Zoo In The Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations (Hardcover)

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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.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic Children's Books; First Edition edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079227069X
• ISBN-13: 978-0792270690
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.8 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #59,115 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated. A great introduction to astronomy!, October 18, 1999

By	A. Kelly (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a book I never want to forget!, November 28, 2005

By	waldorf_curric - See all my reviews

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).

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book, October 1, 2004

By	C.S. (Cleveland, OH) - See all my reviews

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.