Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
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Glow-In-The-Dark Constellations
A Field Guide for Young Stargazers
by C. E. Thompson and Randy Chewning
32 pages, January 1999
Now in an affordable paperback edition comes this super informative guide exploring the night sky with glow-in-the-dark illustrations, eight maps, and fascinating retellings of the legends behind the constellations. Full color.
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
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Zoo in the Sky
A Book of Animal Constellations
by Jacqueline Mitton, Christina Balit, and Wil Tirion
32 pages, September 1998
A gorgeous picture book published by the National Geographic Society that introduces children to the constellations that are named for animals -- Leo the Lion, the Great Bear and Little Bear, and many more. Beautifully illustrated this brightly colored book (view samples at Amazon.com) is sure to captivate its young readers. Also contains a discussion on astronomy by Dr Jacqueline Mitton and two all-sky star charts by Wil Tirion showing the constellations of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
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Once Upon A Starry Night
A Book of Constellations
by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit
32 pages, February 2004
Another welcome entry from the duo that collaborated on Zoo in the Sky (1998) and Kingdom of the Sun (2001, both National Geographic). The stories come from the Greek and Roman pantheon of gods, goddesses, monsters, and myths, from Cassiopeia to Andromeda, and Perseus to Pegasus. The 10 tales are condensed into a few paragraphs each, which hardly do them justice, but may send children off to investigate further. Each lush, nearly double-page spread is an enticing riot of color and detail that almost overshadows superimposed shiny foil stars delineating the constellations. Endpapers of the Northern and Southern skies help elucidate the stars' arrangement in the night sky. Additional constellations are included in the star maps, with those considered in the book highlighted in red. Two pages of end material discuss astronomical topics in more detail. This title is a welcome addition to any library.
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
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Kingdom of the Sun
A Book of the Planets
by Jacqueline Mitton and Christina Balit (illustrator)
32 pages, October 2001
Children take a wondrous tour of our solar system in this stunning new book that weaves mythology and astronomy in magical ways. Jacqueline Mitton's poetic text explores each planet, comparing its features to those of the Roman god or goddess for whom it was named. Although this naming occurred long before humans had accurate information about the planets, the book points out some remarkable coincidences based on what we know today. The veiled goddess Venus, for example, lends her name to a cloud-veiled planet. And the blue, stormy planet Neptune is named for the god of the sea.
Christina Balit's glorious illustrations, sparkling with gold-foil accents, bring the mythology to life and draw children into the wonders of our planetary kingdom. This intriguing and highly informative book--a sequel to the same team's best-selling Zoo in the Sky--presents the most up-to-date, scientific details about the planets in an artful way that will stir the minds and imaginations of young readers.
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8
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Our Solar System (Book Series)
by Dana Meachen Rau
2002 to 2005
The 18 books in this series captures the amazing worlds in our planetary neighborhood and beyond. Each book contains full-color photographs and answers fascinating questions about outer space. Each book features a glossary and an index as well as At the Library, On the Web, and On the Road resources. Children will especially love the Did You Know? section of fun facts.
Reading Level: Ages 8 to 10 (Grades 3 to 5)
Black Holes (2005) ATOS Level 5.1
Constellations (2005) ATOS Level 5.5
The Milky Way and Other Galaxies (2005) ATOS Level 5.6
Sun (2003) ATOS Level 4.5
Mercury (2002) ATOS Level 4.9
Venus (2002) ATOS Level 4.7
Earth (2003) ATOS Level 4.2
Moon (2003) ATOS Level 4.3
Mars (2002) ATOS Level 5.1
Comets, Asteroids and Meteoroids (2003) ATOS Level 4.8
Jupiter (2002) ATOS Level 4.4
Saturn (2003) ATOS Level 4.0
Uranus (2003) ATOS Level 3.9
Neptune (2003) ATOS Level 4.1
Pluto (2003) ATOS Level 4.1
Space Exploration (2003) ATOS Level 5.2
Space Walks (2005) ATOS Level 5.3
The International Space Station (2005) ATOS Level 5.4
Review: Another children's series on the planets -- what's so special about this one? For starters, the attractive covers use color photographs not just a sketch. The text is in large print, double-spaced, and appropriate for third- and fourth-grade students. Each volume includes a list of three or four very recent text titles on the subject, seven or eight web sites, four mailing addresses, and a few places to visit across the United States. All measurements are presented in both U.S. and metric units. The coverage of past and future planetary missions is particularly well done. This series has only one flaw, which is minor: Most facing pages do not end with a complete sentence, forcing the reader to turn the page in order to finish the sentence and discouraging him or her from spending time on the diagrams and photographs. While the content of the series is error free, young readers may not be familiar with negative exponents; the atmospheric pressure of Mercury relative to that of the Earth could just as easily have been stated as "nearly zero" (p. 29 of Mercury). No planetary series for young readers can ever be comprehensive with respect to the amount of current data available. What makes this series different? It not only is a good first exposure for young readers, but also is successful as a teaser, leaving the reader wanting to find out more. Each title discusses some unanswered questions as objectives of future missions. The provided web sites are especially useful.
Ronald F. Smith , Science Books & Films, April 2003
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Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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There Once Was a Sky Full of Stars
by Bob Crelin and Amie Ziner (illustrator)
34 pages, April 2006
Highly Recommended
Description: Here's a perfect bedtime story to both entertain and educate children about the effects of light pollution. Poetic and lyrical, this beautifully illustrated book helps children discover the magic of the night sky while learning about the growing problem of light pollution and what they can do to help.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Find the Constellations
by Hans Augusto Rey
72 pages, October 1980
Highly Recommended
A delightfully illustrated, informative beginner's guide to locating and identifying constellations in the northern hemisphere, with an extensive index, glossary, and time table for sky viewing. A truly wonderful book for an individual or family to own.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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See the Stars
Your First Guide to the Night Sky
by Ken Croswell
32 pages, September 2000
Book Description: What's the best way to find the stars and constellations? Astronomers tell us to go out on a clear night with two things: a pair of binoculars and an expert as your guide. With Ken Croswell's See the Stars, all you need are the binoculars.
Save the complicated star charts for later. With See the Stars, it's easy for readers to experience the twelve best and brightest star patterns (one for each month) in the sky. On a clear night, young astronomers will have fun comparing color photographs of constellations with those in the night sky. Readers will learn about the life and death of stars, black holes, why stars are different colors, and more.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Faraway Worlds
Planets Beyond Our Solar System
by Paul Halpern and Lynette R. Cook
32 pages, July 2004
Book Description: Learn the secrets of planet-hunters as they search for planets beyond our solar system. Is there more to a star than meets the eye? Take a trip to an alien world and encounter wobbling stars, frozen moons, and boiling oceans. Stunning illustrations and cutting-edge science make this book a first in the field. Includes a glossary and index.
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Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Sky & Telescope Review: November 2004 p.106
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The Kids Book of the Night Sky
by Jane Drake and Anne Love
144 pages, March 2004
Book Description: In The Kids Book of the Night Sky, boys and girls will discover all the secrets the night sky holds. They can play games like "Night Sky I Spy," keep an astronomer's log and read about night sky myths. Star maps are included for each season -- so kids will know what to look for, when and where. Then as the sun goes down and the sky goes dark, they'll be ready for the night sky's all-star show! Parents' Choice Recommended Award winner 2004.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Exploring the Night Sky
The Equinox Astronomy Guide for Beginners
by Terence Dickinson
74 pages, February 1987
An excellent introduction to astronomy for young star gazers. The book contains many wonderful photographs and beautiful illustrations that will inspire its readers. The New York Academy of Sciences granted Exploring the Night Sky the Children's Science Book Award in 1987.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Children's Night Sky Atlas
by Robin Scagell and Jacqueline Mitton
96 pages, April 2004
Featuring up-to-the-minute discoveries and state-of-the-art space photography, this atlas illustrates all that science has revealed about constellations, the evolution of stars and galaxies, and the planets in the solar system. Acetate overlays highlight special points of interest to show even more about what we see in the night sky.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Seeing Stars
Shining Star Light, 10 Constellations Cards, & Book of Star Lore
by Charles Hobson
32 pages, October 2001
Book Description: Become a storyteller and navigator of the stars with this interactive introduction to the night sky. Shine the light from the flashlight through the star-punched cards to project ten different constellations onto a table or wall. Learn the exciting Greek myth behind each constellation's name, how to find it in the sky, and other fascinating facts about Cassiopeia, Pegasus, Orion's Belt, the Great Bear, and many more. Seeing Stars is a fun and educational kit perfect for stargazers of all ages.
Reading Level: Ages 9 to 12
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Reading Level: Young Adult
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The Sky at Night
Your Guide to the Heavens
by Robin Kerrod
256 pages, October 2000
Here's a great way for young astronomers to get started in the study of stars, planets, and other celestial objects. This handsomely packaged kit provides stargazers with the following items:
- Mapping the Skies -- a 128-page spiral-bound book of sky maps and charts.
- The Star Guide -- another 128-page spiral-bound book of full-color sky photos, illustrations, and a lively text that explains the science of
astronomy.
- A Planisphere -- a 9-inch diameter laminated double disk with a night sky star chart on the base disk and a movable top disk providing directional bearings and scales that mark hours of the night and months of the year.
- An Astrotorch -- a small flashlight that gives off a beam of red light, allowing star watchers to study charts when they're outside on a dark
starry night.
Lucky owners of this kit will be off to a great start in understanding what
they're seeing when they gaze up at the night sky. It's also a great teacher's
tool for science class.
Reading Level: Young Adult
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The Everything Astronomy Book
Discover the Mysteries of the Universe
by Cynthia Phillips
289 pages, 1st Edition, September 2002
The Everything Astronomy Book, by noted SETI Institute scientist Dr. Cynthia Phillips, helps you stargaze with authority. The book not only provides clear descriptions of all the theories of the origins of the universe, it explains the facts about the planets, moons, and stars in language anyone can understand -- completely free of the usual astro-jargon. In addition, common myths are debunked: Find out why the Big Dipper is not an actual constellation, and that a shooting star isn't really a star at all!
Featuring: Fascinating photos and useful diagrams; A color insert and fascinating photographs and diagrams throughout; Tips and tricks, such as how to distinguish between different celestial bodies; The latest theories on UFOs; The realities of an asteroid collision.
Dr. Cynthia Phillips, a scientist at the SETI Institute, also works at the Center for the Study of Life in the Universe. She received her B.A. in astronomy, astrophysics, and physics at Harvard University, and earned her Ph.D. in planetary science, with a minor in geosciences, from the University of Arizona. Shana Priwer has an undergraduate degree from Columbia University in architecture, with minors in math and art history. She holds a masters degree in architecture from Harvard University. Both authors reside in Campbell, California.
Reading Level: Young Adult
Average customer review at Amazon.com: NOT YET RATED
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Books for Educators
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Great Ideas for Teaching Astronomy
by Stephen M. Pompea
256 pages, 3rd Edition, July 2000
Book Description: Written and revised in response to requests from teachers for ideas that can be used to improve astronomy teaching, this new expanded edition offers dozens of ideas, demonstrations, and analogies gathered from over 40 teachers around the world.
Dr. Pompea has served as an educational consultant to NASA, the Denver Museum of Natural History, the state of Nebraska, and the Denver and Houston public school districts, as well as a number of private schools and curriculum programs.
Publisher's Web site:
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Soaring Through the Universe
Astronomy Through Children's Literature
by Joanne C. Letwinch
191 pages, March 1999
Book Description: Educators can launch excitement and learning in the classroom with the activities in this book. Adhering to the National Science Standards, Letwinch's useful guide is packed with engaging learning projects based on lively retellings of traditional folktales and myths. Everything needed to teach students about the Moon, the Sun, planets, stars, flight, and aerospace science is here -- from reproducible activities and project ideas to reading and reference lists.
Each chapter focuses on a theme, such as the Moon or the stars, and combines myths and stories with language arts, math, science, art, music, and multiple intelligences. For further exploration and learning, the author lists hundreds of additional resources -- even Web sites, musical resources, and organizations concerned with astronomy. Ideas that can be adapted to virtually any piece of literature are included in a final chapter.
Space science and exploration have become an increasingly important part of our everyday world, and today's students will undoubtedly use their knowledge of this area for the rest of their lives. With its practical blend of literature and science, this book stimulates student interest and learning. A wonderful resource for the teacher resource shelf in the school library, this book will appear to any educator who wants to liven up a science class.
Joanne C. Letwinch is a fourth-grade teacher at Haddonfield Public Schools in Haddonfield, New Jersey.
Publisher's Web site:
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Average customer review at Amazon.com: NOT YET RATED
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