Mars is Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, and Startling Surprises by Suzanne Slade
| On August 12, 2005 NASA launched the Atlas V rocket, carrying the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) equipped with a remarkable camera. Seven months later the MRO was orbiting Mars. Soon its camera began sending photos back to earth. The photos are astounding. Magnified images reveal Mars’ surface in detail showing rock layers, sand dunes, canyons, craters, volcanoes, and lava flows. The landscape changes continually. For example, the planet’s two polar ice caps are composed of dry ice. In spring, cracks begin to form in the ice, allowing gases to bubble up to the surface. |  |
Each two-page spread features a close-up full color photograph. A poetic phrase in bold font on the facing page is accompanied by an informative paragraph. Mars is Stark Slopes, Silvery Snow, Startling Surprises is also an artistic exploration of form and design. Stunning images and evocative descriptions enhance the sensory experience.
Back matter includes information on the mission’s technical challenges, an explanation of HiRise camera (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment), facts about the planet Mars, and a timeline of Mars Exploration highlights.
A 11” x 10 1/4” trim size suggests that the volume may be best viewed when opened flat and spread out on a table so youngsters can pore over the pages. Students interested in the sciences and/or the arts will be fascinated. Slade has created another picture book masterpiece.
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Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021 Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company ISBN: 978-1682631881
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