Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of Our Solar System and Beyond Hardcover – August 27, 2013

You know, I try to keep my finger on the pulse that is my kids' likes, interests, and passions. When something new crops up, I try to be supportive. For my 10 year old daughter, who is very fond of science, specifically anything related to zoology, I got this book because she has recently surprised me by developed a strong interest in Astronomy. She says this is definitely a 5 star book, specifically because she really enjoys seeing the pictures of the things discussed. She has read one other more sizeable Astronomy book, Astronomy for Dummies, but that didn't have pictures. So while she found the information useful, she wasn't as enthusiastic about it as this one. Although, I think I have the Astronomy for Dummies book to thank for developing her interest in that subject, it was one of several books I got for her to read just for the heck of it. She was so excited about this one her whole face lit up when I gave it to her. She likes her Science Encyclopedia better, but says this is still definitely a 5 star book and that she loves it.

I bought this book for my sons' home library. But I found myself reading it from beginning to end and marveling at the updates in information about space from when I was a child in the 80s. We've watched a lot of documentaries since then on space accomplishments and discovery of dark energy and the the speeding up of the expanding universe which initially I read about in this book. Pretty much this book covers a LOT of material but in a way that kids find it interesting and gain a deeper understand in a more concise format.

I purchased this book for my above average 7 year old grandson as a Christmas present. He loved the pictures, but for now his parents will have to read the text to him until he gets older. Dad also found it an interesting book. This is almost what I would call a "Coffe Table" book since there are so many pictures and the color is so vibrant. The text goes into pretty good detail and would satisfy an adult reader. It is everything you would expect a National Geographic product to be!

My 12 year old told me she has wanted this “her whole life” and my spouse and I decided that 12 years was a long time to have to wait for such a book. So we gifted it to her for Christmas and of course, she loves it and reads it every minute of everyday. It’s actually impressively well done (bravo, Nat. Geo., bravo). Definitely a great book for space loving kids.

My child loves space and he adores this book. I’m pretty sure at 8, he knows more about space than I ever will. Good color and information. If you have a kid interested in space, this is a must buy.

It was appropriate for my seven year old grandson with a little help from his father.

I purchased this book for my 10 year old son, and it's perfect! Awesome photography and clear, concise information that's not over simplified -- I think anyone who's not a serious astronomer could learn something from this book. It gives a tour of the solar system's 13(?!) planets, with a nice table of interesting facts for each one (lengths of days and years, average temperatures, etc.). It also gives general information on stars, pulsars, black holes, and other objects and phenomena in outer space. Not to mention a history of discoveries old and new. So even if you don't have kids and want an interesting "coffee table" book, I would highly recommend this one for anyone interested in outer space!

With all the additional things we now know about space and our solar system compared with what we used to know, this helps bring you up to date. The difference between today and say 1970 is enlightening. Get this and read it, it is not a boring science book you lose interest in quickly. It's fascinating. Thank goodness for National Geographic, they've probably done more to educate the world for decades than any other single source out there.