Find the Constellations

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!

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."

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.

H. A. Rey's classic "Find the Constellations" ranks among the clearest, most intuitive books on stargazing in print and is a must for any young person's personal library. Rey, using his wonderful talents as an illustrator and storyteller masterfully presents the stars in a simple to digest format, explaining the essentials one needs to know in order to appreciate and understand the night sky. Rey also adds the myths that gave the constellations their place in our culture and creates a book that provides countless hours of learning and enjoyment.Every adult should give their children or their favorite niece or nephew a copy of this book and enjoy with them tender nights discovering the wonders of the heavens.