A planet is an object in space that orbits a star (sun), is spherical, and is big enough to have its own gravity. Earth is one of 8 planets that orbit our Sun, with each planet moving in its own orbit. There are two different types of planets: terrestrial and Jovian. Terrestrial planets are Earth-like and made of rock. Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are terrestrial planets and are closest to the Sun. Jovian planets are Jupiter-like and made of gas. Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune are Jovian planets and are farthest from the Sun.

A moon is a natural object that orbits a planet. Earth has one moon, Mercury and Venus have no moons, and all the other planets have two or more moons.

As far as we know, Earth is the only planet that supports life. Earth is the right distance from the Sun to have liquid water and has the right kind of air and temperatures required by living things.

Pronunciation guide included. 24 pages with easily understood text and colorful illustrations and photographs. Reading Level 1-3. Interest Level 2-5. Word count 278. Lexile measure 510L.