The Sun Is Kind of a Big Deal

Gr 2-4--Replacing the standard stock photos typically found in books on celestial bodies, Seluk uses his comic-style illustrations and text to introduce the importance of the sun in our solar system. Seluk turns the sun and planets into silly characters with comical conversations. Talking bubbles, factoids, and upbeat informative text will have readers grinning. Each planet and the sun are given eyes, a mouth, and arms to hold various items. The sun wears sunglasses, Earth is its recognizable blue and green, and Mars is still red. Notes at the beginning let readers know that liberties have been taken with the sizes, though the information is otherwise accurate. The reason we have seasons, why the earth is warm at the equator and cold at the poles is covered, and how the sun plays a role in the water cycle and provides photosynthesis for plants are touched upon. End pages include a well-worded glossary, facts, and some tabloid news about various planets from the sun's perspective. Kids that know some information about the solar system will get the jokes. The silliness might be the trick to get students learning about the sun in a fun way. VERDICT An amusing treat for kids interested in space.--Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio

Comics artist and author Seluk (Heart and Brain) educates readers about the sun's very important job. In bold, bright graphics, Seluk introduces the sun and planets looking a bit like chatty Gobstoppers. The sun's star status is apparent, from its dark sunglasses to its fawning fans: "Could I have your autograph? It's for, um, my moon, Callisto," Jupiter requests. The sun gives light to Earth, provides warmth, and "helps bring us rain and grow plants to produce the oxygen we breathe," Seluk explains. Using playful analogies, visual gags, and infographics, the author presents key concepts in astronomy: planets are seen moving around the sun on a racetrack, and another spread clearly shows how Earth's temperatures range because of varying degrees of direct sunlight. It's a playful, upbeat introduction to the galaxy, with a brief exploration of more distant planets and stars. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)