The Prince of Stars - by M O Yuksel (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From M. O. Yuksel, author of In My Mosque, One Wish, and Ramadan Kareem, comes the first picture book biography of Ulugh Beg, an extraordinary Muslim man who charted the stars and discovered why seasons change and the length of a year, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia.

Ulugh Beg's curiosity burned as bright as the stars. He yearned to count every star in the sky, every day in a year, and to know why the seasons change. Fueled by his deep faith, Ulugh Beg's quest for knowledge led to the creation of new schools, the world's largest observatory and star catalog, and innovative tools to better chart the secrets of the skies. Although some doubted him, he never stopped searching for answers. And because of his determination, our understanding of the world has changed--forever.

With lyrical text by award-winning author M. O. Yuksel and captivating illustrations by Zelma Firdauzia, this portrait of a trailblazing Muslim astronomer reminds us just how far curiosity can take us

Review Quotes

"Enlightening and infused with a great sense of wonder, Yuksel's picture-book biography is a much-needed addition to an existing repertoire of books featuring Muslim heroes. As dreamy as the night skies so loved by Ulugh Beg, Firdauzia's digitally created illustrations chronicle the subject's growth from a young inquisitive boy to an accomplished mathematician and astronomer. This already greatly informative work wraps up with even more content in the backmatter. A luminous tribute to a notable figure that's sure to satisfy--and inspire--inquisitive minds." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

"Fifteenth-century prince Ulugh Beg's passion for science propels this polished picture book biography, which also shines light on astronomy's early history... Firdauzia's unlined digital renderings draw heavily on Islamic geometric patterns while Yuksel's straightforward narration puts full emphasis on the figure's remarkable accomplishments." -- Publishers Weekly

"Take one little boy brimming with curiosity, surrounded by nature and opportunity, supported by the best teachers... and you find young Ulugh Beg, who becomes one of the world's most accomplished scientists... A biography to add flair and depth to math and science curricula, reminding readers of how knowledge is constructed." -- Booklist