The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia

by Mike Goldsmith

Overview

The Kingfisher Space Encyclopedia is an incredible 160-page volume and the perfect guide to space for children. It's packed with colorful illustrations, step-by-step sequences, and detailed photography to keep children engaged and entertained.

Arranged thematically into key areas, the concise text is clear, accurate, and perfectly pitched, making this a fantastic resource for home and school. This comprehensive guide includes fascinating up-to-date information about the James Webb Telescope, NASA's advance space suit design and the latest discoveries. Plus, a glossary and index are included along with a list of websites for further learning.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780753481462
Publisher:	Kingfisher
Publication date:	08/05/2025
Series:	Kingfisher Encyclopedias Series
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.70(d)
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

About the Author

Dr Mike Goldsmith has a PhD in astrophysics from Keele University, awarded for research into variable supergiant stars and cosmic dust formation. Since 1999, Mike has written over 40 science books for children and adults. He is a co-author of The Encyclopedia of Everything.

Editorial Reviews

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)

Kirkus Reviews