Find the Constellations [Paperback]

H. A. Rey (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 1976 | Age Range: 8 and up | Lexile Measure: 850L (What's this?)

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.
Second edition updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4–6—This much-needed update of Rey's classic work (Houghton, 1976) features a cleaner typeface but retains the layout and most of the graphics of the previous edition. Some images, such as the picture of a spaceship, are dated but maintain, along with the small elves who guide readers through the book, all of the original charm. The primary update, featured on the cover, involves the change in Pluto's status; a great touch is the inclusion of definitions for "planet" and "dwarf planet" to help readers understand exactly why there are now only eight planets in our solar system. Statistical data, particularly for sizes and distances between the Sun and the planets, are updated; the planet finder now covers the years 2007 through 2016; and there is a new list of books for further reading. With its enduring appeal, current information, and exceptional sky charts to help find constellations, stars, and planets, this revision should be an essential purchase for all libraries.—Jeffrey A. French, formerly at Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library, Willowick, OH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A 'must' for public and school libraries and a wonderful book for an individual or family to own." -- Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Age Range: 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 72 pages
• Publisher: HMH Books; Revised edition (March 15, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395244188
• ISBN-13: 978-0395244180
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 9.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,861 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Hans Augusto Rey was born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898. As a child, he spent much of his free time in that city's famous Hagenbeck Zoo drawing animals. After serving in the army during World War I, he studied philology and natural science at the University of Hamburg. He then married Margret Rey and they moved to Montmartre for four years. The manuscript for the first Curious George books was one of the few items the Reys carried with them on their bicycles when they escaped from Paris in 1940. Eventually, they made their way to the United States, and Curious George was published in 1941. Curious George has been published in many languages, including French, German, Japanese, Afrikaans, and Norwegian. Additional Curious George books followed, as well as such other favorites as CECILY G. AND THE NINE MONKEYS and FIND THE CONSTELLATIONS.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

67 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's the Greatest! January 14, 2002

By Brad4d VINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm a doc with over 3 years of post-doc training and I can't think of a single science text which is more enjoyable to read. Even after 16 years of astronomical observation, I still think of the constellations as Rey drew them (they are easier to remember), and I still get this text out when I want to show someone how to enjoy astronomy. If all science writers were like Mr Rey, we wouldn't be too worried about scientific illiteracy in this country. Along with its twin, The Stars, it stands alone. This treasure is "for kids from one to ninety-two."

72 of 73 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The "essential" first book on the constellations July 31, 2000

By Nicholas Provenzo

Format:Paperback

H. A. Rey's classic "Find the Constellations" ranks among the clearest, most intuitive books on stargazing in print and is a must for any young person's personal library. Rey, using his wonderful talents as an illustrator and storyteller masterfully presents the stars in a simple to digest format, explaining the essentials one needs to know in order to appreciate and understand the night sky. Rey also adds the myths that gave the constellations their place in our culture and creates a book that provides countless hours of learning and enjoyment.

Every adult should give their children or their favorite niece or nephew a copy of this book and enjoy with them tender nights discovering the wonders of the heavens.

67 of 68 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars teach this unto thy children April 2, 2002

By M. H. Bayliss

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I've long been a fan of Rey's (of Curious George fame) The Stars, a New Way to See them, but that is a bit more complex and geared towards adults and advanced students. This book is ideal for children and parents alike because Rey breaks down the major constellations one by one and draws them so they look like real pictures, not like those horrible drawings in the NY Times and other publications. His lion looks like a lion! The text is very basic, easy to follow and explains the basic astro stuff like stars, planets, magnitudes, but not much more. The major reason to buy this book if you already have his other book is for the handy sky charts. Unlike his more advanced book which has an entire sky map, this book as more handy "sky view" charts which are an easier way to learn the night sky. Another winner from H.A. Rey that anyone can profit from if interested in learning the stars!

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best star and constellation guide for beginners. August 16, 2001

By H. Hart

Format:Paperback

I used this book when I was a kid, when it was titled "Know the Stars." I was interested in astronomy and didn't know anyone else who knew anything about it, so I found this book and taught myself. The text is clever and cute, and simple enough that older grade school kids can understand it and enjoy it. The presentation of constellations as simple connect-the-dot drawings side by side with the unconnected stars makes it possible to take the great conceptual leap from the printed page to the real sky. The seasonal all-sky charts are done using the same concept. Self-tests are provided to help you hone your recognition skills. Basic information about individual stars is given, and bits of mythology and history are mixed in as well. I was pleased to see a current planet finder, good through 2006, in the most recent edition. I currently work as an astronomer, and I teach college level astronomy. I require my adult students to use this book to learn the constellations.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The 'essential' first book on the stars March 20, 1999

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

H. A. Rey's classic "Find the Constellations" ranks among the clearest, most intuitive books on stargazing in print and is a must for any young person's personal library. Rey, using his wonderful talents as an illustrator and storyteller masterfully presents the stars in a simple to digest format, explaining the essentials one needs to know in order to appreciate and understand the night sky. Rey also adds the myths that gave the constellations their place in our culture and creates a book that provides countless hours of learning and enjoyment.

Every adult should give their children or their favorite niece or nephew a copy of this book and enjoy with them tender nights discovering the wonders of the heavens.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential beginner's stargazing book December 15, 2004

By B. DeMoss

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I bought this book about 20 years ago. I still use it as a stargazing guide. It's the best I've seen for breaking down the night sky into easily digestible, understandable bits. Over the years I have referred to it repeatedly. I just moved to the country after several years in a city and can see the stars again, and was using this reference just this evening.

It starts out by teaching the constellations a person could recognize immediately, such as the Big Dipper. It then moves on to various topics, such as the brightest stars and the constellations in which they are found, and the constellations that comprise the zodiac. A little of the mythology behind the names of the constellations is also explained. At the end of the book are various "sky-views", facing north and south, for each season of the year (e.g., what you can expect to see facing south in the winter, or north in the spring). All the constellations are introduced throughout the book with their line drawings, then shown without the lines so you can imagine them yourself. The sky-views are also drawn with and without lines.

There are two miniature people drawn in the margins and within some of the drawings who help the reader remember certain points about the stars.

This is a great book for kids interested in the stars, about maybe 4th-5th grades. I still use it, though, and I'm in my 30s. This book really sparked an interest that's lasted a lifetime for me.