Learn all about planet Earth in the third book in this nonfiction Level 1 Ready-to-Read series about the universe that’s perfect for kids who love science and space! Our home planet is a lucky one. It’s unlike any other planet in space! Earth gives us life and protects us. Readers will discover fun facts about Earth in this Level 1 Ready-to-Read! PreS-Gr 2-This "Ready-to-Read" book, the third in a series of titles about the universe, offers a simple, elegant explanation of what makes Earth unique in our solar system. Warm-tone watercolors support Bauer's text about how our planet moves through space as well as the impact of its movement on days, seasons, and years. The author explains that Earth's proximity to the sun has resulted in such varied life forms. The language is precise but accessible to young readers and budding scientists. This would be a good mentor text for classroom teachers studying earth science or space but is appealing enough for readers to pick up independently. There is a glossary at the beginning of the book to aid in some of the content-specific nomenclature as well as some interesting facts at the end, including comments about climate change. VERDICT A solid addition to classroom or school libraries, Bauer's work is readable and informative.-Debbie Tannerα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. Marion Dane Bauer is the author of many books for young readers, including the Newbery Honor book On My Honor and the Coretta Scott King Book Illustrator Award winner The Stuff of Stars . She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, and can be reached at MarionDaneBauer.com. John Wallace’s formal training was not in illustration, but rather theology, which he received at University of Cambridge. However, he always loved drawing, and one of his early jobs was as a newspaper cartoonist. In his children’s book illustrations, he is particularly inspired by what he calls “the gooniness” of young schoolchildren. John lives in Broadstairs, England.