Sun, Moon, and Stars [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Mary Hoffman (Author), Jane Ray (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2001 | Age Level: 9 and up

Few books for children attempt the richness of ideas and pictures found here, wrote Booklist about Earth, Fire, Water, Air. Now, in this stunning sequel, the lush folkloric illustration style of Jane Ray augments the fluid storytelling of Mary Hoffman to explore the eternal mysteries of the heavens--the sun, moon, and stars. This well-researched and highly readable book presents myths and legends gathered from all over, including China, Japan, Egypt, Greece, the Caribbean, and North America. Accompanying these stories are pages of fascinating folk beliefs, sayings, and rhymes of skylore. Jane Ray's sumptuous illustrations, rich with silver and gold, are more exquisite than ever. The smooth, captionlike text makes the book ideal for browsing; its wide range will coordinate with classroom units on ancient astronomy, myths, legends, and cultural history. Sure to please young and old alike. Jane Ray and Mary Hoffman both live in England.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hoffman and Ray look to the heavens in this sparkling collection of myths and legends from around the world, a follow-up to their companion book Earth, Fire, Water, Air. Hoffman's colloquial tone whisks readers through a volume chockablock with captivating tales inspired by the wonders of science and the natural world. With examples from ancient Egypt and Julius Caesar's Rome, the beginning segment establishes the sky as storybook, map and calendar. Subsequent sections on sun, moon and stars combine lesser-known tales with those of Phaeton, who meets his death trying to drive his father's chariot of the sun across the sky; Caribbean trickster/spider man Anancy, who gives the moon to his children; and the "Circle of Beasts," a description of all 12 signs of the zodiac. Hoffman also provides brief, captionlike superstitions, sayings and traditions in spreads entitled "Sunlore," "Moonlore" and "Starlore." As accompaniment to a text spanning cultures, lands and histories, Ray offers a varied tapestry of dreamlike images that combine elements of fantasy with intricate folk art borders and motifs. For each passage, she sets a dramatically different stage, incorporating dazzling costumes and designs from Native American, Aztec and Japanese traditions, among others. Many of the paintings also glitter with flashes of gold or silver, befitting a book about the brightest lights of the sky. All ages.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-In this splendid collaboration following Earth, Fire, Water, Air (Dutton, 1995), the author's lean style again complements the artist's lush one. More than 20 legends and myths from around the world surrounding the "appearance and movement of the sun, moon, and stars" are interspersed with bits of factual information and lore. Succinctly but resonantly retold, the stories show the sky as a blank screen on which every culture projects its imagination. There are Latvian, Aztec-Mayan, Korean, Hindu, and Australian-Aboriginal examples, as well as better-known Greek (Phaeton, Cassiopeia), Norse, English, and Japanese tales. A brief section "About the Stories" cites some very eclectic sources. The brilliant pictures, spattered with silver and gold, exactly suit the heavenly subjects. Ray adapts her signature style to suggest the artistic traditions of each story's cultural origin. Folklike frames, intricately patterned textiles, and naive compositions are both dense and accessible, and the depth and variety of hues are a delight. A more romantic or engaging introduction to myths of the cosmos could hardly be imagined.
Patricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: New Line Books (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577171764
• ISBN-13: 978-1577171768
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 10.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,528,720 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book deserves 10 stars, June 16, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sun, Moon, and Stars (Hardcover)

I saw Sun, Moon and Stars on the shelf at a bookstore and went to it just because the cover was so beautiful. Jane Ray's artwork is fantastic and I wish there were wallpaper made out of the artistry in this book. Mary Hoffman has written a fascinating text that informs us about how many different peoples have viewed these heavenly bodies. You will not be dissapointed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful for Children, July 31, 2003

By 

Alison Miller-frost "witchyjocelyn" (WV, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sun, Moon, and Stars (Hardcover)

This book combined with the other book out by Hoffman has been a favorite of the children I work with for years. This book was recently borrowed and the children I see annually are begging me to get another copy as they love the brief myths available, especially regarding the zodiac. The kids would definitely give these books five stars while I would like to see just a little more detail or a bibliography for those interested in learning more. Thanks for making such a successful book.