4 out of 4 stars
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In a small rocket, a little inquisitive boy and his loyal dog explores the mysterious and exciting universe. From landing on Mars to flying around the other planets, the boy certainly knows a lot about the solar system. Come follow this little astronaut in Yi Ou’s children’s illustrated book, Solar Coaster.
This space-oriented children’s book will definitely capture the attention of many young children. Firstly, its rhyming format gives the book an almost lyrical rhythm as you read. Secondly, the illustrations, which were done by the author, were simply sweet and inviting. Lastly, I believe the higher-level vocabulary words will help children grow and be engaged throughout. Some of the words included were: whirling, jolt, looming, hue, dazzling, and others.
Another wonderful aspect of this endearing book was its plethora of space-related facts. Most of these facts were focused on the planets in our solar system. Fun facts about Saturn’s rings, the size of Jupiter, gas giants, which planet is the closest and which planet is the farthest away from the sun were only some of the facts included. Though it may seem as if this is a lot of information to process, it’s written in such a fun way that children can revisit the story and learn something new each time the book is read.
If I had to choose an area of improvement it would the book’s three errors. However, these were so minuscule and did not deter from my own enjoyment of the book that I don’t feel the book deserves a lower rating because of it.
When looking at this sweet book as a whole, I feel it’s one that many children will enjoy and will learn from. Due to its inviting illustrations, its rhyming rhythm, and its fun facts, I give Solar Coaster a four out of four stars. I would recommend this book for parents or teachers to read to children, toddlers to early elementary school, as a bedtime story or an introduction to a space unit in school.
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Solar Coaster
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