God Made Outer Space

God Made Outer Space by Heno Head, Jr. is a great little introduction to the planets, stars, and related topics. This Level 3 (independent reader) book begins:

"The Bible's first words are 'In the beginning God created the heavens and earth.' Before creation all was dark and empty, lonely and quiet. Create means 'to make.' When God created, he made things. He made lots of things to fill the place we call OUTER SPACE. He scattered stars across space, sparkling up the darkness."

The author then explains:

* Stars come in sizes from small to huge.
* The stars in space aren't star-shaped, they are round.
* What the Milky Way and Constellations are (with a basic introduction to the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, and Orion).
* The basics about the sun, including a vivid description of how big it is. ("If the sun were hollow, it would take a million Earths to fill it up.")
* What the planets in our solar system are.
* The basics of what moons, comets, asteroids, and meteors are.

Throughout, the author mentions God, and ends the book by saying when the Lord finished making everything, he called it "good...You can read more about God's creation in the Bible! Just look up Genesis, chapter 1."

What I Like: Everything! This is an excellent introduction to space - where God is more than an afterthought. It's understandable even for preschoolers, covers all the basics, and includes colorful, useful illustrations by Rusty Fletcher. My four year old loves to have this book read to her.

What I Dislike: Nothing, really, although the author leaves two terms ("gas" and "galaxy") for parents to explain to children.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: 4 - 8, although some slightly younger children may enjoy this as a read-to-me book.

Publishing Info: Standard, 2005; ISBN: 978-0784717028; paperback, $2.29.

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