The Jumbo Book of Space.

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

The Jumbo Book of Space traverses the universe in a rather predictable way, beginning with the sky; development of the telescope; a description of the moon, sun, and planets; then on to other celestial objects.

The volume includes many illustrations and a few photographs, mainly of astronauts and celestial bodies. The language is age-appropriate for upper-elementary years. Some of the concepts are presented with anthropomorphized moon, sun, Earth, or spaceship images, which will amuse younger children. However, the information is sufficiently detailed to support the astronomy part of basic science curriculum through junior high school (which makes it suitable as a high-low reader).

The content is current (e.g., Pluto is included with its new “dwarf planet” status, and the locations for viewing upcoming solar eclipses are listed from 2008 to 2012) and supplemented by more than 35 “Try It” exercises. Most of the exercises are simple experiments requiring materials children are likely to find at home or in the classroom. Although the most complex experiment calls for binoculars, plaster of Paris, and a trip to the beach, the authors advise that younger children wait for adult supervision before trying an experiment.

This fun scientific book is highly recommended.