Constellations for Kids - by Kelsey Johnson

About the Book

Over thousands of years, stargazers have noticed shapes in the stars, also called constellations. Different cultures have seen mythical animals and heroes within these constellations, and many travelers have used the stars as a guide for their journeys. This book will show young astronomers how to read the night sky as they discover more than 20 unique constellations. From Canis Major to Cassiopeia, each constellation includes easy-to-check sky maps with bright illustrations and guidance on the direction and how high from the horizon you'll need to look. You'll also find step-by-steps on how to use other stars to guide the way, plus a look at the mythology behind each constellation.

Book Synopsis

Explore the constellations with this guide to navigating the sky for kids ages 6 to 9.

Over thousands of years, stargazers have noticed shapes in the stars, also called constellations. Different cultures have seen mythical animals and heroes within these constellations, and many travelers have used the stars as a guide for their journeys. Constellations for Kids will show young astronomers how to read the night sky as they discover more than 25 unique constellations and further their knowledge of outer space and the solar world.

From Canis Major to Cassiopeia, each constellation includes easy-to-read sky maps and step-by-step instructions for identifying it in the night sky. You'll also learn how to use bright stars as guides to show you where to find each constellation.

This constellations book includes:

• BEGINNER-FRIENDLY CONTENT: Build up your knowledge of astronomical science with simple explanations of key concepts that help you gain a solid understanding of stargazing.
• SIMPLE LINE ILLUSTRATIONS: Easily see the shape of each constellation thanks to line illustrations overlaid on the night sky.
• FUN FACTS MYTHOLOGY: Learn about all kinds of cool celestial facts and ancient mythology. Did you know Lyra is the only Greek constellation that is a musical instrument?

Explore the stories written in the stars with this fun guide to the constellations.

Review Quotes

"Constellations for Kids will appeal to the natural curiosity children bring to worlds beyond our own. The author has provided text and illustrations that are inviting and accessible to readers. Kelsey Johnson combines her deep knowledge of astronomy with her deep and passionate understanding of children. This book deserves a place in every elementary and middle school library." --Art Stow, Associate Middle School Principal

"I love Dr. Johnson's simple approach to helping kids learn the constellations. It should not only help kids appreciate the night sky but should also motivate them to learn more about astronomy and science and in general." --Jeffrey Bennett, Founder of Big Kid Science

"One of the most daunting tasks for a novice stargazer is learning to identify constellations. However, Kelsey Johnson makes it a snap with easy-to-understand directions, simple drawings, and fun descriptions of the stars. Constellations for Kids is your roadmap to the sky!" --Phil Plait, Founder of Bad Astronomy and author

"This book is a great addition to classroom and home bookshelves. Constellations for Kids helps children learn tools to find the same patterns in the night sky (NGSS 1-ESS1-1, ESS1.A) and connects STEM and social studies through the stories ancient people imagined in the constellations. It inspires observing, imagining, and wondering about the universe we live in." --Danielle Harlow, Professor of Science Education, UC Santa Barbara