Review Detail

In this informative introductory guide, LEGO borrows heavily from NASA images and taps a comic-style to walk kids through our solar system—and beyond.

Planet stats include: Material composition, Distance from the sun, number of probe missions, and notation on any existing moons or rings. Most planets receive at least a two-page spread, although Uranus and Neptune share presentation space. Sections are also devoted to the sun, constellations, Earth’s moon, the asteroid belt, space suits and space walks, Voyager 1, and Exoplanets. Fans of Pluto will be glad to find that the recently downgraded dwarf planet does receive a strong nod, along with a reference to the controversy.

Although a cast of LEGO characters is featured sometimes in comic panels or scattered about on nearly every page, there isn’t an actual story going on—just implied shenanigans and semi-amusing commentary. I was concerned my kids might find this too random, but they seemed to enjoy the regular breaks in between factual tidbits. The actual photos vary widely in quality, but while this may snag the attention of adults, it isn’t likely to disrupt the learning process for the intended age range (6-8 years). However, the recurring LEGO allusion to intelligent alien life may result in confused impressions that parents will want to be present to clear up.

All in all, a busy-yet-fun tool for introducing concepts of space exploration to kids grades 1-3. Even parents are likely to pick up a number of interesting factoids they may not have previously known—particularly regarding NASA’s equipment and exploration efforts.