Seeing Stars
PreS-K. In this richly colored picture book decorated with foil-like accents, Mackall introduces the North Star and 10 familiar constellations in the night sky. Though most guides to constellations target elementary-school children, this brightly illustrated volume is accessible to a younger audience. Each double-page illustration shows a scene on Earth with animals and/or people in different terrains (and, presumably, different countries) with a starry sky in the background. The warm colors, simplified shapes, and rounded lines give even these outdoor scenes a cozy look, while the depiction of many ethnic groups broadens child appeal. Rhyming verses that mention the names of the featured constellations are accompanied by small circular illustrations superimposing shadowy figures (bear, lion, Orion) over the star patterns. In the larger illustrations, sparkling foil lines trace the constellations' shapes from shining star to shining star against midnight skies. The verse could have been stronger (and so could the binding), but libraries may still want to have this on hand.Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved