The Big Dipper and You

Presents what is known today and past beliefs about the Big Dipper, or Ursa Major, and gives added information on the North Star, or Polaris

Kindergarten-Grade 3-- An entertaining, informative, and simple presentation for young astronomers. Krupp describes the constellation and its use in locating the North Star, the apparent rotation, the rising and setting of stars, and points out that the stars in a constellation aren't really grouped together in space. He explains how some cultures used the Big Dipper to keep track of the seasons, and points out that the name given to the constellation varies from culture to culture. The illustrations, powerful pencil drawings, will help children visualize the abstract concepts being presented, while adding humor and great visual appeal. Krupp even touches on the shifting of the North Star caused by the wobble in the earth's rotation. Two small quibbles. . .the use of the Dipper to tell time (hours) is mentioned but not really explained, and even in the country well water doesn't usually require the use of a bucket and dipper these days. These minor difficulties will not detract from the overall usefulness of the title, which can easily hold its own when compared with titles in the "Let's Read and Find Out" science series (Crowell). --Elaine Fort Weischedel, Turner Free Library, Randolph, MA
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