cover image Space Words: A Dictionary

Space Words: A Dictionary

Seymour Simon. HarperCollins Publishers, $15 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-06-022532-2

Simon's ( Whales ; Saturn ) latest is an informative journey through the universe--a pictorial catalogue that presents illustrated definitions of terms related to space travel and exploration. Explanations of such concepts as the Big Bang theory or extraterrestrial life are simple and concise; the language is comprehensible and not too scientifically sophisticated for its audience. Chewning's ( If Dinosaurs Were Alive Today ) watercolors offer a palette bold enough to stimulate interest yet warm enough to help demystify some of the subject matter. Although billed as a dictionary, more distinct alphabetical divisions and perhaps phonetic pronunciation keys would make this a better beginning reference tool. Ages 7-10. (Sept.)