Large, vibrant paintings and shimmering foil stars make a brilliant connection between age-old stargazing tales and the constellations. Full color.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
People have always looked up at the stars in wonder, seeking patterns in the sky. This gorgeous picture book, published by the National Geographic Society, introduces children to the constellations that are named for animals--Leo the Lion, the Great Bear and Little Bear, and many more. Christina Balit's striking paintings showcase each constellation against a deep blue background--animals or fantastical beasts positioned in the dark night sky, with the individual stars, metallic and iridescent, superimposed upon them. Each image is accompanied by a short, engaging, often dramatized description of the group of stars and the legends surrounding it, written by distinguished astronomer and writer Dr. Jacqueline Mitton: "Charging through the zodiac, here comes the Bull. Head down, horns thrust forward, Taurus is ready to toss the twins. But they are safe, always on the other side of the Milky Way." The front and endpapers are star maps that show the actual constellations of both the southern and northern skies. Mitton also offers a brief introduction to the constellations and two pages of related discussion on astronomy at the book's end. A lovely choice for anyone interested in the mysteries of the night sky. (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1998 Jacqueline Mitton. Illustrations © 1998 Christina Balit.) (Ages 6 to 10) --Marcie Bovetz
From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 3-Mitton highlights the animals represented in the zodiac by superimposing shiny metallic stars to outline the constellations on colorful and lush paintings of the creatures. The effect is visually stunning, although the shape of the constellation is not always easily discerned against the visual activity of the background. Celestial maps on the endpapers provide clarifying references, however, and with a little study, the shapes in the paintings begin to emerge. This is an attractive introduction to astronomy, and can be used as an entree to disciplines such as mythology or folklore. In addition, the simple, poetic descriptions will capture the attention of preschoolers and early elementary-age children alike. A brief explanation of stars and constellations rounds out this lovely and unusual offering.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
We check out many library books each week and I try to get onto Amazon and review them so that I have a record of my impressions of each. I want to make note of those I didn't like; and then there are some, like this stunning volume, I want to make sure I don't forget exist! I can see us checking this book out over and over as my child (now almost 4) gets older and continues with homeschooling. This is a wonderful book and if you are shopping for something that will encourage your child to enjoy the wonders of nature, a book to take along on family camping trips and nature walks; if you want to teach your child ancient stories of the skies, expose them to different cultures; or you are looking for literature which will inspire your storytelling and help you raise a creative imaginative child -- this is the book for you!! Buy it (and I will, too).
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
I give this book 5 stars based on my son's enjoyment of it. I first saw this book at our Nature Center, and he so enjoyed it that I bought him a copy. I truly believed it would be too old for him (he's 3 1/2) but he adores it. I think because we go to the planetarium often he is able to really make the connections between what we see at the planetarium and in the book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the information is very well presented. We also have 2 other of Ms. Mitton's books. While at first glance they may seem too advanced for the preschool crowd, I can testify that the preschoolers I know (my son and his classmates) really love these books and go back to them over and over. I highly recommend Ms. Mitton's books.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
My son really enjoyed this book because he loves animals. It explains, in simple terms, the various constellations. The illustrations are beautifully done and very engaging.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Too babyish for my 6 year old
Pretty illustrations, but I'm not sure how this book ranked for ages 6+, but my 6 year old was bored with this book by the 2nd page. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Anonymous
SLUSHY CUP
WORKS JUST LIKE THE AD ON TV. MY SON LOVES IT. THIS PRODUCT IS VERY EASY TO USE. HE WAS SO HAPPY AT CHRISTMAS WHEN HE OPENED IT.
Published 4 months ago by no1nrs
Not for kids or adults or in between
I bought this book and a Night Sky Star Wheel as a gift for my young grand children. I have been active with astronomy for well over 20 years. Read more
Published 10 months ago by mrag
Cool book
We borrowed thhis from the library and my daughter liked it so much, I later purchased it on Amazon.
Published on February 11, 2010 by Senor Esposito
Our constellations in the Sky
I looked over the book after I received it and was so satisfied that children of any age could learn so much about the star constellations. Read more
Published on December 28, 2009 by Mrs McGregor
GREAT BOOK for your little sky explorer!
Bought this for my 5 and 8 year old daughters who are both interested in the night sky and just got a telescope....my wife and I thought this book was well done!
Published on December 10, 2009 by Dennis Regan
Best Book to Teach Children about the Stars!
The older civilizations had it right, have stories and animals to describe the sky and you will remember so much better! Great Book for Children!
Published on December 5, 2009 by TM Connally
AMAZING!
This is a gorgeous book from one of my favorite illustrators. I bought it for my son's 6 year bithday and we had such a great time finding the 'Zoo in the Sky'!
Published on August 4, 2009 by M. Munoz
Wonderful Intro to Stargazing
Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby
With captivating artwork and just the right amount of information, this book is a wonderful introduction to the... Read more
With captivating artwork and just the right amount of information, this book is a wonderful introduction to the... Read more
Published on March 31, 2008 by Sherry North
Nice pictures
This book has nice pictures. Just minimal information though. I was hoping for more historical information on the story of the stars.
Published on December 21, 2007 by Cathy
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