Clouds In Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us by Teresa Robeson & illustrated by Diana Renzina (MIT Kids Press)

Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us by Teresa Robeson & illustrated by Diana Renzina

My thoughts: I usually love the MIT Kids Press books and am amazed at how they present real information that is complex and break it down in kid sized bites. In Clouds In Space the author uses fictionalization to explain outer space and the massive elements that are the make up of the universe - Nebulae. 

The concept of clouds is used to describe nebulae and that is given in comparison to Earth's clouds. Now factor in the personification of nebulae and you have the stuff of fantasy. Personally, I'd  rather not have had nebulae-persons floating around in space with kids in space suits. 

 

The illustrations are great! I love the way descriptions of "a kaleidoscope, a riot of rainbows, atoms aglow with starlight" as well as the art reflect beautifully on the images telescopes have given us of these elements of the universe.

The back pages information is very good and describes the discovery of nebulae as well as the different types. I love the photographs and descriptions of the nebulae that make "appearances" in this book.

A good book, but not a favorite of mine.

About the book: Real space science meets beautiful images in this lyrical nonfiction introduction to one of the most alluring wonders of our universe—the nebula.

Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. They can be the last breaths of supernovas, spreading the elements of life far and wide, or they can be star nurseries, swirling molecules together to form stars and planets. In this gorgeous nonfiction look into the cosmos, the nebula narrator invites young astronomers to learn more about these immense space clouds, from how they form to what they do. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the “cast”), and resources for further learning.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.