It's 281 pages of awesomeness, asking and answering questions you've had about the cosmos and then some. Questions are divided into chapters covering the seen (celestial bodies, space exploration, technology) and the unseen (alien life, black holes, the universe's edge). Each question is succinctly answered on its own page and accompanied by a full-color illustration. A helpful glossary in the back defines unfamiliar terms. The authors have created an accessible book with plenty of eye-catching appeal. Use it to answer your own questions, or give it to a young person (upper elementary and older) with an appetite for reading or science or both. This would be a great title to explore as a family, sparking curiosity and discussion.

- Beth Snow

This is a good introduction to most aspects of astronomy, written and presented in a style designed to appeal to the young.

- Debra Holton

Fun, informative, beautifully illustrated throughout, "The Universe Explained" is unreservedly recommended for both school and community library collections as an ideal introduction to astronomy and is especially appropriate for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject.

- Midwest Book Review

Stemettes Recommends (Ages 12-15)

- Stemettes

The clear text is mainly supported by coloured photographs, or in some cases diagrams... The writing, as one would expect from such well-known authors, is clear and authoritative but at the same time approachable and not too technical. The strength of the book is that it can be read in any order depending on the interests of the reader or their prior knowledge. This is probably a good book for a school or college library or to give as a present or prize.

- Alex Chaplin

Inspired by questions the astronomer-authors received after giving presentations, this book is an entertaining and informative collection of facts. Related questions are grouped into 14 different topics ranging from "Sky Sights" to "Alien Life." From the classic "why is the sky blue?" to "are there more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth's beaches?," the answers are informative and at times thought-provoking. The writing style is chatty and will appeal to curious readers. Annotated pictures and images appear on almost every page. The book concludes with a glossary and an index. An out-of-this world delight for young adults and adult browsers alike.

- Maren Ostergard

A visual feast ... The book is bang up to date with recent developments too. There is some cutting-edge astronomy in here ... The format also makes the book great for dipping in and out of.

- Robin Brooks