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Lore of the Stars: Folklore and Wisdom from the Skies Above
Look up at the skies in wonder with this mystically illustrated treasury of folklore from above and beyond.
Did you know that people used to read the future in the flight of birds? That the constellations were thought to be mythological beings set in the sky? And that eclipses were seen as demonic omens?
For millennia, humans have looked to the heavens to explain the world around and above them. The myths, folktales, and lore that have arisen from these wonderings are as mysterious as they are varied—here, they're set down in a beautifully illustrated and engaging format for readers 6-12 years old . Lore of the Stars takes readers deep into space and back through the mists of time to discover the myriad answers to our most ancient questions .
Divided into six You will uncover the secrets of augury, the meanings of types of weather, stories explaining the birth of the Milky Way, and the beings and deities said to govern the worlds above.
Also in the
Did you know that people used to read the future in the flight of birds? That the constellations were thought to be mythological beings set in the sky? And that eclipses were seen as demonic omens?
For millennia, humans have looked to the heavens to explain the world around and above them. The myths, folktales, and lore that have arisen from these wonderings are as mysterious as they are varied—here, they're set down in a beautifully illustrated and engaging format for readers 6-12 years old . Lore of the Stars takes readers deep into space and back through the mists of time to discover the myriad answers to our most ancient questions .
Divided into six You will uncover the secrets of augury, the meanings of types of weather, stories explaining the birth of the Milky Way, and the beings and deities said to govern the worlds above.
Also in the
75 pages, Hardcover
Published October 3, 2023
53 people want to read
About the author
Claire Cock-Starkey
24 books25 followersI started out in media, working at BBC Radio Four and Five Live before going on to work at LBC. From there I found my spiritual home working with Ben Schott, starting out as researcher on the Sporting, Gaming and Idling Miscellany. I went on to help develop the format for Schott’s Almanac, working as Assistant Editor on the first two books before rising to become UK & Series Editor on the four subsequent UK books, three German and three US editions.
Working with Ben I also had the opportunity to assist with various miscellaneous offerings for The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Conde Nast Traveller, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Smythson diaries.
After producing a small team of children I decided it was time to set up on my own, so since 2011 I have been busily working as a freelance writer and editor – juggling writing books and articles, project managing a vast array of Lego building operations and editing and indexing a number of non-fiction titles.
I am happiest perched in the British Library reading rooms surrounded by a pile of obscure and fascinating books researching my next offering.
Working with Ben I also had the opportunity to assist with various miscellaneous offerings for The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Conde Nast Traveller, New York Times, Vanity Fair and Smythson diaries.
After producing a small team of children I decided it was time to set up on my own, so since 2011 I have been busily working as a freelance writer and editor – juggling writing books and articles, project managing a vast array of Lego building operations and editing and indexing a number of non-fiction titles.
I am happiest perched in the British Library reading rooms surrounded by a pile of obscure and fascinating books researching my next offering.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 29, 2025
The illustrations are just so pretty! It’s a book I will come back to again and again just to flip through the pages
October 7, 2023
Book Review: Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Indulge in the awe-inspiring beauty of the skies with this enchanting treasury of folklore. Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey invites readers to embark on a captivating exploration of time and space, delving into the myths, folktales, and legends that have evolved from humanity’s enduring fascination with the celestial realm.
Divided into six chapters, each dedicated to a different aspect of the celestial realm, this book engages readers aged 6-12 years old, providing them with a beautifully illustrated and engaging format to delve into the mysteries of our universe.
In Lore of the Stars, readers will uncover the secrets of ancient practices such as augury, where people used to read the future in the flight of birds. They will discover how constellations were once believed to be mythological beings set in the sky and how eclipses were seen as demonic omens. From stories explaining the birth of the Milky Way to the beings and deities said to govern the worlds above, this book invites readers to explore the myriad answers to our most ancient questions.
Thoughts on the Book
First off, let’s talk about that cover! Spectacular is an understatement. The bright and colorful design immediately draws you in, hinting at the visual feast that awaits inside. And indeed, Lore of the Stars delivers on its promise.
The illustrations throughout the book are simply breathtaking. Each page is adorned with gorgeous, vibrant artwork that brings the stories and concepts to life. The combination of factual information and richly told mythology stories makes reading through this book a truly immersive and visual delight.
What sets this book apart is its careful layout and organization. The chapters are thoughtfully divided, allowing readers to easily navigate through different aspects of celestial folklore. Whether you’re interested in learning about the sky, the sun, the moon, stars, planets, comets, or shooting stars - Lore of the Stars has something for everyone.
This book is not only entertaining but also educational. It seamlessly weaves together scientific knowledge with ancient beliefs, offering readers a holistic understanding of humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. It is a treasure trove of information that will captivate both young and curious minds.
Lore of the Stars would make an excellent gift for a budding historian or astronomer. It is also a perfect addition to the other books in the “Nature’s Folklore Series.” With its engaging storytelling and visually stunning illustrations, this book is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in readers of all ages.
In conclusion, Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. With its captivating artwork, well-researched content, and expertly crafted storytelling, this book offers a magical journey through time and space. Prepare to be enchanted by the wonders that lie above us all.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars
Indulge in the awe-inspiring beauty of the skies with this enchanting treasury of folklore. Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey invites readers to embark on a captivating exploration of time and space, delving into the myths, folktales, and legends that have evolved from humanity’s enduring fascination with the celestial realm.
Divided into six chapters, each dedicated to a different aspect of the celestial realm, this book engages readers aged 6-12 years old, providing them with a beautifully illustrated and engaging format to delve into the mysteries of our universe.
In Lore of the Stars, readers will uncover the secrets of ancient practices such as augury, where people used to read the future in the flight of birds. They will discover how constellations were once believed to be mythological beings set in the sky and how eclipses were seen as demonic omens. From stories explaining the birth of the Milky Way to the beings and deities said to govern the worlds above, this book invites readers to explore the myriad answers to our most ancient questions.
Thoughts on the Book
First off, let’s talk about that cover! Spectacular is an understatement. The bright and colorful design immediately draws you in, hinting at the visual feast that awaits inside. And indeed, Lore of the Stars delivers on its promise.
The illustrations throughout the book are simply breathtaking. Each page is adorned with gorgeous, vibrant artwork that brings the stories and concepts to life. The combination of factual information and richly told mythology stories makes reading through this book a truly immersive and visual delight.
What sets this book apart is its careful layout and organization. The chapters are thoughtfully divided, allowing readers to easily navigate through different aspects of celestial folklore. Whether you’re interested in learning about the sky, the sun, the moon, stars, planets, comets, or shooting stars - Lore of the Stars has something for everyone.
This book is not only entertaining but also educational. It seamlessly weaves together scientific knowledge with ancient beliefs, offering readers a holistic understanding of humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. It is a treasure trove of information that will captivate both young and curious minds.
Lore of the Stars would make an excellent gift for a budding historian or astronomer. It is also a perfect addition to the other books in the “Nature’s Folklore Series.” With its engaging storytelling and visually stunning illustrations, this book is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in readers of all ages.
In conclusion, Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the universe. With its captivating artwork, well-researched content, and expertly crafted storytelling, this book offers a magical journey through time and space. Prepare to be enchanted by the wonders that lie above us all.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 14, 2023
Fascinating. Fun. Thought Provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the "Lore of the Stars". While some of the myths and lore was familiar to me, I was delighted to find much to learn. Richly illustrated, its colorful renderings of the stories had me browsing through the book initially just to enjoy the pictures. Yeah, I'm a kid that way. I'm fuzzy on how to classify this one as it combines factual information with the whimsy and mythology of associated tales and stories. I know that I, for one, since I live in Alaska where the Aurora frequently appears in our darker winter months, will be mentally visualizing the magical horse-drawn carriages soaring above me according to the Estonian myth of the aurora, taking spirit guests to a magnificent wedding in the sky. Not bad entertainment, I'd say, and I've been lucky enough to stand on my own deck and enjoy the dancing lights as their colors dance above me.
But, anyway, I particularly liked that the tales were drawn from all over, showing both the differences and similarities of cultures. Animal symbolism was common in all, I noted. As noted, the whimsical illustrations added much to the magic derived from the realities of shared experiences of cultures around the world. While officially targeting older children, I would think any age level will thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, if you're like this no-longer-a-child, you'll find yourself going back to it repeatedly to flip through (I definitely suggest you get a print copy as it was a tad difficult to navigate all my meandering via digital) following your own whims.
It is, however, nicely organized and offers both a glossary and index at the end. As an adult, I rather wished for a more complete index but, well, for a children's book, it's ample. My favorite bit of lore changed repeatedly, so it's difficult to offer up a favorite, although being a dog person, I enjoyed the familiar story of Orion and his faithful spirit dog companions, Canis Major and Canis Minor, although the Cherokee tale of how the Milky Way came to be was not just fun but a new one to me.
Bottom line, if you've any interest in the mythology and lore of the sky above us, this one is for you. If you're a teacher, it should definitely be on your shelf. Heck, I'd think even a savvy science teacher could easily use it as a teaching tool to engage students' attention and imaginations. While my adult mind craved more full myths, there is so much to digest that this one will hold your attention and, as noted earlier, it's a book you'll want to revisit again and again. Thanks #NetGalley and ##QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this wonderful rendering of international lore/mythology attached to our heaves through the ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed this look at the "Lore of the Stars". While some of the myths and lore was familiar to me, I was delighted to find much to learn. Richly illustrated, its colorful renderings of the stories had me browsing through the book initially just to enjoy the pictures. Yeah, I'm a kid that way. I'm fuzzy on how to classify this one as it combines factual information with the whimsy and mythology of associated tales and stories. I know that I, for one, since I live in Alaska where the Aurora frequently appears in our darker winter months, will be mentally visualizing the magical horse-drawn carriages soaring above me according to the Estonian myth of the aurora, taking spirit guests to a magnificent wedding in the sky. Not bad entertainment, I'd say, and I've been lucky enough to stand on my own deck and enjoy the dancing lights as their colors dance above me.
But, anyway, I particularly liked that the tales were drawn from all over, showing both the differences and similarities of cultures. Animal symbolism was common in all, I noted. As noted, the whimsical illustrations added much to the magic derived from the realities of shared experiences of cultures around the world. While officially targeting older children, I would think any age level will thoroughly enjoy this one. In fact, if you're like this no-longer-a-child, you'll find yourself going back to it repeatedly to flip through (I definitely suggest you get a print copy as it was a tad difficult to navigate all my meandering via digital) following your own whims.
It is, however, nicely organized and offers both a glossary and index at the end. As an adult, I rather wished for a more complete index but, well, for a children's book, it's ample. My favorite bit of lore changed repeatedly, so it's difficult to offer up a favorite, although being a dog person, I enjoyed the familiar story of Orion and his faithful spirit dog companions, Canis Major and Canis Minor, although the Cherokee tale of how the Milky Way came to be was not just fun but a new one to me.
Bottom line, if you've any interest in the mythology and lore of the sky above us, this one is for you. If you're a teacher, it should definitely be on your shelf. Heck, I'd think even a savvy science teacher could easily use it as a teaching tool to engage students' attention and imaginations. While my adult mind craved more full myths, there is so much to digest that this one will hold your attention and, as noted earlier, it's a book you'll want to revisit again and again. Thanks #NetGalley and ##QuartoPublishingGroup - #WideEyedEditions for sharing this wonderful rendering of international lore/mythology attached to our heaves through the ages.
August 27, 2023
A very welcome return to my attention for this series, which looks at the world's thinking on a particular theme – in this instance, what we see when we look up to the skies and stars. Each major chunk gets a two-paged story from somewhere around the world (starting here in Nigeria, with how the sky got miffed at being eaten and taken for granted just too much), and we're then into double-paged spreads concerning specific things – aurorae, the moon, etc. And while these pages only bear short chunks of text in amongst their full-colour illustration, they do show the scope of this off very well. Not only do rainbows end at pots of treasure under the care of leprechauns, in amongst the five or six factoids they like everything else get, we have an Albanian goddess I'd not heard of, and what rainbows mean to her.
Oh, and we also get the science of things such as rainbows and eclipses, too – just so we know to split truth from mythology. And no, while that doesn't carry on with the creation of the sun, it's small details like that that make the success of this book – delving deeply into the riches of the world's lore, and coming up with the briefest of nuggets every time. And that's not just lore as the in major, well-known legends, but folkloric stuff such as what happens in Mexico if they sleep feet towards the dawn, what the Dutch think rain and sun simultaneously mean, etc. Knowledge of this is never going to be life-changing, but it's going to be fun witnessing it as presented here.
I'm just not sure why the making of the cosmos comes last – surely it was the other end of things? Either way, a strong four stars.
Oh, and we also get the science of things such as rainbows and eclipses, too – just so we know to split truth from mythology. And no, while that doesn't carry on with the creation of the sun, it's small details like that that make the success of this book – delving deeply into the riches of the world's lore, and coming up with the briefest of nuggets every time. And that's not just lore as the in major, well-known legends, but folkloric stuff such as what happens in Mexico if they sleep feet towards the dawn, what the Dutch think rain and sun simultaneously mean, etc. Knowledge of this is never going to be life-changing, but it's going to be fun witnessing it as presented here.
I'm just not sure why the making of the cosmos comes last – surely it was the other end of things? Either way, a strong four stars.
January 26, 2024
This is the third book of the Lore series and follows Lore of the Wild: Folklore and Wisdom from Nature* and Lore of the Land: Folklore and Wisdom from the Wild Earth*. All books of the Lore series have been written by Claire Cock-Starkey.
For millennia, humans have looked to the heavens to explain the world around and above them. The myths, folktales, and lore that have arisen from these wonderings are as mysterious as are varied. The Lore of the Stars is filled with mystery and beautifully illustrated pages that will take readers big and small deep into the skies above amongst the stars.
Book Review
At Curating Edits we are constantly falling in love with books published by Quarto Kids and Wide Eyed Editions, as is the Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey. The illustrations are so vibrant you are not only reading a beautiful book full of folklore and wisdom, but you are looking at an art piece.
Every chapter, of this book, is divided into six and is full of beauty and mystery. From The Sky, The Sun, The Moon, The Stars, Planets, Comets and Shooting Stars, and The Cosmos. It is full of magic and interest to learn about the traditional beliefs that existed years before us. This book is perfect for children of varied ages from 6 to 12 if you’re looking to add this book to your family’s book collection.
For millennia, humans have looked to the heavens to explain the world around and above them. The myths, folktales, and lore that have arisen from these wonderings are as mysterious as are varied. The Lore of the Stars is filled with mystery and beautifully illustrated pages that will take readers big and small deep into the skies above amongst the stars.
Book Review
At Curating Edits we are constantly falling in love with books published by Quarto Kids and Wide Eyed Editions, as is the Lore of the Stars by Claire Cock-Starkey. The illustrations are so vibrant you are not only reading a beautiful book full of folklore and wisdom, but you are looking at an art piece.
Every chapter, of this book, is divided into six and is full of beauty and mystery. From The Sky, The Sun, The Moon, The Stars, Planets, Comets and Shooting Stars, and The Cosmos. It is full of magic and interest to learn about the traditional beliefs that existed years before us. This book is perfect for children of varied ages from 6 to 12 if you’re looking to add this book to your family’s book collection.
February 18, 2024
This book is book thrre in the Nature's Folklore series. Written for young readers, preteen I think, it explores folklore about the constellations planets, comets and more. 6 chapters uncover the secrets of augury, the meanings of types of weather, stories explaining the birth of the Milky Way, and the beings and deities said to govern the worlds above. Written to engage the reader, the illustrations go a long ways into helping them understand.
January 2, 2024
Love mythology, folk tales and creation stories!! Some were old and some were new to me. Love the art as well!! Great book to start the new year with!!
April 15, 2024
M'agradaven més les il.lustracions dels altres. Però de contingut m'ha encantat
February 23, 2025
A very inclusive book about the lore of the stars from different cultural perspectives. Curious kids and adults will enjoy this
March 30, 2024
The heavens have been a source of wonder and mystery for more than any of us probably realise. We have evidence from ancient civilisations that thousands of years ago people were fascinated by the stars, intrigued by them and also able to use them as guides. After some time, we know that this fascination found its way into stories, into myth and folklore. People’s way of explaining these wonders and their purpose without any real knowledge other than what they could see and were told by others. The facts are often not wrong but the stories that have been woven around them are fascinating. Not only are they wonderful to read and listen to but they are fascinating for the insights they give us into our ancestors, around the world, their way of thinking, of creating story and of explaining a wonder. In Lore of the Stars Claire Cock-Starkey and Hannah Bess Ross regale us, using story and illustration, of the stories the heavens have inspired.
Did you know that there is a story explaining how the constellations were formed or how the planets got their names (I am actually listing to Holst’s the planets as I write this – a pure coincidence). Maybe you would like to know why the Milky Way is thought to be a guide to souls, helping them to reach the great beyond? These stories, and the answers they provide, their explanations are fascinating and awe inspiring. Every time I look to the skies I am fascinated, it would see I am not alone and now I also know more about the history of stargazers. Some would read the future in the flight of birds, others thought the constellations were mythological beings set in the sky and even than eclipses were demonic omens. Looking up into the heavens has helped humans to explain the world not only the one above them but the one around them too. With mysterious and varied stories from across the globe we can maybe find some answers, explore the storytelling art which created them, or perhaps make some new ones.
Did you know that there is a story explaining how the constellations were formed or how the planets got their names (I am actually listing to Holst’s the planets as I write this – a pure coincidence). Maybe you would like to know why the Milky Way is thought to be a guide to souls, helping them to reach the great beyond? These stories, and the answers they provide, their explanations are fascinating and awe inspiring. Every time I look to the skies I am fascinated, it would see I am not alone and now I also know more about the history of stargazers. Some would read the future in the flight of birds, others thought the constellations were mythological beings set in the sky and even than eclipses were demonic omens. Looking up into the heavens has helped humans to explain the world not only the one above them but the one around them too. With mysterious and varied stories from across the globe we can maybe find some answers, explore the storytelling art which created them, or perhaps make some new ones.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews