[.ca] Find the Constellations (ISBN 0395244188)

teach this unto thy children:
I've long been a fan of Rey's (of Curious George fame) The Stars, a New Way to See them, but that is a bit more complex and geared towards adults and advanced students. This book is ideal for children and parents alike because Rey breaks down the major constellations one by one and draws them so they look like real pictures, not like those horrible drawings in the NY Times and other publications. His lion looks like a lion! The text is very basic, easy to follow and explains the basic astro stuff like stars, planets, magnitudes, but not much more. The major reason to buy this book if you already have his other book is for the handy sky charts. Unlike his more advanced book which has an entire sky map, this book as more handy "sky view" charts which are an easier way to learn the night sky. Another winner from H.A. Rey that anyone can profit from if interested in learning the stars!

Useful crumb-cruncher book!:
This was one of my favorite books as a child, and I think the sticking power comes from two ares. First, this book is wonderfully illustrated by H. A. Rey of "Curious George" fame. Second, the book is useful--it can be used every night, with the one qualifier being that the sky must be clear. Being a city boy (San Francisco Bay Ares), the light pollution dround out the lesser magnitude stars, so what I saw in the sky matched up with what I saw in the book. I never went anywhere with astronomy, but it is a fun hobbie, and you can impress people with the knowledge of the stars. This book makes you look smarter than you really are, and isn't that what life is about?

It's the Greatest!:
I'm a doc with over 3 years of post-doc training and I can't think of a single science text which is more enjoyable to read. Even after 16 years of astronomical observation, I still think of the constellations as Rey drew them (they are easier to remember), and I still get this text out when I want to show someone how to enjoy astronomy. If all science writers were like Mr Rey, we wouldn't be too worried about scientific illiteracy in this country. Along with its twin, The Stars, it stands alone. This treasure is "for kids from one to ninety-two."

Brings back memories!!!:
Back in 1990, in the third grade I had a teacher, Ms. Carpentier, that had us all work on a specific science project. She gave me Constellations at the time, and it impacted my life from then on. I went to the library and borrowed this book and read front to back a million times. Needless to say stargazing and constellations became a major interest in my life and I ALMOST became and astronomer because of this book. I HIGHLY recommend this book for all who love stars and especially to children to get them interested in it. I have read many constellation books but few are able to cover as much in such a simple way that is easy for anyone 8 or 80 to follow. Buy this book, get a blanket and lay out under the stars with someone and follow along in the book!

Best star and constellation guide for beginners.:
I used this book when I was a kid, when it was titled "Know the Stars." I was interested in astronomy and didn't know anyone else who knew anything about it, so I found this book and taught myself. The text is clever and cute, and simple enough that older grade school kids can understand it and enjoy it. The presentation of constellations as simple connect-the-dot drawings side by side with the unconnected stars makes it possible to take the great conceptual leap from the printed page to the real sky. The seasonal all-sky charts are done using the same concept. Self-tests are provided to help you hone your recognition skills. Basic information about individual stars is given, and bits of mythology and history are mixed in as well. I was pleased to see a current planet finder, good through 2006, in the most recent edition. I currently work as an astronomer, and I teach college level astronomy. I require my adult students to use this book to learn the constellations.