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

Jacqueline Mitton

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 079227069X ISBN 13: 9780792270690

Publisher: National Geographic Kids, 1998

Synopsis

Large, vibrant paintings and shimmering foil stars make a brilliant connection between age-old stargazing tales and the constellations. Full-color illustrations with silver foil highlights.

About this title

About the Author

Dr. Jacqueline Mitton holds a Ph.D. in astrophysics from the University of Cambridge. In addition to writing about astronomy, Dr. Mitton works as the Public Relations Officer for the Royal Astronomical Society in England.

Reviews

PreSchool-Grade 3-Mitton highlights the animals represented in the zodiac by superimposing shiny metallic stars to outline the constellations on colorful and lush paintings of the creatures. The effect is visually stunning, although the shape of the constellation is not always easily discerned against the visual activity of the background. Celestial maps on the endpapers provide clarifying references, however, and with a little study, the shapes in the paintings begin to emerge. This is an attractive introduction to astronomy, and can be used as an entree to disciplines such as mythology or folklore. In addition, the simple, poetic descriptions will capture the attention of preschoolers and early elementary-age children alike. A brief explanation of stars and constellations rounds out this lovely and unusual offering.
Donna L. Scanlon, Lancaster County Library, PA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Using sparkling silver stars to indicate animal constellations in the night sky, this colorful picture book certainly has eye appeal. Each turn of the page brings another horizontal spread featuring one constellation, delineated by the shining stars and fleshed out with a well-designed, brilliantly colored portrait of the beast. The accompanying text generally consists of five or six lines, such as, "The Scorpian has a nasty sting in his tail. Beware as he scuttles across the Milky Way." Mitton, with a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Cambridge, limits herself to this rather fanciful and disjointed accompaniment to the well-designed illustrations until the last two pages, which are given over to excellent discussions of stars, the constellations, and the night sky. Sky maps appear on the endpapers. Students researching individual constellations will need more substance; however, younger children will find this a visually dynamic introduction to the animal constellations. Carolyn Phelan

Edition details

• Publisher: National Geographic Kids
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 079227069X
• ISBN 13: 9780792270690
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32