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Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Hélène Courtois
Introducing our luminous address in the universe—and the determined woman scientist who mapped it with her team.
Growing up in a small French village, Hélène Courtois had big questions about the world around her. Avidly, she observed the trails, roads, and water pathways traversing planet Earth; but her mind always wandered higher, toward the night sky. What would a map of “out there,” beyond the moon, look like? The question traveled with her to university, where curious Hélène—often the only woman in her science classes—learned to map the compositions of galaxies. Numbers swam with the stars in her brain, and after years of wonder and experimentation, Hélène and her team make a dazzling discovery—a supercluster of galaxies they name Laniakea, home to our very own Milky Way. With fascinating back matter, illustrations that shine on the page, and a lyrical text written in consultation with astrophysicist Hélène Courtois—who continues to illuminate our view of the cosmic landscape—this portrait of a contemporary female scientist will light up young minds and inspire future sky gazers and galaxy mappers to look up and dream large.
Growing up in a small French village, Hélène Courtois had big questions about the world around her. Avidly, she observed the trails, roads, and water pathways traversing planet Earth; but her mind always wandered higher, toward the night sky. What would a map of “out there,” beyond the moon, look like? The question traveled with her to university, where curious Hélène—often the only woman in her science classes—learned to map the compositions of galaxies. Numbers swam with the stars in her brain, and after years of wonder and experimentation, Hélène and her team make a dazzling discovery—a supercluster of galaxies they name Laniakea, home to our very own Milky Way. With fascinating back matter, illustrations that shine on the page, and a lyrical text written in consultation with astrophysicist Hélène Courtois—who continues to illuminate our view of the cosmic landscape—this portrait of a contemporary female scientist will light up young minds and inspire future sky gazers and galaxy mappers to look up and dream large.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2025
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 17, 2025
This is a picfturebook biographical story of a girl born in 1970 who was inquisitive. She observed, questioned, and had ideas. She, in my opinion, was blessed to have had parents who provided surroundings and activities that encouraged and allowed her curosity to flourish. She is also the fortunate beneficiary of the achievements of women who blazed the way for women's inclusion into scientific fields of study.
Growing up in the alps, she hiked and had trail maps to guide her. She went on to study other maping ways. She found interest in gazing at the moon with her bird watching binoculars. She loved the night sky.
Being highly intelligent she attended university (first in her family) intending to study medicine. Soon she found her interest more aligned with the stars and commenced the study of astrophysics.
She became a trail blazer herself in mapping the Universe discovering the "Great Attracter" which was a mass of galaxies including our own Milky Way.
A wonderful biographic book for young readers. Beautifully illustrated and includes a bit about the aurora borealis--the northern lights. Also in the story is the high level of mathematics required for the field of study. I found a detractor in the black print against dark backgrounds difficult to read. A slightly larger font would have also helped.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
Growing up in the alps, she hiked and had trail maps to guide her. She went on to study other maping ways. She found interest in gazing at the moon with her bird watching binoculars. She loved the night sky.
Being highly intelligent she attended university (first in her family) intending to study medicine. Soon she found her interest more aligned with the stars and commenced the study of astrophysics.
She became a trail blazer herself in mapping the Universe discovering the "Great Attracter" which was a mass of galaxies including our own Milky Way.
A wonderful biographic book for young readers. Beautifully illustrated and includes a bit about the aurora borealis--the northern lights. Also in the story is the high level of mathematics required for the field of study. I found a detractor in the black print against dark backgrounds difficult to read. A slightly larger font would have also helped.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
January 7, 2026
Growing up in the 1970's in the Alpine region of France, Helene Courtois loved the outdoors and her nightly visits with the moon in the night sky. When she finally got to college, she found her calling to be an Astrophysicist of which there were very few women at that time. Her work included mapping the location and movement of 1000+ galaxies. She found that they are all moving like a waterfall and gave a new name to this supercluster of galaxies, Laniakea- or Immense Heaven. Her discoveries have changed how we understand the heavens.
This picture book biography would be a good read aloud for groups and classes ages 5-9. The science is very detailed which would make it a wonderful addition to science units about more complex astronomy topics like galaxies. The story moves from her childhood to present day with a repeating refrain that ties it all together exceptionally well. The digital illustrations are richly done and visually appealing in context with the text.
Additional resources include a timeline, glossary, short bios of other women in Astronomy, and what makes a good location for a giant telescope.
I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
This picture book biography would be a good read aloud for groups and classes ages 5-9. The science is very detailed which would make it a wonderful addition to science units about more complex astronomy topics like galaxies. The story moves from her childhood to present day with a repeating refrain that ties it all together exceptionally well. The digital illustrations are richly done and visually appealing in context with the text.
Additional resources include a timeline, glossary, short bios of other women in Astronomy, and what makes a good location for a giant telescope.
I would recommend this book for purchase by elementary school and public libraries.
This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.
December 5, 2025
This well-researched book is a fascinating story about astrophysicist Hélène Courtois who achieved great steps in cosmic discoveries while learning to map the universe. Unlike many picture book biographies, while reading I was struck by the fact that Hélène is of our time and still passionate about her work, which perhaps makes her even more inspiring to today’s kids. The illustrations are striking and beautifully complement Summers’ lyrical writing. Great back matter, too. A nice purchase for school libraries in particular.
January 9, 2026
Interesting information; good biography for stem education; sometimes the text was difficult to see against the darker background color of some of the illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews