Space Kids: A First Introduction for Little Explorers

Gr 1–4—This book is charmingly presented with retro paintings similar to 1950s palette and woodcut styling. The oversize picture book format offers inventive layouts and minimal text, while the text covers sophisticated concepts with current information. There is a glossary, but words are also explained in context. The strong illustrations contribute to a deeper understanding of challenging ideas, although the limited explanations mean much is left unsaid. The graphic design sensibility generally keeps pages simple and accessible, although the more complicated pages can be confusing, such as the segment discussing possible life forms from beyond Earth. The style of the book will appeal to fans of Greg Pizzoli's Tricky Vic. The use of illustrations rather than photos gives the book a younger feel, despite content that skews a bit older.