Children’s Book Review: Skygazing, Explore the Sky in the Day and Night*

What We Thought of the Book

The book explores the sky’s across the continents, seasons and Earth’s position, and explains what is in the sky a different times in the day and night. This book is a starter to sky-gazing and is aimed at around 7 to 11-year-olds, but it still has clear and un-childlike explanations, detailing stars planets and things that occur in the sky like; storms, and strange occurrences like hailstone and less common fish falling from the sky. We have previous experience with the author Anna Claybourne as we actually already own one of her other books on Mermaids. She breaks down each topic of information which makes it easy to read, and much more enjoyable for young ones.

The book is beautifully illustrated, by Kerry Hyndman, with great detail but a softness to it that is pleasing for younger children. As well as interesting facts it also has on several of the pages there is a small craft activity that is simple and quick to accomplish. One of our favourites was the model moon on page 15. It’s where you can really see how the moon changes shape as it orbits the earth. It is done with a simple table lamp and a ball (preferably lightly coloured).

Whether it’s the day or the night you have data that covers all sorts of topics linked to the sky; including the types of animals you may find flying through the sky, various insects and space. Equally, you can also explore the differences in these animals whether it be the day or the night. When it explores space, you are provided with facts on satellites and timelines of the space race. The other fun thing is that the book opens one way which tells you about the sky in the day and then you turn it upside down and read it from the other direction to learn about the sky in the night.

My children love facts which is why they love this book. Being able to find great information that can be translated into knowledge is what they thrive on and when it is such a pleasant read it makes learning so much fun. Plus another little fun thing I can’t forget to mention is that the book opens one way which tells you about the sky in the day and then you turn it upside down and read it from the other direction to learn about the sky in the night. If you have children that love to read and gain insight at the same time, then Skygazing, Explore the sky in the night and day, by Anna Claybourne and Illustrated by Kerry Hyndman is perfect for your little ones.

Where can you buy your Skygazing book? 

You can buy the book here from Amazon.

How much is Skygazing? 

For the hardback version, it is £9.58 and for the paperback version it is £8.99. Do check Amazon for the latest price as this may change.

About the book

Book: Stargazing, Explore the sky in the day and night
Publisher : Welbeck Editions
Format: Hardback
ISBN : 978-1-91351-903-2
Number of pages: 64

About the Author 

Anna Claybourne dreamt of being a writer from a young age (amongst a few other tops too!), and managed to study English at University and then went on to work, in her first job, at Usbourne publishing. There she was trained to write books in house by their team, which set her on good stead when she broke loose to write books of her own. She now lives and writes from her home in Edinburg surrounded by her children and cats!

About the Illustrator

Kerry Hyndman is a UK based illustrator, as well as many children’s books she also is a map maker (a skill that fascinates me!). As well as illustrating Hyndman is a lecturer at Goldsmiths University and is also the proud owner of a Blue Peter badge (which is a UK kids TV program involving crafts and activities, when you attend the show you get a badge, every child’s dream!).

Claybourne and Hyndman are both extremely well-established authors and illustrators and have written and illustrated a huge number of books between them.