A Kid's Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways to Explore the Universe

by John Read (Author)

A Kid's Guide to the Night Sky: Simple Ways to Explore the Universe
Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

Learn how to stargaze and discover the most amazing sights in the night sky--no telescope required!

This easy-to-use stargazing guide for kids explores the popular night sky constellations, visits the brightest stars, and tours our solar system. As they learn step-by-step how to find the most fascinating sights in the night sky, readers will learn how the sky changes with each season, when to look for meteor showers, how to see the milky way, and much more!

A Kid's Guide to the Night Sky includes fact-packed sections like:

  • Your Stargazing Toolkit
  • The Life of a Star
  • Learn the Constellations
  • Astronomical Events
  • Tour the Solar System
  • Explore the Moon
Select format:
Paperback
$12.99

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4–A new look through an old lens that makes stargazing easy and educational without a telescope. This introduction to the night sky invites readers to approach new ideas by looking at familiar constellations. Core concepts in astronomy, such as seasonal changes, life cycles of stars, and star setting, are addressed with visual aids. Also included is some planetary information, but that inclusion is framed within the context of the naked eye viewing. Much of the artwork comes from NASA images of selected heavenly bodies, but there are also artistic renderings of constellations. Since a selection of well-known constellations are a large part of this work, the stories of their patterns are included with drawings of the characters or animals superimposed on the respective constellation. Using these constellations allows for a rooted place for stargazers to search each night during the selected season, which can be helpful for newcomers. Unfortunately, the text contains a contradiction of fact, indicating that planets were discovered in 1608, and people didn’t know what they were. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543) by Nicolaus Copernicus famously mentions planets in a heliocentric model decades before with labeled diagrams. Back matter includes a glossary, further reading, and instructions on how to use a telescope.

VERDICT A novice, friendly approach to stargazing without equipment year-round that would circulate well due to ease of use and the creator’s connected “Learn to Stargaze” YouTube channel. 

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission. 

ALA/Booklist

There's an entire chapter on the moon, and other topics include satellites, eclipses, comets, and auroras. Illuminating back matter includes a glossary, bibliography, and tips on how to use binoculars and telescopes. Backed up by YouTube videos, this practical manual will engage inquisitive astronomers.

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781464231070
Lexile Measure
940
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Sourcebooks Explore
Publication date
October 01, 2024
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF051010 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Technology | Aeronautics, Astronautics & Space Science
JNF048000 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Reference | General
JNF051040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Astronomy
Library of Congress categories
-

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