Stargazing may initially seem daunting to the uninitiated, but this helpful guide offers all kinds of useful advice. Kids (and their parents) will appreciate the step-by-step directions for venturing into the dark, searching for constellations, and identifying celestial objects, the majority of which are visible without a telescope. There's advice on equipment (binoculars, warm clothes, a chair, pencil and notebook, red-light headlamp), comparisons of stars and planets and how their movements differ, and accessible explanations of how these objects rise and fall as they move through the heavens. The text concentrates on prominent constellations, charting their configurations, indicating when and where they're visible, and providing background context for their names (most refer to Greek mythology, but other traditions, such as Hindu and Native American are also included). There's an entire chapter on the moon, and other topics include satellites, eclipses, comets, and auroras. Illuminating back matter includes a glossary, bibliography, and tips on how to use binoculars and telescopes. Backed up by YouTube videos, this practical manual will engage inquisitive astronomers.

Gr 2–4— A new look through an old lens that makes stargazing easy and educational without a telescope. This introduction to the night sky invites readers to approach new ideas by looking at familiar constellations. Core concepts in astronomy, such as seasonal changes, life cycles of stars, and star setting, are addressed with visual aids. Also included is some planetary information, but that inclusion is framed within the context of the naked eye viewing. Much of the artwork comes from NASA images of selected heavenly bodies, but there are also artistic renderings of constellations. Since a selection of well-known constellations are a large part of this work, the stories of their patterns are included with drawings of the characters or animals superimposed on the respective constellation. Using these constellations allows for a rooted place for stargazers to search each night during the selected season, which can be helpful for newcomers. Unfortunately, the text contains a contradiction of fact, indicating that planets were discovered in 1608, and people didn't know what they were. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium (1543) by Nicolaus Copernicus famously mentions planets in a heliocentric model decades before with labeled diagrams. Back matter includes a glossary, further reading, and instructions on how to use a telescope. VERDICT A novice, friendly approach to stargazing without equipment year-round that would circulate well due to ease of use and the creator's connected "Learn to Stargaze" YouTube channel.— Lisa Bosarge