This introduction to some of the universe's largest structures is sure to put stars in the eyes of young readers. In simple text, Gibbons depicts ancient astronomers at work, describes several kinds of telescopes, and profiles five distinctive galactic forms, from irregular to lenticular. Full color.

Gibbons's view of our solar system may no longer be valid, but she's really focusing her attention so far beyond local space that the damage is minor. Between an opening description of the Milky Way and a closing claim that galaxy formation is still going on, the author depicts ancient

astronomers at work, describes several kinds of telescopes, and profiles five distinctive galactic forms, from irregular to lenticular. Pairing brief, matter-of-fact generalizations leavened with digestible doses of specific information to painted scenes that link diverse groups of human

observers to galaxies seen in blobby, broadly brushed portraits, this introduction to some of the universes largest structures will put stars in the eyes of the most Earthbound young readers.

Gail Gibbons, author of more than one hundred books, is the winner of the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for her overall contribution to children's nonfiction literature. Called a “master of picture book nonfiction” by ALA Booklist, Ms. Gibbons has a special talent for making complex subjects understandable and entertaining for young readers.