imagine.”
“The Universe is like a puzzle spread out across the sky, and who could ever face a puzzle like that and not want to try to get the pieces to fit? That’s what scientists do, and when we do it, we find that there are more pieces to play with, more places to discover, and more ideas to understand. The universal puzzle is one that never ends. The more you explore, the more there is to explore.”
Sara is home with a cold and her friend Jill comes to visit. In an effort to alleviate Sara’s boredom, Jill suggests reading about the solar system. To make the activity interesting and fun, Jill and Sara create their very own spaceship, the Unbored. The crew is made up of the girl’s pets: Sara’s dog – Captain Riley the loyal space hound, Sara’s hamster – Engineer Fortinbras the handy hamster, Jill’s cat – Commander Pepper the cosmic kitty, Jill’s snake – Science Officer Slithers the smart space serpent.
At the beginning of the mission – they head for the sun. Along the way, creation of the solar system is discussed. All the dialogue is between the pets. I found the explanations easy to understand and entertaining at the same time. Gravity is defined in a manner that is understandable… and fun ☺
I found the layers of the sun section was very informative without being overwhelming to the reader. The Sun: A Report was written to describe what was learned by the crew to send back to Sara. I fact, after each planet a report was sent back to Sara outlining the most striking pieces of information regarding that particular planet.
The humour was also evident throughout. For example while exploring Mercury:
“Crew, I think we should land on this planet and explore.
Suit up and head to the shuttle.
Right. Let’s have a sniff around.
Hmmm. Sniffing does not seem to work in space suits.”
I really found there was just the right amount of detail for each planet, explained in a manner that is understandable and interesting. I particularly found it interesting that:
“Neptune has a dozen known moons, but Triton is the biggest and most amazing. Unlike any other moon in the Solar System, it orbits in the opposite direction of the planet’s spin.”
Enthusiplasma was the fuel that kept the journey to all the planets going. Essentially the journey was fuelled by Sara’s interest and enthusiasm about the solar system. As the journey progressed, my enthusiasm also increased.
I think anyone wanting a basic introduction to the solar system will enjoy this book. It is presented in a fun, factual manner with interesting characters. A great, entertaining way for children (and adults) to learn about our solar system.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
August 25, 2018
Sara is home sick with a cold and BORED! Her friend Jill stops by to visit and offers to cure her boredom by telling her all about the solar system. Creating an imaginary spaceship named "Unbored," Jill crews it with a mix of pets (hers and Sara's). These loyal space pets set out to visit the solar system and report back to the girls. After they visit each object (the sun, planets, moons, asteroids, etc.) they send back a brief report about the size, contents, origin of its name, and amazing features. These reports are very important, because the imaginary spaceship is powered by "enthusiplasma" a fuel created from Sara's enthusiasm for the solar system - the more cool facts they discover, the more power the ship has.
This unique way of presenting the content is engaging and humorous. Scenes such as the engineering officer providing extra power by running on his hamster wheel, or the Cosmic Kitty accidentally launching the shuttle when she strolls across the Emergency control button keep the presentation from bogging down in dry facts. But there really isn't much danger of boredom when the crew are exploring worlds that may rain diamonds or moons with volcanoes that shoot out water. Along with some famous men such as Tycho Brahe and Galileo, the crew also hear about females such as Caroline Herschel and Venetia Burney. American space programs such as the Apollo missions and Voyager receive much of the attention, but the Russian Venera probes and the Indian Space Research Organization's Mars Orbiter Mission are also mentioned.
For an overview/introduction to the features of the solar system, this book is a great choice. It has funny pets in space suits, quick reviews (in the reports sent back by the Space Pets to Sara), a glossary, and even a guide to watching meteor showers. Recommended for middle grades and up.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
This unique way of presenting the content is engaging and humorous. Scenes such as the engineering officer providing extra power by running on his hamster wheel, or the Cosmic Kitty accidentally launching the shuttle when she strolls across the Emergency control button keep the presentation from bogging down in dry facts. But there really isn't much danger of boredom when the crew are exploring worlds that may rain diamonds or moons with volcanoes that shoot out water. Along with some famous men such as Tycho Brahe and Galileo, the crew also hear about females such as Caroline Herschel and Venetia Burney. American space programs such as the Apollo missions and Voyager receive much of the attention, but the Russian Venera probes and the Indian Space Research Organization's Mars Orbiter Mission are also mentioned.
For an overview/introduction to the features of the solar system, this book is a great choice. It has funny pets in space suits, quick reviews (in the reports sent back by the Space Pets to Sara), a glossary, and even a guide to watching meteor showers. Recommended for middle grades and up.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
March 20, 2019
Science Comics: Solar System: Our Place in Space by Rosemary Mosco, illustrated by Jon Chad. 122 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Roaring Brook Press), 2018. $13.
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A girl named Sara is home sick when her friend Jill comes to visit and decides to teach her about the Solar System. They make up a story about a spaceship full of their pets and take the reader on a journey through space. The sun and each planet is featured with highlights about each one, including a report from the space pets. Not everything goes smoothly for the space pets, but each planet is discussed and Jill helps Sara understand and love the solar system.
The non-fiction portion of this book is five stars. I thought the highlights about each planet were fascinating and I was reading parts out loud to my family. The illustrations are bright and attractive which is an important part in a graphic novel. The story about the space pets was boring and made the book seem very juvenile, which will turn older readers away even though the facts are interesting for all. The violence is random and shocking, and it includes the story of a man getting his nose cut off by a sword with a graphic picture to go with it-completely out of place with the feel of the rest of the book and pushing it into middle school level. Great non-fiction, but not great overall.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.
BUYING ADVISORY: MS – ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
A girl named Sara is home sick when her friend Jill comes to visit and decides to teach her about the Solar System. They make up a story about a spaceship full of their pets and take the reader on a journey through space. The sun and each planet is featured with highlights about each one, including a report from the space pets. Not everything goes smoothly for the space pets, but each planet is discussed and Jill helps Sara understand and love the solar system.
The non-fiction portion of this book is five stars. I thought the highlights about each planet were fascinating and I was reading parts out loud to my family. The illustrations are bright and attractive which is an important part in a graphic novel. The story about the space pets was boring and made the book seem very juvenile, which will turn older readers away even though the facts are interesting for all. The violence is random and shocking, and it includes the story of a man getting his nose cut off by a sword with a graphic picture to go with it-completely out of place with the feel of the rest of the book and pushing it into middle school level. Great non-fiction, but not great overall.
C. Peterson
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019...
May 29, 2020
Because she has a cold, Sara has had to stay home in bed. Although she's tried to distract herself with various activities, she is extremely bored and delighted when her friend Jill drops by for a visit. But she meets Jill's suggestion that she entertain her with a book with some skepticism. Jill is not concerned, and she uses the book about space that she's been reading to weave a story featuring the two friends' pets in which they explore the various parts of our solar system. As the crew moves from one planet to the next, gathering information and making a report, they must rely on Sara's enthusiasm to add to their reserves of energy or EnthusiPlasma to reach their next destination. This graphic novel contains quite a lot of information about the solar system and related science concepts, all delivered in an engaging way. Teachers and caregivers intent on fostering interest in science or space travel can't miss if they use this particular title, part of a reliable, informative series.
October 19, 2020
Copyright Date: 2018
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Astronomy, Solar System, Facts, Friendship
Sara stays home from school sick and her friend Jill comes to check on her. Sara is extremely bored so Jill decides to make up a story about the solar system from the book she has been reading. Jill then tells the story to Sara to try and keep her entertained. At the end of the book Sara thanks Jill for the wonderful story and keeping her entertained. My favorite part of this book is all of the facts that are included about the planets when Jill is telling the story. I really liked astronomy so this information is very interesting to me and a good refresher. This book covers all of the planets and their characteristics very in depth. This is a great science fiction books for students who like learning about the solar system and also like a good fiction story. I will definitely use this book in my classroom for my students to have as an independent read.
Genre: Science Fiction
Theme: Astronomy, Solar System, Facts, Friendship
Sara stays home from school sick and her friend Jill comes to check on her. Sara is extremely bored so Jill decides to make up a story about the solar system from the book she has been reading. Jill then tells the story to Sara to try and keep her entertained. At the end of the book Sara thanks Jill for the wonderful story and keeping her entertained. My favorite part of this book is all of the facts that are included about the planets when Jill is telling the story. I really liked astronomy so this information is very interesting to me and a good refresher. This book covers all of the planets and their characteristics very in depth. This is a great science fiction books for students who like learning about the solar system and also like a good fiction story. I will definitely use this book in my classroom for my students to have as an independent read.
April 12, 2021
An interesting comic about the Solar System, highlighting some of the interesting features of some of the planets and moons. In the comic, Sara is sick and is staying at home and finding it boring. Along comes Jill to cheer her up by creating a story about a spacecraft, crewed by their pets as astronauts, exploring the solar system from the Sun outwards.
The ship is powered by Sara's excitement level, so the crew sets out ofto point out interesting features of the Sun, Mercury, and so on, slowly building up fuel and increasing Sara's excitement about the Solar System.
Those who already know the information about the Solar System may not find much new information here, but the way it is presented, as byte sized pieces of information, may help to introduce those new to astronomy with some wonders to be found in the solar system.
The ship is powered by Sara's excitement level, so the crew sets out ofto point out interesting features of the Sun, Mercury, and so on, slowly building up fuel and increasing Sara's excitement about the Solar System.
Those who already know the information about the Solar System may not find much new information here, but the way it is presented, as byte sized pieces of information, may help to introduce those new to astronomy with some wonders to be found in the solar system.
April 20, 2021
This is a really great book to get you child or even teen interested in Astronomy. while Sara is home sick from school, her friend Jill comes over to entertain and keep her company. when Sara expresses her boredom of being stuck at home all day- also having read and reread all her books, Jill offers to read a book about Space which she has brought along with her. She responds to Sara's expression of Space being boring by offering to make it into a story with the characters being made up of the pets they own: a dog, a hamster, a cat and a snake. The result is an amazing story-line which teaches the reader about Space and the planets was the plot progresses. Even I was drawn in!
October 29, 2018
This was a great overview of the solar system, full of planets, moons, asteroids and the like. It was quite basic, but I think it was enough to whet the appetites of young readers new to the subject. I liked the premise - two friends making up a story of their four pets exploring space together - and hilarity ensued as the hamster was always scared, the cat is frequently sleeping, etc. Enjoyable, and educational :)
February 8, 2022
I am a big fan of graphic novels for kids, especially those that struggle with reading or are reluctant readers. Graphic novels make reading accessible and engaging, and the Science Comics series is a great graphic novel series that incorporates an fun read with learning. The Solar System is a nice support for kids learning about the solar system in school, or who are just interested in space in general.
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August 10, 2023How? Another Science Comics while visiting NY.
What? A bored sick girl gets a visit from her solar system-mad friend, who tells a story about their pets exploring the solar system in a ship powered by the sick girl's enthusiasm. Lots of science facts, and a light narrative about the nervous hamster engineer being brave to rescue his friends.
Yeah, so? Fine for what it is. (And the solar system is almost simpler than the dog history and genetics because we know less about some of it.)
What? A bored sick girl gets a visit from her solar system-mad friend, who tells a story about their pets exploring the solar system in a ship powered by the sick girl's enthusiasm. Lots of science facts, and a light narrative about the nervous hamster engineer being brave to rescue his friends.
Yeah, so? Fine for what it is. (And the solar system is almost simpler than the dog history and genetics because we know less about some of it.)
December 18, 2018
3.5 stars. I thought the facts about the planets were fascinating, but the story line involving the pet space explorers was boring. Up to this book I feel like the science comic graphic novels work in middle school but the weird set up of pet animals going on a space mission might seem juvenile to older readers even though the information is interesting. Great space facts!
June 17, 2019
This was another fun Science comic that jammed in a lot of information, but I appreciated the way it did so. From the selection of facts to include in the "report" to the amount of enthusiasm a small, sick girl would have of space, this graphic novel covers a lot of ground in trying to spark the reader's interest.
I recommend this to amateur space lovers of all ages.
I recommend this to amateur space lovers of all ages.
June 3, 2021
As always, very informative and I think the sort of kids who would be drawn to a comic book about space will like it. I wasn't thrilled with the framing narrative, about a girl with a cold whose friend is telling her an adventure story about space starring their pets. I could have done without the Princess Bride inspired bit and just skipped right to pets in space.
October 1, 2018
Set up as a PRINCESS BRIDE beside-type story, a super pimped-out space ship, manned by a dog, a cat, a hamster and a snake, moves methodically from the sun on outward to the space debris encircling our solar system.
October 2, 2018
A quick, fun, informative read. The two other Science Comics I've read (Sharks and Rockets) were so stuffed full of facts it almost felt like too much, but this one was a little simpler, which I liked.
Great for 4th+.
Great for 4th+.
October 5, 2019
This was a great graphic novel! It’s packed with facts about the planets and solar system! The pictures are wonderful and help explain the information. There is also a cute back story to go along with the facts.
October 24, 2019
Exactly the kind of book I would have loved as a kid, or using in my classroom. The illustrations are perfect for the target audience, which of course isn't me, but I'd definitely get for a child maybe in 4th to 6th grade or so, give or take.
February 9, 2020
I was the odd man out when I used this graphic novel for a program at my library. Almost all the kids loved this because they were really interested in Space. They liked the mix of non-fiction and fiction.
I didn't like that and felt like I was reading s text book at times.
I didn't like that and felt like I was reading s text book at times.
August 24, 2024
Maybe it’s a four. As my hubby said, so weird to read to someone, but not bad to read to yourself. My almost-5- and almost-3-year-old were into it! Even though my faith is in creation, not evolution, I found it a useful and informational little book for my kiddos.
October 1, 2018
I love how the science comics present information in a fun way! Can’t wait to read the rest :)
November 5, 2018
Perfect mix of fictional adventure and science. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews