StarTalk Young Readers Edition by Neil deGrasse Tyson (National Geographic Kids Books) [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426330872
Softcover $17.99 ~ 224 Pages
National Geographic

My thoughts:  This is one of those books that has a lot of information geared for the young mind of a seeking child who will glean so much information that will not only pique his interest but will also enrich his understanding and grasp of a variety of topics related to space, the universe, and other related topics including humanity.

There is not a lot of deep science in this book but enough to capture the young readers attention for browsing or more in depth reading.

The book presents in four segments: 1) Space, 2) Planet Earth, 3) Being Human, and 4) Futures Imagined. The information is provided in bites and snippets, side bars and illustrations ranging from simple drawings to actual photographs.

The text is intended for the young reader, though not necessarily first or second graders. Place it on the coffee table or other place that is readily available for when moments to snatch a quick read present themselves. This is not something that the average child will read cover to cover but will grab for those moments when they just need a book in their hands to fill the time. And what better way to fill the time than that of a "mind-fill-up"?

I see one drawback. The text on some of the pages is printed in a light grey on white background and this can be tiring to read. Future printings might consider an ink change. Otherwise, a good book to look for in the library or to purchase for that young reader in your life.

About the book: For decades, beloved astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has interpreted science with a combination of brainpower and charm that resonates with millions of fans around the globe. In 2009, he founded StarTalk, the wildly popular Emmy-nominated talk show on the National Geographic Channel. This Spring, Tyson takes the greatest hits from the airwaves to the page to create StarTalk Young Readers Edition (National Geographic Kids Books, $17.99, ages 10+), a smart, richly illustrated, and at times irreverent compendium filled with science, pop culture and comedic commentary.

StarTalk reimagines science's most challenging topics — from how the brain works, to the physics of comic book superheroes, to the pros and cons of traveling the universe on an asteroid — in a relatable, humorous way that will attract curious young readers.  Inside, the pages are peppered with the voices of guests who have appeared on the podcast and television show, including actors, comedians, politicians, astronauts, entrepreneurs, millionaires, physicists, neurologists and biologists providing explanations, thoughtful commentary and one-liners alike. Divided into four sections —  Space, Planet Earth, being Human, and Futures Imagined — each section reveals the mystery behind black holes, real ideas for tackling climate change, what makes humans “tick” and the amazing science behind science fiction.

Perfect for curious young teens and tweens and a thoughtful graduation gift for the science-obsessed, this is one book that contains everything you need to know about space travel, sci-fi, the human race, the universe and beyond!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 20

ENDS July 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.

National Geographic Kids Ultimate Space Atlas by Carolyn DeCristofano [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426328022

$12.99 Softcover - 160 pages

My thoughts:  Last week in the news they were reporting on the long-term mission to Saturn by the Cassini Spacecraft and it's final images beamed back to Earth as it crashed into Saturn. This was a mind-boggling achievement that began October 1997 and concluded September 2017 - two decades of space exploration. So it is quite timely to have an "Ultimate Space Atlas" from National Geographic Kids so they can learn about this fabulous and enthralling universe in which planet Earth abides.

The focus in the book is understanding the solar system and outer space and with many details explained in understandable terms for the pre-teen and older individual. The section on Saturn is especially interesting and appropriate right now given the achievement of the Cassini spacecraft. There are pages of information and images garnered from the Cassini mission.

But this is not just a book of facts, pictures, and statistics, it includes a terrific glossary and some fun and games pages. The illustrations and actual photographs are simply outstanding.

If there is a kid in your life that shows any interest at all in science, this is a terrific book to get for him or her. It is appropriate for ages 8 to 12 but I actually can see teens and adults enjoying and gathering information from which they springboard to further research and study. A good book to have!

About the book:  Blast into space to explore our solar system and beyond. This out-of-this-world atlas takes readers through maps of the solar system, the Milky Way, and deep space, giving them a close look at and locations of planets, supernovas, and other universes. Sky maps will help kids spot these objects in the night sky and maps of planets and our solar system give the kind of incredible detail that National Geographic is known for. It's the perfect book for space fans and budding astronauts.

GIVEAWAY

Begins September 21

ENDS October 12 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic Kids to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are freely given.