THE PLANETS

One of four brief, attractive entries in the new ``Early Bird Astronomy'' series, which also includes books on the sun, stars, and universe, all by this well-established science writer. Colorful illustrations and a charming, cogent text combine to make even difficult topics accessible. Here, there are two pages on the solar system as a whole and on each planet. The information would have been enhanced if the facts provided (location, size, temperature, etc.) had appeared in more consistent order—and if the illustrator had been consistent in depicting Earth in relation to the planet under discussion (it is sometimes shown to the right of planets more distant from the sun, sometimes to the left). But, despite minor flaws, a useful addition at this level. Specialized vocabulary (``orbit,'' ``gravity,'' ``core'') appears in bold and is briefly explained in the text. Index. (Nonfiction. 6-9)