Wish Upon A Star

If you’re looking for something to liven up your space collection, then this book is it. It’s a bright, bold and fascinating look at the stars in four broad sections. Firstly it starts with the science behind stars are created. We look at different types of stars, their lifecycle and their place in the galaxies. The second chapter about astronomy and how we use and study the stars. This include spreads on constellations, how ancient peoples used the stars as calendars and warnings for what was to come. It also includes a section on a diverse range of astronomers which was pleasant to see in an area commonly depicted as being mainly white and male. The next chapter is about the stories we find in the stars, delving more into the mythologies that are linked to constellations such as Romans and Greeks, but also tales from South Africa, Ancient China, the Māori peoples of New Zealand, the indigenous people of North America and the South American Incas. The closing chapter explores the meaning of stars in our everyday world and how they are part of navigation, faith, astrology, art and popular culture.

It’s stunningly illustrated with matte pages that absorb the colours perfectly. In terms of the information is clear and it explains some complicated concepts appropriately for younger readers. It would support curriculum study perfectly but also would provide good browsing material for those for whom any of the themes and topics listed above may pique an interest.