Zoo in the Sky : A Book of Animal Constellations - Softcover

Jacqueline Mitton

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0711213194 ISBN 13: 9780711213197

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, 1999

Synopsis

Featuring constellations named after animals, birds and fishes, this text introduces young children to a "zoo" in the sky. Sky maps and an information spread on the night sky, stars and galaxies are also included.

About this title

Review

People have always looked up at the stars in wonder, seeking patterns in the sky. This gorgeous picture book, published by the National Geographic Society, introduces children to the constellations that are named for animals--Leo the Lion, the Great Bear and Little Bear, and many more. Christina Balit's striking paintings showcase each constellation against a deep blue background--animals or fantastical beasts positioned in the dark night sky, with the individual stars, metallic and iridescent, superimposed upon them. Each image is accompanied by a short, engaging, often dramatized description of the group of stars and the legends surrounding it, written by distinguished astronomer and writer Dr. Jacqueline Mitton: "Charging through the zodiac, here comes the Bull. Head down, horns thrust forward, Taurus is ready to toss the twins. But they are safe, always on the other side of the Milky Way." The front and endpapers are star maps that show the actual constellations of both the southern and northern skies. Mitton also offers a brief introduction to the constellations and two pages of related discussion on astronomy at the book's end. A lovely choice for anyone interested in the mysteries of the night sky. (Click to see a sample spread. Text © 1998 Jacqueline Mitton. Illustrations © 1998 Christina Balit.) (Ages 6 to 10) --Marcie Bovetz

About the Author

CHRISTINA BALIT was born in Manchester but grew up in the Middle East. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, and also attended Morley Theatre School and Questors Theatre School. She has exhibited widely and is also a playwright. Her books have won several nominations, commendations and a shortlist place for the Kate Greenway Medal. Kingdom of the Sun (written by Jaqueline Mitton), won the 2002 English Association Award for non-fiction. JACQUELINE MITTON holds an MA in physics from the University of Oxford and a doctorate in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge. A distinguished writer on astronomy, She has had more than 20 books published. Asteroid 4027 was named 'Mitton' for Jacqueline and her husband, the astronomer Simon Mitton, by the International Astronomical Union in 1990. Her books for Frances Lincoln include Zoo in the Sky, Once Upon a Starry Night, The Planet Gods, and Zodiac. Jacqueline lives in Cambridge.

Edition details

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 0711213194
• ISBN 13: 9780711213197
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 32