Product Description

Look up in the sky! There's a flying horse, a queen, and even a dragon! The night sky is a treasure trove of stories filled with heroes, wild animals, and adventure. It's just a matter of knowing where to look. Fifteen constellations are portrayed in this fun guide to astronomy, from easily recognizable Ursa Major, the big bear, to the distinct stars of Orion, the famous hunter. Each constellation features a pronunciation guide, a myth to explain the constellation, and sure-fire instructions on how to find each group of stars. This ultimate guide to stargazing is the perfect bedtime book -- just don't expect to get much sleep!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #465170 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781552851821
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-Combining classical mythology and astronomy, this slim volume introduces novice stargazers to the night sky. The book begins with a brief introduction to why groups of stars became identified with pictures and what equipment beginners need in order to see them. Then 15 of the most common of the "official" 88 constellations are discussed. Each chapter begins with an illustration of the constellation and its major stars. After identifying the season for best viewing it, its origin(s), usually mythological, is told in story form. A "Where Is It?" feature describes how to find the pattern and what major stars to locate in order to "connect the dots." Aside from the myths, the most interesting and informative sections of each chapter are the "Space Notes," highlighted in dark blue, and "A Closer Look," highlighted in light purple. While both sections give important general and specific astronomical data, "A Closer Look" concentrates more on the stars within the constellation. The illustrations, especially, will catch the eye of younger children. A "Checklist of Constellations" and a star map are helpful for summarizing and putting the information into perspective. Students may well develop a lifelong interest in astronomy from reading books such as this.
Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Joan Marie Galat was born in Washington, D.C. and lived in Virginia, Alaska and Maryland before her family settled in Edmonton, Alberta, when she was eight. She was inspired to write her first book, Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Stars, when she wasn't able to find a book for her children that combined storytelling and astronomy. Joan has a diploma in Biological Sciences and Ecology from the Northern Alberta Institute. She lives near Edmonton with her three children.

Customer Reviews

Five Stars For A Book ABOUT Stars.
This is the best book I've ever seen for teaching kids or adults how to find stars and identify constellations in the night sky. It's apparently geared to kids of about age 12, but I haven't been twelve for over thirty years and I enjoyed and learned from this book. The writing is clear and precise with neat little sidebars that give additional scientific information to the text. Refreshingly, the quality of the illustrations, paper and layout is tremendous. No cutting corners here. This is a first-class book! If this new release doesn't get picked up for classroom use, our educators are asleep.

fun with the stars
This book that my son is reading for his school curriculum caught my eye, and when I picked it up I couldn't put it down. How terrific to be able to understand AND enjoy a lesson of stories on the constellations. I highly recommend this book for amatuer and avid star gazers.

Starry Product Delights & Educates...
I found this book on Amazon, and I thought it sounded interesting because I am always looking for items that can help young people (and others!) to learn about the Night Sky in fun, non-intimidating ways. (My thought is this: if people appreciate the night sky, then they will be more interested in protecting and preserving it from the ravages of light pollution and poor urban planning that has occurred over the last 50 years.) GLAD I bought this book! It exceeded my expectations! :)

This book really impresses me with its easy-to-use design and detailed, but carefully written information. From the Look Way Up section to the last page, this clever book really invites readers (the young and young at heart) to explore the night sky's celestial treasures for themselves. Pronunciation guides are given for each constellation's name. Little side bars called "Space Notes" enhance the lessons with related, high-interest, easy-to-grasp science / astronomy facts like...

..."Early astronomers saw the same star patterns we see today" (Page 9).

...""The Earth spins from west to east, which makes the stars look as if they're traveling east to west. However, it's the Earth, not the stars, that rotate..." (Page 14).

The purple "A Closer Look" boxes offer additional information about the constellations and the specific stars that compose them. These boxes can include observing tips, historical notes, science facts, mythology, and cultural notes regarding how other peoples view the given constellation. "Where is it?" sections describe how and where to find the constellations in the sky. And of course, the carefully rendered "dot to dot" pictures illustrate the constellation shapes. All these elements work together to create a satisfying lesson on each of the given constellations.

Here are the major sections of the book:

Look Way Up!
Connecting the Dots [A great method!]
Equipment List: Eyes and Flashlight
Ursa Major (The Great Bear) [Excellent -- one of my favorite parts!]
Ursa Minor (The Little Bear)
Draco (The Dragon) [ We like this one!]
Cepheus (The King)
Cassiopeia (The Queen) [Funny!]
Perseus (The Hero)
Bootes (The Herdsman)
Corona Borealis (The Northern Crown) [I love this one too!]
Cygnus (The Swan)
Lyra (The Lyre)
Aquila (The Eagle)
Delphinus (The Dolphin)
Pegasus (The Winged Horse)
Taurus (The Bull)
Orion (The Hunter) [A Family Favorite]
Astronomy: A Hobby for Life [Spark an interest! ]
Checklist of Constellations [Most useful as you browse the sky!]
Constellations Chart [A great first star chart!]
Glossary [Great for students!]
Index [Very helpful for quick searches]
About the Author and Illustrators

This book would make an excellent companion to first binoculars or telescopes and a worthy edition for any home library. If used as the centerpiece for family time, the book could provide many hours of enjoyment and togetherness.

The book is actually easier to use than Rey's "The Stars," and today's visually-oriented children would probably prefer "Dot to Dot in the Sky's" personality and layout. Homeschooling parents can integrate science and mythology lessons with this book. I highly recommend this unique book for aspiring stargazers of any age or stage.