After an introduction explaining the vastness of space, The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia is broken into five distinct chapters ("Observing Space," "The Solar System," "Stars and Galaxies," "Space Exploration," and "Space in the Future") to create a comprehensive look at the topic. The book begins with information for young space enthusiasts or information seekers: What do we see when we look into the sky? Author Goldsmith uses his PhD in astrophysics and his background writing children's nonfiction to illuminate the complexities of space in a way children can understand. The visuals, which are plentiful throughout the text, provide eye-catching examples of the concepts being explained. Some entries rely more heavily on the visuals than on the text, but, overall, there is an appropriate balance, and the numerous images invite the casual reader as well as the serious information seeker. Headings have been used strategically to direct the reader toward the information in each entry. A brief section at the end of the book provides book titles, movies, and television shows for future consultation. Websites that are listed refer to book lists and book reviews Although not comprehensive enough to be the only resource a student would need, this is an excellent starting point for up-to-date information on space for young readers. This student encyclopedia is ideal for inclusion in a reference collection or general circulation in a school or public library. The cost of this volume would allow for any library to add this as an update to its collection.

This overview of space science contains factual tidbits about a range of astronomy topics, from planets in our solar system to stars and galaxies beyond, as well as coverage of the past, present, and future technologies used by humans to explore the universe. Each two-page layout contains a variety of facts and definitions spread across color illustrations of varying sizes. Glos., ind.

A routine sweep through matters astronomical, more suitable (despite the title) for casual browsing than research or quick reference. In a conventional single-topic-per-spread format, Goldsmith skims the history of astronomy and space exploration, tours the solar system and the universe beyond, then closes with glances at dark matter and other undiscovered territory. The illustrations, most of which are digital images rather than photos, have a staid look in keeping with a text that shares roughly equal space on each page and runs to drably phrased observations. "The outer layer of the Sun is full of activity, with constantly changing sunspots and other features." Confusing oversimplifications ("The stars change throughout the year") and some murky photos further mar the presentation. Moreover, frequent references to space films and novels, comments like "The usual fate of travelers who approach a black hole too closely is to be crushed" and views of futuristic spacecraft blur the lines between fact and fiction. Handsome, at first glance, and up to date enough to include a spread on Global Positioning Systems--but one of the dimmer stars in the topical firmament. (print, Web and film resources) (Nonfiction. 10-12)