phaidon, 2018

Seeing Stars:
A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations

written & illustrated by Sara Gillingham

A graphically stunning, comprehensive introduction to the constellations

This artful and accessible introduction to constellations equips readers with the information they need to locate, name, and explain all 88 internationally recognized constellations.

Each cluster of stars is featured alongside the "story" (mythological or historical) behind its naming, tips on how to find it, what times of year it is visible, and key stars and asterisms within its grouping.

Complete with star maps and a glossary, this keepsake volume of visual reference and beauty is perfect for inquisitive young stargazers. Colors are brighter than they appear—printed in pure Pantones. Book jacket features foil stamping and laser-cut pinholes.

Ages 7-10

select praise:

“Yeah, we know, there’s an app for that—many in fact—but if the point is to curb the screen time, Sara Gillingham’s Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations has as good a shot as anything for teaching your kid how much there is to see if you just look up. Quite literally… ‘Stars are not only beautiful to look at,’ Gillingham reminds us. They once helped farmers figure out planting seasons, guided explorers and travelers, and, most crucially for our purposes today, offered inspiration to retell stories and legends and make sense of a mysterious otherworld. ‘The stories can still develop and change, as they have over thousands of years,’ she writes. ‘You, too, can be a part of those stories.’” —The New York Times

“A handsome portrait gallery and finding guide for the 88 "official" constellations. Unlike most guides for young stargazers, which introduce just a few select constellations, this systematic catalog goes for the whole modern, International Astronomical Union-standardized roster... It's digestibly arranged and presented grist for young readers with a budding or even latent interest in sky watching.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A graphically stunning, comprehensive introduction to the constellations. This artful and accessible introduction to constellations equips readers with the information they need to locate, name and explain all 88 internationally recognised constellations.” —All About Space

“To capture the wonder of the night sky, it takes a gorgeous volume like this.” —Booklist

“Budding stargazers will devour this guide offering the stories behind each star group, and how to find them in the night sky.” —Air & Space Magazine

“This sophisticated handbook names and identifies each of the 88 constellations. Opening sections explore how people "began to see pictures in the sky", and how the telescope and world exploration led to the discovery of more stars. Gillingham shows how the star formations suggest shapes.” —Publishers Weekly

“For the budding astronomists and mythology nerds... Sara Gillingham has written a book that is sure to make any curious student delighted. Chock-full of graphic designs and entertaining stories, this book is sure to answer all the questions your kids have (and haven't) asked... Seeing Stars: A Seeing Guide to the 88 Constellations is the perfect book to quench a learner's thirst and spark a deeper love for astronomy.”
—Little Reader Reviews