'A handsome portrait gallery and finding guide for the 88 "official" constellations. Unlike most guides for young stargazers, which introduce just a few select constellations, this systematic catalog goes for the whole modern, International Astronomical Union-standardized roster ... It's digestibly arranged and presented grist for young readers with a budding or even latent interest in sky watching.' – Kirkus Reviews
'A graphically stunning, comprehensive introduction to the constellations. This artful and accessible introduction to constellations equips readers with the information they need to locate, name and explain all 88 internationally recognised constellations.' – All About Space
'From the beautiful foil stamped jacket to the interior this is an exciting, vibrant publication. The layout is clear and accessible, starting with the background to the constellations, how to use the book, how to identify the constellations, and the best conditions to stargaze, inviting younger readers to look up and observe the stars as they listen to the ancient stories, or create their own! ... A beautiful introductory book for young stargazers!' – Hot Brands and Cool Places
'The clocks have gone back, the nights are longer and oh baby it's cold outside, but if you wrap up in your winter woollies and venture outside, you will discover nature's most illuminating and spectacular free show in the sky up above.' – NI 4 KIDS
'The ultimate book for budding star gazers. Seeing Stars from Phaidon is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to know more about our solar system and the stars within it from a historical and artistic perspective... A beautiful book for age 7 to adult that is fascinating and a great reference point for those clear nights... Despite focusing on the history of the constellations there is also up to the minute advice on apps for your phone or websites to expand your learning.' –Coombe Mill
'To capture the wonder of the night sky, it takes a gorgeous volume like this.' – Booklist
'Budding stargazers will devour this guide offering the stories behind each star group, and how to find them in the night sky.' – Air & Space Magazine
'For the young explorer ... A beautifully designed accessible guide to the constellations.' – Town & Country Magazine
'A graphically stunning, comprehensive introduction to the constellations. This artful and accessible collection equips readers with the information they need to locate, name, and explain 88 constellations.' – East Bay Express
'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.' – Publishers Weekly
'Books don't get much more beautiful than this one ... Will appeal to students interested in the night sky and would be fun to use as a school club on astronomy. AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH.' – Kiss the Book Jr.
'My constellation IQ definitely spiked up after reading this book.' – The Columbian
'For the budding astronomists and mythology nerds ... Sara Gillingham has written a book that is sure to make any curious student delighted. Chock-full of graphic designs and entertaining stories, this book is sure to answer all the questions your kids have (and haven't) asked ... Seeing Stars: A Seeing Guide to the 88 Constellations is the perfect book to quench a learner's thirst and spark a deeper love for astronomy.' – Little Reader Reviews
'An incredible ode to the magical balls of fire in our skies and the stories they've inspired for Millenia.' – Reading Ninja
2018-10-15
A handsome portrait gallery and finding guide for the 88 "official" constellations.
Unlike most guides for young stargazers, which introduce just a few select constellations, this systematic catalog goes for the whole modern, International Astronomical Union-standardized roster. Following a historical introduction, the author groups all 88 by age and then type, presenting in each tidy entry a small sky map opposite a full-page, fleshed-out image, a verbal description of the constellation's shape, the Arabic and Latin names of at least one featured star, associated asterisms, and brief explanations or paraphrased versions of background myths. These last are, unfortunately, colorless ("Prometheus was tied to a rock and an eagle was sent to peck at him every day as punishment." Peck?!?). Worse, notwithstanding vague references to star myths in "many cultures" and a set of relevant URLs in the back, with rare exceptions they are confined to ancient Greek tales alone. Gillingham's stylized figures are serigraphic in look with golden brown and turquoise as featured hues; she neatly sidesteps the problematic "Indus (The Indian)" by inviting readers to imagine their own overlays. She closes with a full set of larger seasonal star maps, but actual nocturnal expeditions will be better served by the interactive apps and other resources she mentions in the endmatter.
Disappointingly narrow in cultural perspective, nevertheless it's digestibly arranged and presented grist for young readers with a budding or even latent interest in sky watching. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)
