Planets (National Geographic Kids Readers, Level 2) by Elizabeth Carney

This engaging early reader delivers a captivating introduction to our solar system, packed with stunning, high-definition photographs from the National Geographic archives. Young astronomers will find clear, accessible facts about the planets, from the fiery surface of the sun to the icy rings of Saturn. The leveled reader format is expertly designed to build confidence, presenting new vocabulary and concepts about space science in manageable, digestible chunks. It transforms complex astronomical ideas into an exciting visual adventure that feels both educational and exploratory.

What truly sets this science book apart is its ability to balance factual density with visual wonder, making it ideal for a child who has moved beyond simple picture books but isn't ready for dense text. The vibrant images of Martian landscapes and swirling gas giants will fuel a preschooler or kindergartener's curiosity, while the structured sentences support early elementary reading skills. This is the kind of nonfiction book that doesn't just teach about the cosmos—it inspires a lasting sense of awe and a desire to learn more, likely leading to many repeat journeys through its pages.