Sparkling Space at the Planetarium

Description: Katie Woo and JoJo learn about space during a visit to a planetarium.

Brief description: Fran Manushkin is the author of many popular picture books, including How Mama Brought the Spring; Baby, Come Out!; Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story; and The Tushy Book. There is a real Katie Woo -- she's Fran's great-niece -- but she never gets in half the trouble of the Katie Woo in the books. Fran writes on her beloved MacBook in New York City.

Review Quotes: Katie Woo, a well-established early chapter book character, returns in a new series alongside her friend JoJo. In the first title, the pair visits the planetarium, and in the second, Katie's grandpa takes them to the aquarium. These early chapter books are ideal for emerging readers transitioning into longer texts. Each page features just a few sentences and a large, colorful ­illustration, helping to keep readers engaged. The simple, relatable storylines--like ­outings with friends or grandparents--­mirror experiences many young children may have had themselves. VERDICT A gentle, engaging series perfect for beginning readers; ­recommended for purchase, especially where Katie Woo titles are already popular.-- "School Library Journal"