Mount Pleasant, S.C. – If you already know that most meteors are space dust from comet tails or that Saturn has 47 moons, then you probably already know that October has one of the best holidays of the year. It’s not Halloween this time, but a much more “universal”
Saturn for My Birthday (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2008), by John McGranaghan and illustrated by Wendy Edelson, tells the story of one little boy’s very unusual birthday request- a whole planet! Jeffrey doesn’t only want the planet; he wants all 47 moons, too. As Jeffrey explains his reasons for his birthday wish to his dad, he also teaches readers about Saturn’s unique characteristics. Edelson accurately illustrates the active imagination of a young child and turns Saturn into a child’s favorite playmate—and maybe their next birthday wish!
FUN FACTS from Saturn for My Birthday:
• There are eight planets that orbit around the sun. We used to think there were nine, but Pluto is actually a “dwarf planet” that orbits the sun.
• Saturn is one of the brightest lights in the night sky and can be easily seen without a telescope. If you use a telescope, though, you can see the rings.
• The average temperature of Saturn is -220F.
• Saturn has 47 moons, and 34 of them have names!
ACTIVITIES from Saturn for My Birthday:
• Make a comparison between the size of Earth and the size of Saturn.
• Figure out what floats like Saturn.
• Make rings just like Saturn’s, but with a tasty twist.
• To learn more about these activities, Saturn, and the solar system, visit http://www.SylvanDellPublishing.com.
