cover image Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations

Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations

Sara Gillingham. Phaidon, $24.95 (216p) ISBN 978-0-7148-7772-3

This sophisticated handbook names and identifies each of the 88 constellations. Opening sections explore how people “began to see pictures in the sky,” and how the telescope and world exploration led to the discovery of more stars. Gillingham shows how the star formations suggest shapes; each constellation appears in turquoise and brown and is set strikingly against dark blue. Readers will learn the stories and myths for which each was named. With its elegant visuals and spare presentation, the volume is better suited to browsing than to serving as a detailed reference, though end pages include star maps and lists of educational resources. Ages 7–10.[em] (Nov.) [/em]