cover image Stars & Planets

Stars & Planets

Christopher F. Lampton. Doubleday Books for Young Readers, $10.95 (41pp) ISBN 978-0-385-23785-7

This ambitious picture book uses mini-chapters on ``The Solar System,'' ``Black Holes,'' ``Moons,'' etc., to cover a wide range of topics. The facts are presented clearly, and even the suppositions are straightforward and concise. The illustrations, in full if sombre color, suit the scientific tone of the neatly boxed text. Lampton frequently makes the astronomical measurements more easily conceivable by homey comparisons, though his examples lack the eclat of David Schwartz's in How Much Is a Million? Although the solid presentation is not very exciting, it will find an audience with anyone looking for an overview of astronomy. Ages 6-12. (September)