The Stars : A New Way to See Them by H.A. Rey

Rey H.A. The Stars : A New Way to See Them  NON-FICTION 160 pgs. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016. $9.99. Content: G.  

Everything you want to know about the stars, told in a very down to earth way.  It’s not super scientific, not full of theories or heavy explanations, just what you need to know to look into the heavens and really see the stars!  Originally published in 1954, but updated a little for the 21st century audience. (There is an explanation of what happened to Pluto, the charts have been extended etc.) 

Rey has redrawn the graphics so the constellations connect the stars in a pattern that looks more like what it represents.  Same stars, different imaginary lines.  There are over 30 pages of descriptive constellation charts which describe how to find them, where and when to look, a bit of the story and tips on remembering what’s around them. There are 12 different Calendar charts which give you the sky view with just the stars and then with the constellations drawn in so you can look up exactly which chart to look at depending on when you are looking (to the hour)  There’s  a table for finding the planets (which move) accurate through 2026 (and an included web address accurate through 2100)  This is a great resource for the lay stargazer. Well written without going into too much detail, the illustrations are humorous (there are occasional guide people) and make the text easy to understand.  A wonderful resource - however, the cover art makes it look deceptively like an old book - don’t be fooled, it’s been updated, and besides, the stars don’t change.  

EL, MS - ADVISABLE   Lisa Librarian