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Stargazers
After the sun sets, on clear nights points of light begin to appear in the sky. But when we look up at the night sky, what are we seeing?
Basic facts about the stars, as well as how we look at and learn about them, are introduced through simple text and bold illustrations. From ancient names for constellations to modern innovations in telescope technology, this book covers a broad range of ideas without overwhelming the reader. It introduces and reinforces important vocabulary for the aspiring astronomer, explaining everything in clear, simple phrases.
Nonfiction master Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children’s writer-illustrator" according to The Washington Post.
This book includes a brief timeline of major advances in astronomy, written in concise, kid-friendly language, and a wealth of fun facts and trivia about the stars.
Basic facts about the stars, as well as how we look at and learn about them, are introduced through simple text and bold illustrations. From ancient names for constellations to modern innovations in telescope technology, this book covers a broad range of ideas without overwhelming the reader. It introduces and reinforces important vocabulary for the aspiring astronomer, explaining everything in clear, simple phrases.
Nonfiction master Gail Gibbons "has taught more preschoolers and early readers about the world than any other children’s writer-illustrator" according to The Washington Post.
This book includes a brief timeline of major advances in astronomy, written in concise, kid-friendly language, and a wealth of fun facts and trivia about the stars.
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1992
2 people are currently reading
118 people want to read
About the author
Gail Gibbons
225 books164 followersFrom gailgibbons.com: I was born in Oak Park, Illinois, in 1944. Even as a little child, I was always busy putting books together. Sometimes I would bind them with yarn to hold the pages together. I've always loved drawing and painting. I was also a very curious child. My parents tell me that I was always asking lots and lots of questions.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
Later, I went on to the University of Illinois, where I studied graphic design. Then I moved to New York City, where I got a job doing artwork for television shows. Eventually I was asked to do the artwork for a children's show. While doing that show, some of the children asked me if I had ever thought of doing children's books. My mind immediately recalled how much I enjoyed doing that type of thing when I was a child. So I put an idea for a book together and right away a publisher bought it. That book was called Willy and His Wheel Wagon. Since then, over 170 books that I have written and illustrated have been published. The type of books I write are non-fiction books. This is because I love researching so much. I get to ask lots of questions, just like when I was a kid. I also get to travel and meet lots of interesting people. While doing research for my book Nature's Green Umbrella: Tropical Rain Forests, I traveled to two islands where there are tropical rain forests, Saba and Dominica. I also had a great time writing and illustrating the book. I get a lot of pleasure from doing the type of work I do.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 12, 2015
Stargazers is a good, but sadly not great, information text for young readers. At it basis, the book is a simplistic text about stars, astronomy, and outer space. With colorful illustrations and interestingly not photographs, the book attempts to attract young readers interest on a topic packed with information and facts.
The book does a good job stating fact simplistically, while still introducing important vocabulary for the topic. If used correctly, the text can be used to increase vocabulary as well as comprehension. The spectrum of the text allows for not only factual questions, but also inferential and critical thinking.
Ultimately, Stargazers is an informational text that I found to fall short of my expectations for my young K students. While the text is of appropriate age-level, the information is delivered in a dry, lackluster manner, which sadly failed to adequately engage my students, on a topic that should easily appeal to 5 and 6 year olds. While I would not say it is a bad piece of curriculum for the K level during an informational text unit, I would there are better options (many of Gail Gibbons other books to be honest) that will do a better job investing children.
The book does a good job stating fact simplistically, while still introducing important vocabulary for the topic. If used correctly, the text can be used to increase vocabulary as well as comprehension. The spectrum of the text allows for not only factual questions, but also inferential and critical thinking.
Ultimately, Stargazers is an informational text that I found to fall short of my expectations for my young K students. While the text is of appropriate age-level, the information is delivered in a dry, lackluster manner, which sadly failed to adequately engage my students, on a topic that should easily appeal to 5 and 6 year olds. While I would not say it is a bad piece of curriculum for the K level during an informational text unit, I would there are better options (many of Gail Gibbons other books to be honest) that will do a better job investing children.
September 5, 2011
Gibbons never has flowy words or interesting plots but she does a great job writing science books that can be used in almost any grade. She introduces basic concepts about the solar system and how it works i.e. rotation, gravity, how stars are created.
September 3, 2023
It's doubtful that there's a science-related topic that this particular author/illustrator hasn't covered during her prolific career. In this updated version of her Stargazers picture book, Gail Gibbons provides an introduction to astronomy and the stars. Not only does she explain the differences between two types of telescopes as well as how they work, but she also identifies various constellations and discusses the origin of their names. Complemented by vivid watercolor illustrations that are clean and crisp, the text may encourage some youngsters to set their sights on the stars for future careers while also prompting a sense of awe and wonder in anyone who spends some time outdoors and looks up to see those heavenly bodies shining above them. As usual, she also provides thumbnail sketches with interesting facts and refutes some common misconceptions about the stars. As always, Gail Gibbons has a knack for simplifying even the most complicated aspects of a topic. This one is a keeper for lower elementary classroom libraries. Even the book's title and its cover are rather enticing.
April 1, 2022
It was okay. It wasn't that bad. I liked it because it said stargazer, and that's what we've been learning about. Stars are so cool. It was an interesting story; I never thought they would make a book like that, I didn't know they made books like that. I gave it a 4 star.- KE
I rated it 5 stars because I like looking at stars. I always look out my window at night to see if there are stars. I liked how they showed the big telescope place where they do research on stars because sometimes they let you in at night and look through the telescope. I think if I tried that one day, I would be really happy. - AR
The book was good. It was the best book I've ever seen. - AVC
I liked how it talked about stars, and they're supercharged and they're super small. - SA
Some stars are different colors. - TM
I rated it a 5 because like he said, I look out my window at night. I get sad when there's not stars. - BPP
It was super serious. -AW
I rated it 5 stars because I like looking at stars. I always look out my window at night to see if there are stars. I liked how they showed the big telescope place where they do research on stars because sometimes they let you in at night and look through the telescope. I think if I tried that one day, I would be really happy. - AR
The book was good. It was the best book I've ever seen. - AVC
I liked how it talked about stars, and they're supercharged and they're super small. - SA
Some stars are different colors. - TM
I rated it a 5 because like he said, I look out my window at night. I get sad when there's not stars. - BPP
It was super serious. -AW
July 1, 2019
I am usually a big fan of Gail Gibbons' nonfiction texts for kids, but this one just fell flat for me. It has good information, and the text is easily accessible, but there's not enough of a hook anywhere to make me want to keep reading. There were several times when I wondered how much longer the book went on. I was thinking that it's full of great info, but it's a bit dated. I would love to see Gibbons redo it and include updated info along with perhaps a few actual photographs (the original publish date is 1992). Technology has advanced enough that this book really does need an update. This could be a good jumping off point as a foundation for further study for the K-2nd grade crowd, just don't plan on using it like a story book.
July 17, 2019
Surprisingly informative in an easy-to-read format. Covers space distance, star variety, galaxies, constellations, types of telescopes, and a short timeline of stargazing history. Illustrations are a little cheesy, but to be expected from a '90s book. Good for very young readers as a basic introduction.
SN: Helpful for several requirements from the Space Exploration badge (AHG).
SN: Helpful for several requirements from the Space Exploration badge (AHG).
August 14, 2023
2 stars (It was okay)
This "updated" version still seemed very outdated. The book gives good information on stars but the delivery is so dry and boring. The pages didn't seem to flow from one concept to the next in a easy manner. This just wasn't my favorite nonfiction book (which surprised me because Gibbons is a tried and true nonfiction author).
This "updated" version still seemed very outdated. The book gives good information on stars but the delivery is so dry and boring. The pages didn't seem to flow from one concept to the next in a easy manner. This just wasn't my favorite nonfiction book (which surprised me because Gibbons is a tried and true nonfiction author).
October 19, 2020
A great children's nonfiction all about stargazing!
This little book is full of easy to absorb information about everything to do with the sky!
Stars, galaxies, satellites, and more!
We're learning about constellations this month and this was one of our better library finds!
This little book is full of easy to absorb information about everything to do with the sky!
Stars, galaxies, satellites, and more!
We're learning about constellations this month and this was one of our better library finds!
January 18, 2024
I'm finding that books by Gail Gibbons are hit or miss with my children. This one didn't hit the mark for us completely.
May 12, 2024
Great beginners guide to the skies. Simple explanations and definitions of celestial terminology. Easy to read text makes this a great reference for young readers.
June 29, 2014
I thought this book was a very interesting read for adults and students alike. I thought the illustrations and details offered surrounding astronomy were well developed. The illustrations were informative and match the text. The illustrations were also labeled which was unique; in this way, the student is introduced to the concept of scientific diagrams. The content of the book was thorough. The author introduced the young reader to such concepts as: the light year, the atmosphere, the Milky Way, the refracting telescope, the reflecting telescope and the observatory. At the end of the book, there is a section dedicated to summarizing the history of studying stars. This book offers so much to the young reader as far as visuals and content; most importantly, it engaged the student in reading and learning about stars. I would use this in the classroom to introduce a science lesson. I think it would spark an interest to learn more about astronomy.
November 9, 2010
I am not a big fan of books that teach something because they are usually really boring. However, this book is great, it gives out factual information while actually making sense. It takes something that can be really hard to understand and breaks it down for children in a fun way. It has really pretty illustrations, however it is a little long, I found myself wondering when it was going to end. If you want to teach your children about stars then choose this book!
February 24, 2010
I love this book! I use it to teach about the night sky and the history of stargazing. Like the book Sun Up, Sun Down, it is an informational book told in and easy to understand format with great pictures to help engage young students.
This is a book I will be using to teach about the night sky.
This is a book I will be using to teach about the night sky.
January 21, 2012
Like another reviewer said, factual science books are usually boring, but I really enjoyed this one because it broke down the facts in a fun way! This book would be great for kindergartner to third graders and could be used when introducing a lesson about the stars.
Read
February 20, 2012I was very surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. It takes a lot for an author to be able to make a fun, bright story that also teaches readers facts. I really believe that kids will enjoy reading about the history of stars and the nigh sky. The colors and illustrations were also amazing.
April 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this informational text. It did a great job of providing a general survey of space and stars for those young kids who may be curious but need a gently introduction. This book brushed everything from constellations to telescopes to a little about starts.
Read
June 28, 2008A good survey of basic astronomy and how people study the stars. Good integration of historical content with the timeline of astronomy throughout the centuries. (Nonfiction)
March 18, 2009
Light travels 186,000 miles per second!!
The nearest star is 6 trillion miles away! The NEAREST!
The nearest star is 6 trillion miles away! The NEAREST!
February 12, 2011
A good introduction to astronomy complete with excellent illustrations
March 16, 2011
This is a great 2 day read for Level O. Gail Gibbons mixes interesting information about the stars with some complex ideas about telescopes and other astonomy information. Kids enjoy it!
-Susan
-Susan
September 7, 2011
Read for Science.
March 7, 2014
This book gives lots of great information about stargazing as well as the history. It also talks about constellations.
March 18, 2009
The earth travels around the sun, so during each season we see different group of stars.
June 19, 2012
About 2 or 3 grade appropriate. Great to teach constellations
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews