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Usborne Beginners
The Solar System
Discusses the planets, the sun, and the exploration of space.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published May 28, 2010
11 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Emily Bone
158 books9 followersEmily Bone grew up among the rolling hills of Hampshire, writing stories about the ants and birds in her garden. After studying English at Cambridge, she found her dream job at Usborne in 2007. Since then, she's written about many weird and wonderful creatures, along with books on space, fashion and food.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 26, 2019
Although the information presented by author Emily Bone in her The Solar System is indeed and definitely informative, scientifically sound, as well as being accompanied by both visually realistic, aesthetically pleasing photographs and some at times even quite imaginative illustrations, and is actually also textually featured in a for the most part engaging enough manner (which is important, as so very often, totally non fiction child-friendly introductions to topics like the solar system often really do tend to suffer from too much information shown monotonously and tediously), I am also left more than a bit disappointed with parts of The Solar System.
For while the author does in brief but generally meticulous detail describe the origins of the solar system, the sun, the moon, the planets (including briefly mentioning the fact that Pluto is at present no longer considered one of the nine planets but has been designated a dwarf planetoid), Emily Bone also does not really ever go that one but for me necessary step further, such as mentioning that the incredible hell-like surface temperature of Venus is due to the so-called greenhouse effect gone totally awry, that our moon likely formed when a large Mars-sized planet crashed into the infant earth and that Mars probably also once had a much thicker atmosphere than it has now and might therefore also have once harboured primitive life forms (and that there are actually surface structures on Mars which some experts do in fact consider as being possible fossils). And really, the details, the information I have found to be lacking or at least not sufficiently expanded upon (and there are in fact considerably more such knowledge holes and gaps present in The Solar System than the ones I have shown as examples), they are all in my humble opinion truly and surely massively important and necessary nuggets of scientific knowledge and theory. And even if Emily Bone wants to keep the main body of her text as simple and as concise as possible, she really should be mentioning such additional information (like Venus's greenhouse effect positive feedback loop, that Mars perhaps once had liquid water and even microbial life forms, that our moon is now considered the probable product of a violent inter-planetal collision) as footnotes or endnotes.
But all that having been said, Emily Bone's The Solar System is still a pretty good basic introduction for older children above the age of eight or so (not spectacular, and in my opinion kind of missing a bit, but it does give a decent enough overview), although I for one cannot give more than a two star ranking at best (as while I do consider the general make-up, organisation and text of The Solar System a basic three star book, that there is just a small suggestion for visiting external websites for further study and research is to and for me not in any manner the same as there also being included a detailed select bibliographical list of books and perhaps even scientific articles to consult).
For while the author does in brief but generally meticulous detail describe the origins of the solar system, the sun, the moon, the planets (including briefly mentioning the fact that Pluto is at present no longer considered one of the nine planets but has been designated a dwarf planetoid), Emily Bone also does not really ever go that one but for me necessary step further, such as mentioning that the incredible hell-like surface temperature of Venus is due to the so-called greenhouse effect gone totally awry, that our moon likely formed when a large Mars-sized planet crashed into the infant earth and that Mars probably also once had a much thicker atmosphere than it has now and might therefore also have once harboured primitive life forms (and that there are actually surface structures on Mars which some experts do in fact consider as being possible fossils). And really, the details, the information I have found to be lacking or at least not sufficiently expanded upon (and there are in fact considerably more such knowledge holes and gaps present in The Solar System than the ones I have shown as examples), they are all in my humble opinion truly and surely massively important and necessary nuggets of scientific knowledge and theory. And even if Emily Bone wants to keep the main body of her text as simple and as concise as possible, she really should be mentioning such additional information (like Venus's greenhouse effect positive feedback loop, that Mars perhaps once had liquid water and even microbial life forms, that our moon is now considered the probable product of a violent inter-planetal collision) as footnotes or endnotes.
But all that having been said, Emily Bone's The Solar System is still a pretty good basic introduction for older children above the age of eight or so (not spectacular, and in my opinion kind of missing a bit, but it does give a decent enough overview), although I for one cannot give more than a two star ranking at best (as while I do consider the general make-up, organisation and text of The Solar System a basic three star book, that there is just a small suggestion for visiting external websites for further study and research is to and for me not in any manner the same as there also being included a detailed select bibliographical list of books and perhaps even scientific articles to consult).
January 7, 2011
Introductory book about the Solar System. These are great little books to introduce facts and reinforce reading about subjects of interest.
February 24, 2016
This book is a fantastic way to introduce the solar system to children. It may be uninteresting for some students due to the layout and limited information.
July 13, 2018
The Solar System by Emily Bone is an informative non-fiction book about our solar system and all that it encompasses. It is an introduction book written for children who are seven years old and older, therefore it does not get as detailed as a book written for children in middle or high school. I think the author achieves her goal of getting children interested in a world so far away with the use of vivid photographs and descriptions. The pictures and photographs are the best part of this book. They are so big, bright and colorful that any child would want to know more information about what they are seeing. What better way to engage young readers in a topic that can become so scientifically difficult to understand as they progress in age? The background of each page is like the universe itself and every picture is part of the universe. She goes through how it all started and describes all the planets, how they work, our sun and the moon. For a child who is more STEAM inclined or a young reader who is just curious about outer space, this is a good book to have in the collection for them.
May 10, 2017
Publisher: QBE 2008
# Of Pages: 128
Summary: There are many books on the solar system. This book has over 100 pages of information on the solar system and can be used for many reasons and topics of study within the classroom. The text brings the reader through each planet as well as volcanos, asteroids, comets and meteors. Students will love this book!
5 Stars
Genre: Informational Text
Grade Level:5th
Lexile Level: 690
Guided Reading Level: R
CCS/Teaching Idea:CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Students will be given a certain planet. They will have to act like they are the planet and give direct information about the planet through a different platform. For example, and informational poster etc.. The students will have to be themselves in the shoes of the planet!
# Of Pages: 128
Summary: There are many books on the solar system. This book has over 100 pages of information on the solar system and can be used for many reasons and topics of study within the classroom. The text brings the reader through each planet as well as volcanos, asteroids, comets and meteors. Students will love this book!
5 Stars
Genre: Informational Text
Grade Level:5th
Lexile Level: 690
Guided Reading Level: R
CCS/Teaching Idea:CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.1
Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Students will be given a certain planet. They will have to act like they are the planet and give direct information about the planet through a different platform. For example, and informational poster etc.. The students will have to be themselves in the shoes of the planet!
October 4, 2018
Best book for children to understand solar system
March 30, 2020
Most Interesting: Pluto is a dwarf planet
Already knew: Don't look directly at the sun.
Already knew: Don't look directly at the sun.
February 28, 2021
I read this to my kid niece and she loved it. It's beautifully illustrated and easy to follow along.
September 23, 2023
My son and I both learned something new!
January 23, 2024
A Captivating Voyage Through the Cosmos
In Emily Bone's 'The Solar System', young astronomers are invited on a stunning interstellar journey that captivates, educates, and inspires. With each turn of the page, readers embark upon a cosmic adventure exploring the wonders of our planetary neighborhood. Bone's adept storytelling captures the vastness and beauty of outer space in a way that is both accessible and engaging to young minds. Her explanations of complex astronomical concepts are masterfully distilled into bite-sized, digestible pieces of information. The author ensures that children are not overwhelmed but instead are intrigued and eager to learn more.
The book's illustrations are nothing short of stellar. Vibrant, rich, and full of detail, they bring the text to life, showing young readers the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and the dust storms of Mars. Each illustration serves as a window into the wonders of our solar system, encouraging children to gaze up at the night sky with newfound appreciation and understanding.
What sets this book apart is its ability to scale the immense distances of space down to a child-friendly perspective without losing the magic and mystery of the cosmos. Bone ensures that while the scientific facts are accurate, they never stifle the sense of wonder that is essential to fostering a lifelong interest in astronomy.
The book appropriately targets its primary audience of young curious minds but doesn't shy away from the occasional challenging concept, ensuring that it grows along with its readers. It's the kind of book that opens up discussions with adults, bridges gaps in understanding, and prompts questions that even parents might find themselves looking up to answer.
In conclusion, 'The Solar System' by Emily Bone is a five-star literary triumph for children's educational literature. It's a book that not only informs but also excites, laying down the foundation for a lifetime of cosmic exploration. This is a must-have on any young reader's bookshelf, and a perfect gift for young minds eager to embark on a voyage to the stars. Emily Bone has not just created a book; she has provided a launchpad into a universe of curiosity and dreams.
In Emily Bone's 'The Solar System', young astronomers are invited on a stunning interstellar journey that captivates, educates, and inspires. With each turn of the page, readers embark upon a cosmic adventure exploring the wonders of our planetary neighborhood. Bone's adept storytelling captures the vastness and beauty of outer space in a way that is both accessible and engaging to young minds. Her explanations of complex astronomical concepts are masterfully distilled into bite-sized, digestible pieces of information. The author ensures that children are not overwhelmed but instead are intrigued and eager to learn more.
The book's illustrations are nothing short of stellar. Vibrant, rich, and full of detail, they bring the text to life, showing young readers the rings of Saturn, the moons of Jupiter, and the dust storms of Mars. Each illustration serves as a window into the wonders of our solar system, encouraging children to gaze up at the night sky with newfound appreciation and understanding.
What sets this book apart is its ability to scale the immense distances of space down to a child-friendly perspective without losing the magic and mystery of the cosmos. Bone ensures that while the scientific facts are accurate, they never stifle the sense of wonder that is essential to fostering a lifelong interest in astronomy.
The book appropriately targets its primary audience of young curious minds but doesn't shy away from the occasional challenging concept, ensuring that it grows along with its readers. It's the kind of book that opens up discussions with adults, bridges gaps in understanding, and prompts questions that even parents might find themselves looking up to answer.
In conclusion, 'The Solar System' by Emily Bone is a five-star literary triumph for children's educational literature. It's a book that not only informs but also excites, laying down the foundation for a lifetime of cosmic exploration. This is a must-have on any young reader's bookshelf, and a perfect gift for young minds eager to embark on a voyage to the stars. Emily Bone has not just created a book; she has provided a launchpad into a universe of curiosity and dreams.
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August 18, 2016This book is all about the solar system and the different planets within it.
July 1, 2025
This is a good elementary level book that provides a brief about the science.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews