Astro Book For a Nine Year Old?

[Suzy]

My nephew is just about to turn nine years old and after going through the Dinosaur phase and the current fishing phase, I would like to turn his attention to a new phase - yes Astronomy! He lives amongst fairly dark skies, and does own a pair of binoculars - I don't know what he's got, but his father won't have a problem getting the right one for the job when the time comes. I would however, like to introduce him first to some starter Astronomy books before that.

So basically, I'm looking for a colourful book, in simple language that will teach a nine year old a few things about our universe and will encourage him to look to the night sky too explore further.

Many thanks for taking the time to help me. :thanx:

[[1ponders]]

Is he much of a reader Suzy?

[Suzy]

Yes Paul, he is a terrific reader for his age.

[M54]

Hi Suzy,
I don't know of any kids books but the NASA website has a kids section that he might have a bit of fun with.

http://sse.jpl.nasa.gov/kids/index.cfm

Molly.:)

[Suzy]

Fabulous suggestion Molly! I completely forgot about the childrens site on their page. This will make a great companion to the books. :thanx:

[jjjnettie]

Steve Parrish has a beaut book out about Astronomy aimed at young 'ins.
Or alternatively there is a series of books "Exploring the Universe" by Giles Sparrow, published by Hinkler Books.
The titles I have are "Astronauts", "Stars and Galaxies", "Probing Deep Space", "Observing the Universe" and "Planets and Moons".
The information is relatively up to date, though the text may be a little advanced for a 9 yr old. The pictures more than make up for that though.
And, I picked them all up for just $2 each at the Reject Shop.

[Suzy]

Thankyou Nettie for your suggestions. Wow, you got a great deal there!

Hubby seems to think that he is smart enough to get out there now with maps & binos to find objects (going by how well he fishes - does his own line, bait and everything, & reads lots of fishing books).

The following two books have interested me:-

One of them a book targeted at children on basic astronomy, titled "Astronomy" by Melanie Melton Knocke http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781402732348/Astronomy.

The other book being, Robert Bee's "Heavens Above". Hope this book will suit his age - what do you'll think :question:. And of course, a planisphere.

[hickny]

Suzy,
Check out this site http://jldunbar.com/JLDunbar.com/JLDunbar.html
The first bok is available as a free download.