GOODNIGHT, CONSTELLATIONS

A toddler’s first guide to the Western constellations.

The book begins with Orion, which is arguably the most familiar and easiest constellation to find, and follows with Canis Major, a collection of stars that looks remarkably like the dog it is supposed to represent. As the book continues, the constellations grow more and more abstract, like Cassiopeia, in which four stars supposedly represent the body of a reclining maiden. No matter how complex the image may be, the whimsical, cartoon drawings help children imagine the pictures that the ancients found between the stars. The soft, gently drawn stars and clouds in the black night sky make a wonderful contrast to the brightly rendered depictions of the constellations. The text is simple and straightforward, describing each constellation in a few sentences. The whole concept of constellations is fairly advanced for a young audience, and there is no introduction or endnote, so caregivers and educators will need to look elsewhere for further context or extension activities. Additionally, embossed text on the back cover and the raised feel of the image on the cover add a tactile element that will delight young readers, who will wish it carried throughout the book.

This carefully illustrated, simple introduction will work best when paired with other resources.