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Picture Book Discoveries
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Mackfam
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Posted: March 23 2011 at 11:42am | IP Logged Quote Mackfam
Zoo in the Sky by Jacqueline Mitton

This is a stunning picture book that my 6 yo and I are really enjoying right now! Both his older siblings are studying Astronomy so I wanted some books for him that were beautiful, instructive, but able to be understood on his level. Frankly, I've always had trouble *seeing* the images in the constellations so I set out to find something to help me and this book did not disappoint!

The book (and others in the series) is published by the National Geographic Society. The front inside cover contains a wonderful star map of the Northern Sky and the facing page contains the Southern Sky with a simple explanation of each star map. Very helpful to us has been the key at the bottom of the pages which includes both the Latin and the English name of the constellation (Example: Canis Major :: the Great Dog).

Each 2 page spread has a detailed and lovely illustration of an animal constellation. Occasionally, there are two animal constellations on one two-page spread, especially if the constellations are near each other in the sky (example: Canis Major and Canis Minor). What makes this book unique and helpful, is that within the rich and colorful illustrations there are bright, holographic (but don't think *cheesy*) stars indicating the placement of the stars within the constellation. It has really been helpful in placing the star in an imaginary image of the animal it represents! Another feature we have really enjoyed is that special stars are set off, for example Polaris is mentioned as part of the tail of Canis Minor (Little Bear), and the bright Regulus, near the heart of Leo. My son loves the red star Aldebaran which makes a fierce looking eye to the Bull.

The explanations are simple and point out major features. The last two page spread of the picture book is devoted to a little more explanation:

:: What are the stars?
:: The sky above you
:: The constellations

Wonderful picture book for understanding, learning about, and identifying *animal* constellations. (Note, there is another book that covers the constellations that are named for mythical creatures.)

It would be appropriate for almost any age - I found my high schooler sitting with it.    I'd say the best ages would be 6 - 10.

stars constellations astronomy

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