Wishing on a Star: Constellation Stories and Stargazing Activities for Kids (Gibbs Smith Jr. Activity) (U)

Did you know that the patterns and shapes made by the stars in the sky tell stories? Wishing on a Star tells some of the exciting stories behind constellations like Pegasus, the Big Bear and Little Bear, Leo the Lion, and Orion the Hunter.The stars come to life with creative and entertaining activities. You'll learn how to make a twinkling thaumatrope, fly a starry kite, and act in your own constellation play! Star maps and stargazing tips will help you find the constellations, and cool science facts will help you learn more about the stars.Children's LiteratureNine constellations are introduced with an interesting collection of related craft activities. Ancient peoples, including the Babylonians, Native Americans, Chinese, Romans and Greeks all gave names to groups of stars and made up stories about them. The Big and Little Bear are a good starting place because they contain some of the easiest stars to find the North Star and the Big and Little Dippers. The craft activities include glow-in-the-dark paint for straightforward constellation paintings (pattern included), a constellation mobile to hand from a hanger and a paper bag lantern/star map. A list of stargazing equipment and a discussion of the differences between stargazing in the city and country complete this handsome, informative volume. 2001, Gibbs Smith, $9.95. Ages 6 up. Reviewer Kristin Harris