A Star Explodes - by James Gladstone (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Supernovae explosions are relatively rare in our galaxy, and so the few that are recorded in historical documents take on special meaning. This is a story about a supernova that appeared in the year 1054 and the Crab Nebula remnant that was created by that explosion. The supernova of 1054 was one of the brightest supernova events recorded in history. And its remnant, the Crab Nebula, is still studied today. The story begins at the moment of a supernova explosion that occurred roughly 6000 to 6500 years ago. The narrative then travels forward in time to the year 1054, when a young astronomer and the people of the Chinese court see the light of this supernova appear suddenly in Earth's sky. They called this light a 'guest star.' After a couple of years, when the light of the guest star fades, the story takes the reader into deep space to see the remnant of this supernova -- the Crab Nebula -- followed by a continuing trip forward in time. Over the remaining pages, it is revealed that the Chinese "guest star" was the light of that long-ago supernova blast, and that the Crab Nebula is that supernova's remains. At the end of the book, readers are invited to imagine a time when they, too, might see the rare event of a supernova shining in the sky."--

Book Synopsis

An exploding star in the year 1054 creates fascinating remnants still seen today

The supernova of 1054 was one of the brightest supernova events recorded in history. And its remnant, the Crab Nebula, is still studied today.

Beginning at the moment of a supernova explosion thousands of years ago, this story travels forward in time to 1054, the year people around the world saw the unparalleled light of an exploding star appear in Earth's sky. The story then travels deep into space to see the remnant of this supernova--the Crab Nebula--followed by a continuing trip forward in time.

Taking a unique approach integrating astronomy, cultural history, and advances in technology, the book encourages readers to think about the world around them and their place in the universe. Told in minimal, poetic text with stunning watercolor and ink illustrations, the book closes with an invitation for readers to imagine a time when they, too, might see the rare event of a supernova shining in the sky.

Review Quotes

"[Gladstone] always blends the elegance of the scientific world with the factual ... [Eshet] takes us into the heavens, into history, and into glorious landscapes across our world."

-- "CanLit for Little Canadians"

"A simple introduction to a fascinating topic."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"Along with engagingly presented science details and an attractive timeline, a highlight of this work is the feeling of camaraderie it promises to generate in readers, who will meet a relatable, awestruck child gazing at the sky just like they do ... A worthy, artful science purchase."

-- "Booklist"

"Beautifully composed, impressively 'kid friendly' in commentary and presentation, A Star Explodes is an entertainingly informative and unreservedly recommended addition."

-- "Children's Bookwatch"

"Gladstone ensures the backbones of his stories are based in research and fact ... It's made all the more captivating with the watercolour and ink artwork by Yaara Eshet."

-- "Quill & Quire"

"Lyrically captures the mysteries of the vast universe while also linking those who marvel at them."

-- "Shelf Awareness"

"The finely detailed pastel illustrations are lovely ... Stargazing buffs may enjoy this book about a unique astronomical event."

-- "School Library Journal"