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Education Should Be Fun
Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More is an educational children’s book on the universe with beautiful images and activities included. What was the idea, or spark, that first set off the need to write Our Planets?
Julie Kusma and I were discussing what educational books we might like to write following the success of “Our Trees: Botanics, Beliefs, and More,” specifically what we find interesting and can we present that information in a fun and creative way. “Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More” felt like another fantastic opportunity to weave our magic and let the creative fun flow while presenting educational content as an introduction for young and old.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It’s always important for us to include ancient perspectives like mythologies, customs etc. With planets all named after Roman or Greek gods and goddesses it was a clear take-off point for us and include the mythology associated. We also thought it would be fun to include current pop culture for each planet such books and movies and an alien tour guide for a wee bit more humor too.
We believe education should be fun and as your reviewer noted, this book, as does our entire Our Education series, includes activities at the end of the book. In this case, a playable board game, and printable planet passport cards for young explorers to record their discoveries as they journey through “Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More.”
Did you find anything in your research of this book that surprised you?
While we were amazed by the widely varying geology of the planets, especially those without a solid surface, the fact that the length of an earth day i.e. 24 hours, is not representative of the number of hours in a day on other planets, was not something we were aware of.
What is the next educational book that you are working on and when will it be available?
We will shortly be publishing, likely sometime in April 2024, “Our Dinosaurs: Discoveries, Distinctions and More,” which is with our editor at the moment. This has been a significant project for Julie and me on a variety of levels and we hope our readers find this volume as fun, educational and inspiring as our other books in the Our Education series.
Julie L. Kusma Author Links: Amazon | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Derek R. King Author Links: Amazon | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Your first stop on this planetary voyage will be in the Milky Way Galaxy, where you will observe unique constellations and other galactic objects.
You’ll be guided through the solar system, where you’ll be introduced to the different types of planets. Each planet is unique in its composition; some may be uninhabitable, while others may suggest the possibility of life.
Next, you’ll meet past and present astronomers and what they are most famous for.
At the end of your glorious planetary journey, you’ll find coloring book pages, a board game, and a passport game. Links to additional learning resources are also provided.
Our Planets
The wide, wonderful world of outer space has fascinated humankind since the beginning of time. Looking up from our own planet, Earth, millions of stars light up the night, prompting many people and cultures to muse about the far-flung reaches above us in the ebony skies. Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More by Derek King and Julie Kusma builds on this inherent curiosity. Exploring the solar system, with the many varied planets in our “neighborhood,” this gorgeously illustrated introduction to the infinite possibilities of space is the perfect guide for the budding scientist or explorer in your life.
This journey across the solar system is full of fun. Each planet has an adorable space alien and intrepid astronaut as a guide as readers learn about the eight planets, with declassified Pluto still honored with an entry. A comprehensive glossary of terms helps newcomers understand the terminology of space science and further define their world. However, the book does not focus on scientific statistics alone. Also included are the fascinating myths surrounding each planet’s name, as well as popular culture references that feature each individual celestial sphere.
The stunning illustrations on each page, full of light and color, draw the reader further into exploring the universe. And the fun doesn’t end there! Featuring a playable board game and printable planet cards at the back of the book, the journey comes to a most satisfying conclusion, with a page of further resources for you and your junior scientist to learn even more about the solar system.
Prompting further research even for older readers like myself, this beautiful guide to the solar system is a must-have for readers 7 and up who love to gaze up at the night sky and imagine what must be up there. Perfect for reading together or independently, Our Planets: Moons, Myths, and More by Derek King and Julie Kusma is an engaging, informative, and beautiful introduction to the exploration of our vast universe.
Pages: 79 | ASIN : B0B6CYH31X
Kelvin and the Age of the Universe
Kelvin and the Age of the Universe is a compilation of writings by author Yuri Heymann. This book is a compendium of Heymann’s knowledge and covers several different topics, all under the umbrella of astronomy.
This well-researched book begins with a history lesson that takes a deep dive into the Mayans and ends with the Renaissance. Then, Heymann craftily explains in detail how Astronomy has evolved over thousands of years. For each culture and society talked about, we learn how these societies contributed to the field of Astronomy and how Astronomy contributed to their cultures and religious beliefs. For example, it is fascinating to read how ancient Greek and Egyptian mythologies were impacted by astronomy and vice versa.
The historical section of Astronomy is also the most accessible to novices. Heymann does a good job writing on a level that most can comprehend. Many of the topics covered in the book are well researched and make for an interesting read. I feel that readers should have some basic knowledge of physics and astronomy as Heymann goes into specific astrological theories.
Heymann’s writing is concise, to the point, and still captivates the reader. Some of the equations and technical language can be a little intimidating to the less experienced, but Heymann makes his work as accessible as possible. The author never assumes his reader is as knowledgeable as him, and for the most part, many of the topics are explained in great detail. His arguments are well made, and absolutely everything is aided with evidence. For anyone looking to read further, his reference lists are extensive.
Kelvin and the Age of the Universe is an interesting read for anyone interested in astronomy. This intellectually invigorating book includes fascinating historical elements of physics and astronomy, making this book a unique blend of historical documentation and advanced theoretical astronomy.
Pages: 104 | ASIN : B09872GNSF
LITERARY TITAN 