Thursday, September 3, 2009

More About Anita

Last Tuesday we took a look at Anita Yasuda, but today we’re going to take a more in depth look at Anita’s books, and what’s going on in her neck of the woods. First, here is a description of Anita’s book Explore The Solar System!

Looking up at the sun in the sky it’s hard to imagine that it’s just another one of those stars we see at night. In fact, the whole solar system, the grouping of planets and other bodies revolving around the sun, is pretty amazing. And hard to understand. After all, the world feels huge, how can kids comprehend the sheer size of outer space?

Explore the Solar System! introduces kids ages 6–9 to the planets, moons, and other celestial bodies that surround our star, the sun, as well as the universe beyond. Combining a hands-on element with history and science, kids investigate solar eclipses, phases of the moon, Jupiter’s rings, and what astronauts wear. Who named the stars? What is the Milky Way? Why is there night? While discovering the answers to these questions and more, kids will have lots of fun with activities that range from creating an origami model of the solar system to playing a race-to-the-moon board game. Projects are easy-to-follow, require minimal adult supervision, and use primarily common household products and recycled supplies. By combining a hands-on element with riddles, jokes, fun facts, and comic cartoons, kids Explore the Solar System!, and have a blast along the way.

Sounds like an awesome way for kids to learn about the solar system, I know as a kid I had quite an interest in the solar system and I really would have appreciated this book, and now I think my little brother would love this book. At this point I believe that Anita has written something for everyone. Now, here’s some reviews followed by helpful links of Explore the Solar System!

"Explore the Solar System! is chock-full of fun and detailed facts and activities about planets, moons, asteroids, and comets. Experiment and learn!--Jim Bell, lead camera scientist for the Mars rover Spirit and Opportunity and Professor of Astronomy, Cornell University

"Full of great information, lively illustrations, and activities, well suited for upper elementary and middle school students."--David Hagan, Science Museum of Virginia


Amazon Canada Link
http://www.amazon.ca/Explore-Solar-System-Activities-Experiments/dp/1934670367


Amazon America Link
http://www.amazon.com/Explore-Solar-System-Activities-Experiments/dp/1934670367/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1


Barnes

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Explore-the-Solar-System/Anita-Yasuda/e/9781934670361/?itm=1


Chapters Canada
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Explore-Solar-System-Great-Projects-Anita-Yasuda-Bryan-Stone/9781934670361-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+%2527anita+yasuda%2527

YouTube Book Trailer for Explore The Solar System

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrU7boiCJYM

8 comments:

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

A little off topic (not entirely!) but did you know that the historic Mt. Wilson observatory is threatened by the fires near my home in California. I would be such a loss to those of us who love astronomy, Heather.

Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com

Deborah Weed said...

Hi Anita,
Kids love outer space. It is such a great place to explore, encourage creativity and have fun!

H.C.Paye said...

Carolyn - That's terrible, I heard about those fires in California. Seems as though California gets all of the big fires every year! LOL Really though, that's awful where's downpours when you need them?

Deborah - Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

Katie Hines said...

Book sounds great. I remember when I was a kid I read a lot of nonfiction about our world and important people. My favorite was a book about Madame Curie. Since then, I've pretty much let nonfiction fall by the wayside. But it's good to see what sounds like another great book on teaching kids about the solar system.

Vivian Zabel said...

I've always wondered about what was beyond our world. I wasn't interested in traveling in space, though. However, I have a son who would have loved to.

The solar system and space are indeed, as said on Star Trek, is the final frontier.

The Old Silly said...

Great book idea! Kids are natural wonderers if we just point out the majesty of creation. I used to stare at the stars for hours as a boy - still do! lol

Best wishes for a smashing success with this!

Marvin D Wilson

Anonymous said...

Thanks everyone for your comments & a big thank you to Heather for hosting me!

Karen Cioffi said...

Wow, sorry to hear that Carolyn, hopefully the observatory will be spared.

I love astronomy and of late have been recording the shows on Discovery Channel and the History Channel. They are so informative and take you right out there in space. It's amazing! My grandson love it also.

Kids in general are enthralled with space, I'm sure you book will do well, Anita.

Great post, Heather!

karen