RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!: SPACE TRAVEL AND COLONIES Toronto, Ripley Books, c1982. Distributed by Collins. 61pp, paperbound boards, $7.95. ISBN 0-00-217019-1. Grades 4 and up. Reviewed by Janice Foster. Volume 11 Number 3. 1983 May. This first book in the new Ripley's Believe It or Not! science series offers the reader an interesting assortment of facts on space travel and the possibilities of future colonies in space. The material was compiled with the assistance of a consultant and archivist and credited photographs add validity to the topics covered. Space Travel & Colonies is an imaginative collection of fascinating information on past, present, and foreseeable future space explorations. The emphasis is placed on space colonies and how man would exist on them but other topics such as aliens, solar power, and space hazards are covered as well. Even basic questions that always intrigue young readers such as "How do astronauts cope with the problem of going to the toilet in outer space?", are answered. There is a slight American slant to the coverage buj credits are awarded to Soviet and other contributors in this field. With such a broad subject to cover, the book appears to be a hodgepodge of facts. However, the table of contents and index help the reader to locate specific topics. The bold type is easy to read, and the layout with the use of borders and the famous Ripley cartoons allows for an uncluttered appearance. The imaginative black-and-white and coloured illustrations and photographs add interest and attractiveness to the text. Although the subject matter will prove interesting to younger readers, the vocabulary level and scientific terminology make this book more appropriate for upper elementary and junior high students. Because of the interest level of the topics and the manner of presentation of scientific facts, Ripley's Believe It or Not!: Space Travel & Colonies will have definite appeal to the intermediate reader. The popularity of trivia as well as the recent television version of Ripley's Believe It or Not are further factors that warrant the consideration of the addition of this book to library and classroom science collections. Janice Foster, Winnipeg, MB.