13 Planets: The Latest View of the Solar System (National Geographic Kids)

My six-year-old Great Niece has been crazy about the Planets since she was three! (I cannot explain it!) Last year, she asked me "Why Pluto is not a Planet?" and I was at a loss for words. Before giving her this book, I tested what it said. I NEVER knew that Ceres is NOW a "Dwarf Planet", after first being a "Planet" and then "Asteroid"!

It gives the best summary I've seen on the latest thinking re: definition and identification of planets. Who knew there were 13 now? Pluto is back in but as a dwarf planet and it has some new dwarf planet friends. My 5 1/2 grandson knew most of the rest of the planetary/solar system information as apparently it is pretty basic but beautifully illustrated. Also includes mythology and historical asides which he did not know, but which actually bring an interesting interdisciplinary element into the study. If your child is really serious about planets and stars, and older than about 7 this may be too basic, but would probably be fine for all others. Is a typically beautifully illustrated National Geographic product and fortunately we enjoy reading it.

Bought this for my 4 year old for Christmas because he is extremely interested in planets and outer space right now. This book is full of modern facts and great images. So much has been discovered since I was learning about our solar system in school. Good read for all ages.

Bought for a 5 year old who is fascinated with the planets. He can't read yet, but loves the book....to have others read to him or to look at by himself. It's definitely one of his favorite things right now!

This is a good solar system book because it really has the most updated information of any kids book I looked at for this age range. That being said..I don't love the book but it's good enough. I saw another I liked more but it didn't have as much on the dwarf planets. I don't like the way this book is written that much...when closely compared to Our Solar System by Seymour Simon, I think the wording and flow are much better in that book but I went with this one because it seemed to have more diagrams and seemed like it might be more appealing for a 6 year old to peruse on their own. In the end I guess I'd say both would be useful books and I'm sure I'll eventually pick up the Seymour Simon as well. So, I like this book but perhaps as more of a companion with other solar system books.

Wonderful pictures and comprehensive writing

This is such a fun book! My son and I loved the journey all the way from the sun to the 13th dwarf plant, Eris. Some of our favorite facts learned included: Why is Mercury silent? Could life be possible on one of Saturn's moons? Why is Venus considered earth's "evil twin"? How did earth's moon form? Which two planets do scientists think might have diamonds under their clouds? I enjoyed having all the Planetary updates from my elementary school days when Pluto "lost" its planet status and all we had was "My Very Energetic Mother Jumped Straight Up Near"... My son and I finished this book wanting to learn even more about our solar system and wondering about its mysteries.

I originally ordered this book to help me write lesson plans for a fourth grade class on our solar system because accuracy is vital, and so much has changed about our universe in just the last few years. This book is quite an educational piece; better still, it's a very easy read - especially for older adults who are in denial about believing that Pluto has been demoted! It didn't take long for the book to disappear, either; my own fourth-grader absconded with it and then returned several hours later full of knowledge about things even HE didn't know! I also liked that the author had the backing of National Geographic for Kids; that just made the information inside seem all the more credible. I wish I could have ordered it in paperback, but the very reasonable price I paid for the hardback version was well worth it.

Bought this specifically as part of my teaching aids, and up to date info (latest to date at time of this review) My 4 year old Japanese Kindergarten children loved it. My Japanese colleague teachers were drawn to it - who/why they were named - especially the new dwarf planets. Great colours, easy to read and understand. Quick delivery Job well done National Geographic!

Really Nice and informative

Excellent purchase and great quality book. Bought this for my twelve year old niece as a gift, but its not just for kids, its very informative and explains everything in an easy to understand way. Colour pictures are amazing. Definately recommend this, she was more than happy with her gift.

This book is of course an authentic source of information for young children who are interested in the domain. My daughter loves the book and regularly refers to it for her various activities and her entertainment. It is educational and entertaining because the pictures are lovely. The author is a well known figure too.

13 Planets is a gorgeous solar system book for younger readers. We love National Geographic science books for their quality information and stunning images and this book does not disappoint! The information is excellent and uses strong scientific language broken down in ways that younger learners can readily comprehend, all information is brought to life by the pictures featured throughout. This is an excellent resources for students in K-4.