The Sun
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that there's no objectionable content in this book. The subject is inherently fascinating, and the full-page photos are awe-inspiring, but the challenging text uses some scientific terminology.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
How hot is the sun? What is it made of? This book invites readers to use "the spaceship of our mind" to find out. Bold NASA photos, simple diagrams, and scientific language make The Sun a visually stunning and comprehensive introduction to the facts and mysteries of our local star.
Is It Any Good?
If you're looking for a science book that inspires and teaches -- and won't put young kids to sleep -- take a look at The Sun. Along with its effective, thought-provoking text, the book's strong visual appeal does as much for the eye as it does for the imagination. The NASA photos, which range from startling to sublime, are a highlight: When the illustrations were shown to a group of 6-year-olds, their reactions ranged from "That's cool!" and "Wow!" to "What in the world is that?" And when a child asks that question, it's a teachable moment not to be missed.
The Sun offers many of those teachable moments. Because author Simon Seymour doesn't water down the scientific language, some kid's tongues will trip over big, unfamiliar words like chromosphere, coronagraph, and magnetogram. But with help from the text and a willing adult, this book makes discovering new words and concepts fun and fascinating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the solar system and the sun's role in it. How does the sun affect Earth and the other planets? Families can also discuss space exploration, the study of the universe, and career opportunities in the sciences.
Book Details
- Author: Seymour Simon
- Genre: Science
- Book type: Non-Fiction
- Publisher: William Morrow
- Publication date: January 1, 1986
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 32
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate