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Stars! Stars! Stars!
In this lively book, award-winning author-artist Bob Barner takes readers on a ride through outer space to visit distant planets and dazzling stars. The simple rhyming text and colorful torn-paper collage illustrations make this book perfect for the very youngest readers, and the Meet the Planets and Meet the Galaxy sections, both bursting with facts, will engage older readers as well. Stars! Stars! Stars! will rocket aspiring stargazers right out of this world!
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2002
28 people are currently reading
60 people want to read
About the author
Bob Barner
70 books16 followersBob Barner has been drawing since he was three years old. He graduated from the Columbus College of Art and Design, then moved to Boston where he was an art director at several advertising agencies and design studios. He was hired to help comic strip creator Al Capp draw Li'l Abner and studied with Milton Glaser at the School of Visual Arts in New York. He lives with his wife, Cathie, in San Francisco, California, where, in 2004, he was honored as a San Francisco Library Laureate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 24, 2024
2.5 stars
November 4, 2016
Bob Barner writes and illustrates this non-fiction book about space. The book explains about all of the different objects in space such as stars like the sun, planets like Mars and Venus, constellations, and the Milky Way Galaxy. At the end of the book, there is a picture glossary that briefly explains each of the objects mentioned in the book as well as a list of definitions for words like constellation, moon, and shooting star.
This book is space explained simply for ages 2 and up. The vocabulary is very simple, featuring only one sentence per page. If there is any complex vocabulary, it is mentioned in the glossary, so readers can look it up. The glossary might be better suited for adults so that they can be the ones to explain these terms to younger children.
The illustrations are fabulous. They aid the reader by illustrating the text. For example, when the sun is mentioned, there is a giant illustrated sun on the page. The colors are bright and vivid; using appropriate colors like deep blues, intense black, and fiery oranges, reds, and yellows. These are definitely illustrations that would attract a younger audience. They aren’t necessarily realistic, but the illustrations aren’t so far-fetched that children wouldn’t be able to recognize the object.
The only problem I have with this book is that Pluto is mentioned as a planet, which as of 2006 is no longer a planet, but a dwarf planet. This is acceptable, though, because this book was published in 2002. Parents, caregivers, teachers, or librarians who are reading this book to a child might want to mention the fact that Pluto “is too tiny to be a planet.” Other than that, this is an excellent non-fiction book for ages 2 and up; the book is short at 24 pages with full page spreads of bright and vivid illustrations featuring one sentence per page and the vocabulary is simple.
This book is space explained simply for ages 2 and up. The vocabulary is very simple, featuring only one sentence per page. If there is any complex vocabulary, it is mentioned in the glossary, so readers can look it up. The glossary might be better suited for adults so that they can be the ones to explain these terms to younger children.
The illustrations are fabulous. They aid the reader by illustrating the text. For example, when the sun is mentioned, there is a giant illustrated sun on the page. The colors are bright and vivid; using appropriate colors like deep blues, intense black, and fiery oranges, reds, and yellows. These are definitely illustrations that would attract a younger audience. They aren’t necessarily realistic, but the illustrations aren’t so far-fetched that children wouldn’t be able to recognize the object.
The only problem I have with this book is that Pluto is mentioned as a planet, which as of 2006 is no longer a planet, but a dwarf planet. This is acceptable, though, because this book was published in 2002. Parents, caregivers, teachers, or librarians who are reading this book to a child might want to mention the fact that Pluto “is too tiny to be a planet.” Other than that, this is an excellent non-fiction book for ages 2 and up; the book is short at 24 pages with full page spreads of bright and vivid illustrations featuring one sentence per page and the vocabulary is simple.
July 23, 2010
We’re looking for aliens. (There are none in this story, by the way, but ask if we’ve found some as you turn each page).
I used this as a “talk about” book rather than a “read-aloud” book, (although the rhyming text lends well to a cozy night-time book share). This is called “dialogic reading.” (For more info see: http://www.multcolib.org/birthtosix/e... )
• Stop at page 3&4 to sing (Song #1) “Bend and Stretch, Reach for the stars. Here comes Jupiter, there goes Mars.”
• Stop at page 5&6 and remark that these are constellations or shapes that people make by connecting stars into a picture. They look a little bit like aliens. Let’s keep looking.
• Stop at page 7&8, ask “Is THIS an alien?” No, it’s the sun! (which is actually a star).
• Stop at page 9&10 and recite,
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.
(Mention that the star we wish on is actually the planet Venus!)
• Stop at page 11&12 and ask if there are space aliens on earth (just for fun).
• Flip through the next few pages and stop at page 19&20. Ask if the silhouette shape is an alien.
• We didn’t find any aliens! We’d better try another book.
I used this as a “talk about” book rather than a “read-aloud” book, (although the rhyming text lends well to a cozy night-time book share). This is called “dialogic reading.” (For more info see: http://www.multcolib.org/birthtosix/e... )
• Stop at page 3&4 to sing (Song #1) “Bend and Stretch, Reach for the stars. Here comes Jupiter, there goes Mars.”
• Stop at page 5&6 and remark that these are constellations or shapes that people make by connecting stars into a picture. They look a little bit like aliens. Let’s keep looking.
• Stop at page 7&8, ask “Is THIS an alien?” No, it’s the sun! (which is actually a star).
• Stop at page 9&10 and recite,
Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might Have the wish I wish tonight.
(Mention that the star we wish on is actually the planet Venus!)
• Stop at page 11&12 and ask if there are space aliens on earth (just for fun).
• Flip through the next few pages and stop at page 19&20. Ask if the silhouette shape is an alien.
• We didn’t find any aliens! We’d better try another book.
September 14, 2017
Summary: In the story the author takes you through the Solar System and in sort of a poem manner explains what each of the planets are known for. At the end of the story there is a page that the author has created for more facts about each individual planet as well as terms that are used when describing the solar system such as gravity, galaxy, universe, asteroids, etc.
Evaluation: This book has a great take on the solar system that is a combination of facts as well as a poem sort of story line. It made it more engaging because of the way the author wrote the story and then concluded by adding additional facts at the end.
Teaching Idea: I would use this book as an activity when teaching about the solar system. I would use the definitions in the back as a resource as well when explaining other terms that go with the solar system. I would have the students pick their favorite planet and explain why and other facts about it.
Evaluation: This book has a great take on the solar system that is a combination of facts as well as a poem sort of story line. It made it more engaging because of the way the author wrote the story and then concluded by adding additional facts at the end.
Teaching Idea: I would use this book as an activity when teaching about the solar system. I would use the definitions in the back as a resource as well when explaining other terms that go with the solar system. I would have the students pick their favorite planet and explain why and other facts about it.
August 13, 2016
I’m more than a little bias towards space books geared towards kids. I’ve always loved the pure vastness and enormity of space, and if I had a kid I know I would try to pass that love on to them.
Stars! Stars! Stars! is a beautifully illustrated book that briefly visits each planet and a few stars that would be excellent for young readers especially if you are just beginning to introduce them to space. The back of the book even comes with a bit of info on each planet, as well as some key terms to help them understand the universe a bit more.
This one is definitely a keeper in my opinion. The only thing wrong with it is the fact that it’s a tad outdated and includes Pluto, but I don’t really think that is too much of a problem. Tiny kids don’t really see the difference in dwarf planets and normal ones anyway.
Stars! Stars! Stars! is a beautifully illustrated book that briefly visits each planet and a few stars that would be excellent for young readers especially if you are just beginning to introduce them to space. The back of the book even comes with a bit of info on each planet, as well as some key terms to help them understand the universe a bit more.
This one is definitely a keeper in my opinion. The only thing wrong with it is the fact that it’s a tad outdated and includes Pluto, but I don’t really think that is too much of a problem. Tiny kids don’t really see the difference in dwarf planets and normal ones anyway.
February 8, 2016
Great book that easily explains the different parts of the solar system to my 4 year old! He really likes it and I do too! However, we are young earth Creationists so we disagree on the millions of years but we just explain what we believe, skip over that part and he's fine with that and not a reason to ignore the book because it really is well written!! Another book we like that goes along with this from the American Museum of Natural History is ABC Universe that gives great definitions of the different things in space from A to Z.
November 7, 2014
Learn about the planets
December 19, 2016
A nice book for my moon & stars storytime, but most of the kids didn't follow it so well.
January 16, 2018
I found this book delightful. There are aspects where I wonder if it is a "fictional story", but the frame of the story is, as a young child looks up through a telescope in a excited desire to see stars. :-) Often times that could be where the depth of stars ends, and it is more about the story, but here the author, Bob Barner, shares information about stars in such an exciting and approachable way--almost as a surprise that you are learning. I had one of those, "oh wait, that's accurate"moments, that caused me to read closer.
June 20, 2019
The text is simple enough for toddlers, but if you use it as a backbone for discussion, this can also work in a preK story time. Illustrations are great and there's a section at the back called Meet the Planets! and another one called Meet the Universe! with lots of good info to share. If you want to use it with preschoolers, definitely prep yourself first because there's not enough text on each page to keep them engaged for long.
May 29, 2020
Explore the solar system, galaxy, and universe with pleasing rhythmic text and eye catching illustrations. Mildly informational text appropriate for reading for enjoyment or to catch interest at the start of a study unit. A nice introduction to space topics for early elementary kids.
February 4, 2022
Stars! Stars! Stars!
Super-cute book, it made me sigh "aww" several times!
Whenever you want to say "I Love You" to a loved one, this is one of the books to pick.
Smart and sweet text, nice illustrations of the cow in black, white and red.
Perfect for all ages.
Super-cute book, it made me sigh "aww" several times!
Whenever you want to say "I Love You" to a loved one, this is one of the books to pick.
Smart and sweet text, nice illustrations of the cow in black, white and red.
Perfect for all ages.
March 21, 2018
Perfect for storytime for the little guys
October 18, 2018
Great for storytime.
December 1, 2018
This is a great book for young readers. It not only can be used to introduce poetry, but it is informational as well.
January 17, 2019
2.5* - Extra 1/2 star cuz Pluto gets to be a planet in this book. :)
October 8, 2019
Very sweet
so informative and cute! I loved it. It gave a nice and simple overview of our solar system and the planet's in it.
so informative and cute! I loved it. It gave a nice and simple overview of our solar system and the planet's in it.
November 20, 2019
Published in 2002
This non fiction teaches students all about space. I could use this in my classroom as an introduction to space!
This non fiction teaches students all about space. I could use this in my classroom as an introduction to space!
January 10, 2021
A very pleasant book with easy rhymes and explanations about one of my favorite subjects.
April 8, 2021
I love learning more about the stars and the planets and the other objects in the night sky. I especially loved learning that Venus is almost always the first star people see at night.
November 18, 2025
Stars! Stars! Stars! by Bob Barner - The story part at the beginning is cute, and the end of the story is full of facts. So it is best of both worlds for a little reader! Happy Reading!
Read
December 1, 2016This non-fictional book is all about the stars, planets, and the galaxy. It starts off as a fun read and a picture book for children, then it transitions from story to stating facts, still keeping pictures, but going in depth more about all the things in space previously talked about in the book. This book is an easy read for children third grade and up because of the size of font and wording chosen, and the information is presented in a way where is doesn't come across as boring for the reader. It is almost disguised as a fictional picture book. In my class I would use this to start a unit on space. I would first ask the students what they knew about space, read the book, then add or take away from the list by using the information presented to us in the text.
September 10, 2016
I enjoyed this book the most but my opinion is a bit bias due to my interests. My Father is very big into Astronomy and hooked me when I was young. For my children, students or offspring, I would recommend this book. Because I find the stars fascinating and can't help but want to share that. I thought this book would be a good introduction to Astronomy. It is perfect for children. Which means it doesn't go too deep but leave room for the kids to ask questions and find the answers. Overall it was very informational and fascinating.
April 14, 2014
In this lively book, award-winning author-artist Bob Barner takes readers on a ride through outer space to visit distant planets and dazzling stars. The simple rhyming text and colorful torn-paper collage illustrations make this book perfect for the very youngest readers, and the Meet the Planets and Meet the Galaxy sections, both bursting with facts, will engage older
March 1, 2015
I really liked the illustrations in this book. It also gives good basic facts about our solar system throughout the story and at the end more information. I think it would definitely be a good story to introduce children to the planets. And I still claim Pluto as a planet even though its lost its title. :(
May 21, 2013
Bob Barner's books are a staple in my classroom (and are a valued support to my science curriculum). The illustrations in Stars! Stars! Stars! are beautiful, the text is simple, and the children really engage with the book.
December 2, 2008
What a great way to introduce kids to the planets, stars and greater universe.
May 3, 2012
Would be great for a space unit.
December 19, 2016
Read at Baby/Toddler Story Time on 6/26/12: http://storytimesecrets.blogspot.com/...
July 16, 2012
Kids love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews