Reviewed by Henricus Peters
Whether it’s a bright and full moon tonight, or you’ve heard of an upcoming space event and you want to check out details, the science of astronomy has huge and significant impacts on all our lives. Astronomy for Curious Kids does the field a great service, including in its 128 pages an introduction to all things space. Chapter 1 focuses on looking at the night sky using your eyes, binoculars and telescopes; chapter 2 tracks the history of astronomy from the first star-gazers; chapters 3 and 4 explore the moon and planets, and the stars, respectively; the book concludes with chapters 5 and 6, which include galaxies and asking some of those annoying questions!
Did you know, for example, that way back in 1609 Galileo had the first telescope pointing skywards? That the far side of the (our) Moon, is a real thing? There’s actually something called ‘the cosmic web’?
A useful glossary and simple index complete the volume. My critical comment is: I always prefer true photographic images when it comes to illustrate a science book – the pictures here have their place for sure, but I like the real deal.
Highly recommended for all kids everywhere – for those who are already curious and those whose curiosity is yet to be sparked.
Giles Sparrow
CSIRO Publishing, 2014
publish.csiro.au
ISBN: 9781486318384
