How to Make a Planet by Scott Forbes –ESSENTIAL

Forbes, Scott and Illustrated by Camden, Jean  How to Make a Planet 64 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2014. $17.95. Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G Violence: G.

This  ‘story’ takes elementary aged readers through all the steps it took to create our planet, as if they are creating their own planet. The science component is very comprehensive and covers a wide range of concepts from the water cycles to chemistry to physics and of course astronomy. Its heavily illustrated including photographs, as well as just so bright and colorful. It makes use of analogies that children will relate to and fun facts.

Students in my school would love this book! There is a certain time of year, curriculum spurred, where I am cleaned out of astronomy books. This one is a bit technical for the 2-3 graders, but I think they will devour it none the less. The way that the reader is carried through the science, through the idea of creating their own planet, overcomes any complexities of the content. The illustrations are top notch and really add to the ability to comprehend the text. It has cover appeal and will no doubt fly off your shelf.

EL(K-3), EL –ESSENTIAL 

Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.