Kids Book of the Night Sky, The (Family Fun) (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author), Heather Collins (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6–Using a lively combination of clearly written text, myths and legends, jokes, and activities, the authors present an excellent introduction to the many wonders of the night sky throughout the seasons. The sun, the moon and its phases, and eclipses are clearly explained and brief information about the planets' surfaces, paths, temperatures, and levels of brightness rounds out the text. Step-by-step directions for making a planisphere, sighting tube, star clock, constellation candles and flashcards, and moon cookies are clearly written and illustrated. There is a wide variance in the difficulty of the projects; some definitely require adult guidance or supervision while others can be done independently by eight- or nine-year-olds. Younger children will enjoy hearing the stories and being guided in their gazing. The short legends and myths from a variety of cultures are well told; each story's origins are identified. The charcoal drawings that appear throughout are well done, although those showing children engaged in the activities are sometimes static. The information is current; the section on Mars is accurate, even given recent Rover explorations there. Janice VanCleave's Constellations for Every Kid (Wiley, 1997) has more activities and less expository text. Jacqueline Mitton's Zoo in the Sky(National Geographic, 1998) has much less information and no projects. Love and Drake's excitement about their subject is contagious; they have created a book that should be in every school and public library.–Peg Glisson, Mendon Center Elementary School, Pittsford, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. The authors of similar books about camping and family history offer budding stargazers a horizon-broadening mix of basic astronomy, sky myths from more than a dozen cultures, terrible jokes ("Where did the astronauts park their spaceship? At a parking meteor"), and instructions for several ingeniously low-tech science and art projects--all illustrated with inviting, lucid pencil drawings and simplified sky charts. Sandwiched between a chapter on the Moon and one on the planets, discussions of such topics as constellations of the northern hemisphere, major stars, and other sights (some requiring a telescope to view) alternate with brief, dramatically titled tales, including "The Story of Osiris and Isis: A Murder Thriller." Text and pictures aren't always well connected (there's no hint of the ox hide the herdsman is said to be wearing in "The Weaver Princess and the Herdsman"), and the authors provide no lists of supplementary titles or Web sites, but this will still be valuable for its engaging tone and hands-on approach. John Peters
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Kids Can Press (March 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1553371283
• ISBN-13: 978-1553371281
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,571 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #2 in

  Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Astronomy & Space > Astronomy

• This item is part of The Family Fun Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Godsend for Educators, March 20, 2004

By	Fran Barnett gr. 6 teacher (LONDON, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kids Book of the Night Sky, The (Family Fun) (Hardcover)

To Ann Love And Jane Drake
The wealth of information, the simple, clear layout and the activity ideas are a goldmine for anyone teaching Grade 6 Science and Language in Ontario. The book can be used on so many levels. I see its value as a quick reference, a source of non-fiction passages, a source of accessible, useful activities requiring easily available materials, a fascinating means for non-astronomer teachers to inform themselves quickly so that they can teach the material in an inspiring way to their classes. It is also a book that will excite any young person with a curiosity about the world around him.
You've filled a real need for educators with this book. I've bought one for myself and for two other teachers who will use it well.
THANK-YOU!
You're stars in MY book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A super informative book for any age!, March 5, 2009

By	L. Burke - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

Originally bought this for our 5 yr old grandson who loves astronomy. We read an excerpt from it every night and learn something new each time. It's fun to read something meant for a child and actually enjoy what you're reading -- instead of the same silly story every night. This book is easy to understand with fantastic stories. Highly recommend!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Kids Book of the Night Sky, August 26, 2009

By	E. Hudson (Rochester, MN) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I purchase this book for my grandchildren. They like to go camping and this is a great for explaining the night skys on a level they can enjoy. Would recommend it.