G is for Galaxy
An Out of This World Alphabet
By Janis Cambell and Cathy Collison
Illustrated by Alan Stacy
Sleeping Bear Press, 2005
ISBN #158536-255-7
NF picture book
“Y is for Year—the time it takes to go’round the sun. For every planet, the measure is a different one.”
G is for Galaxy is an outer space themed alphabet book in the Sleeping Bear Press series. A simple rhyme sets up the letter for the younger readers and a fact-filled sidebar provides additional information for the older ones. A variety of choices for the letters’ spreads covers the footprints on the moon to the variety of galaxies to the changes in Pluto’s status. Accurate, detailed illustrations add to the book’s overall appealing design and allows the reader feel the excitement and awe of space through the art.
The first edition named Pluto as the last planet, the recognized status at the time. Now in its third edition, the changes in status are addressed. I contacted Stacy for the latest update and he sent me the changed version (I have the first edition).
“P is for Pluto — a dwarf planet so small that some people say it’s just like a tiny ice ball.
Until 2006 Pluto was classified as the ninth planet in our solar system. The International Astronomical Union, a worldwide group of astronomers, voted to reclassify Pluto from a planet to a new class, called dwarf planet. Among the main reasons Pluto does not qualify as a true planet anymore is because its orbit crosses the orbital path of Neptune. Originally, scientists thought it was a much larger planet. Most scientists agree with the new classification, and say it will lead to more exploration of the edge of the solar system where Pluto lies. This is an area called the Kuiper Belt. Look for more space news of other dwarf planets in the future.”
Stacy added in his reply: There are plenty of other objects out there, among them five dwarf planets: Ceres, Pluto, Makemake, Haumea (which also has moons!) and Eris. They’re not sure now if Charon is Pluto’s moon or is yet another dwarf planet that may actually be larger than Pluto. David Boston told me that the British astronomer who came up with the notion of demoting Pluto gets hate mail on a regular basis from schoolchildren!
Activity 1
Choose a subject from your current science study and have your students create their own science alphabet book. Add illustrations to complete the text.
Activity 2
Research other trans-Neptunian objects to learn more.
Look at these fascinating trans-Neptunian objects photos.
Visit Alan Stacy for more.
Another excellent space book: Moonshot by Brian Floca
I first saw this book at the Killeen Book Festival–Take 190 West—last spring and knew it was a winner! I enjoyed meeting Brian Floca and he’s a great guy, as well as talented.
Other books illustrated by Alan Stacy:
Alaskan Night Before Christmas by Tricia Brown
Pennsylvania Dutch Alphabet by Chet Williamson
Texas Zeke and the Longhorn by David Davis
L is for Lone Star by Carol Crane
Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11 (Richard Jackson Books (Atheneum Hardcover)) by Brian Floca
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Moonshot/Brian-Floca/9781416950462
Posted by slduke 