When we think about significant events in space, things that would have been noted historically, we tend to think of comets and eclipses. Especially when it comes to an event as far back as 1054. I guess it had never occurred to me that a supernova had ever been observed by people. This is an event that was never mentioned in any of my history or science classes. While my own knowledge of space and things observable in the night sky is pretty limited I was pretty fascinated by this quick book. I don't know that it will be enough to induce an interest in astronomy in a child but for those already into space this is a must read.

A Star Explodes begins with the long ago appearance of the mystery ‘guest star’. Then it traverses history, touching on culture, scientific development, and the science of a supernova. With just enough scientific detail to appeal to the amateur child astronomer, the entire book is adorned with beautiful illustrations to appeal to all picture book lovers.

Through NetGalley, the publisher provided a copy of this book. My review is my honest opinion.

The author presents a fascinating look at how a supernova became the Crab Nebula. Gorgeous illustrations by Yaara Eshet make this nonfiction story more accessible for the youngest readers and listeners. Most children are interested in space, and books like this can help stir the imaginations of budding astronomers of any age.

Thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for sharing.

I first encountered James Gladstone's unique way of presenting science in his book Journey Around the Sun. This time he presents the scientific facts of a supernova within a narrative that links various cultures around the world and their shared experience of seeing the light from the explosion. From those sightings in 1054, he traces the advances in astronomy that allowed us to identify the origins of supernovas and to see the nebulas that were left afterward. Circling back to the shared experience at the start of the book, he explains that new stars and planets may form from the elements spread by the supernova - "just as star remains from long ago are part of all things on our world." Back matter goes into more detail about what a supernova is, about Supernova 1054, and a stunning image of the Crab Nebula with a description of how quickly it is expanding.

The watercolor and ink illustrations support the poetic style of the text, showing the light travelling across the galaxy (with a timeline underneath) and then appearing as a "guest star" in the sky over Earth after thousands of years. A spread shows people from different cultures around the world all looking up at the night sky to see the display. Another spread captures the glowing colors of the Crab Nebula against the blackness of space. And a second timeline traces the growth of the nebula to the present day.

This is a book that would make a wonderful introduction to supernovas for a class, or could be the perfect gift for a young astronomer who is curious about various phenomena and the history of their observation over time.

This is a children's book about a supernova. I think this book's intent is not to give children a comprehensive factsheet about supernovas, or even astronomy as a whole. It is a book to get young children interested in science and space and how wonderful we are all made of stars.. and all that! That is why the ancient star gazers are called astronomers (even if that term didn't exist back then), and why their daughter was later also called a young astronomer (as in she was interested in the stars therefore she is also considered an astronomer) The end is fanciful and I can see this sparking a lot of joy for children and interest in space and astronomy.

A Star Explodes, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Yaara Eshet, is a solid picture book overall with a few issues that keep it in that “solid” realm and also make it best for younger readers in this age range.

In simple language, the text tells us how “Long ago, a star exploded in our galaxy” and its light, over thousands of years, until one day, in the year 1054 [it] … arrived in Earth’s morning sky” where it was observed by people of the time. We first see a young Chinese girl and her father looking up, then a series of Chinese “gaz [ing] in awe as the light of the guest star shone.” When the young girl wonders if other people are seeing the same thing, they are, we get a spread showing people from around the world starting upward as well. When the text tells us the light eventually faded, we get a brief shift into space to see a nebula now where the star once was, then we return to Earth and move quickly through astronomers’ growing understanding of supernovas and how they spread not just their light but “scatter their starry remains throughout the universe,” some of which becomes our world and even us.

As noted, the text is simple and also sparse, which means that we get the basics (there is a very short addendum with more info), but readers might still have a number of questions. Which may spark them to find another book, not at all a bad thing. But I think older-younger readers might be a little unsatisfied. I also felt the text didn’t quite meet the premise’s potential. And I did question a few choices. There’s a reference to “the young astronomer”, which was a bit jarring in the use of the scientific term for the time around 1054 and its sense of specificity. I also wasn’t clear, when we’re told “one stargazer” named the nebula the Crab Nebula, why we weren’t told who (Lord Rosse) The illustrations, meanwhile, are also simple but not in a negative fashion, and they’re done in soft colors that I like to think evokes the light of that exploding star long ago.

A good book to read aloud with very young and a book that will probably inspire them to find something with a bit more detail, and then even more information.

The cover of this book is totally gorgeous and really does capture the mind, especially since when I was growing up the fact of supernovas wasn't really touched upon when we learned about space. As a result this must have been a really special supernova to have gained its own book even if geared towards children.

In <i>A Star Explores</i> the reader is introduced very briefly to an unnamed star that went supernova and exploded while sending its light throughout the universe until one day when the Sun was up a young woman saw a "guest star" in the sky. Who was this astronomer's daughter or was she an actual astronomer for the book later calls her that while portraying the same character as they had a bit earlier? And if other cultures had noticed this phenomena than how did they record it or even the fact the Chinese to whom we are introduced to when we come back to Earth.... And how long did it take for this "guest star" to disappear.

The rest of the book is similar to this in providing the reader with the most bare facts and then not delivering the reader what they actually do want to know. As a result it felt like a story that jumped from one milestone event to another while vaguely helping the reader to connect the points as they read the book.

Furthermore at the end of the book there is further information provided to the reader about supernovas, this particular one and of course its remnants for readers who may want to learn more although previous answers aren't provided.

What really stands out with this book are the illustrations with the details of the starry expanses for the universe, the brightness of the star before it explodes and also some tribute nods perhaps.... The reason why I said this was since of the fact that there was a snake interwoven around a tree branch in the page of all creation and also a nod to Van Gogh's starry night as well.

In the end it was a fairly decent introduction but I did find the lack of details to be a bit on the bothersome side, especially when you consider that for many readers there won't be much more supplemental books to help flesh out the vague spots if one should want to pursue this event more.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

A beautifully illustrated picture book to introduce young readers to Supernova 1054 (because it was first seen in 1054 CE although the star had exploded over 7000 years ago) and to the Crab Nebula that it formed. This is a STEM book that would work well as a read aloud. I do wish it had a bit more back matter (for example it could have identified the "one stargazer" who named the nebula) or at least some references for readers who want to know more.

Even as an adult, I learned something from the book. It is well-written and engaging with beautiful and informative illustrations as well. I will definitely try to get this one for my school library.

A story of an exploding star from the medieval times. This would be a great book for a child interested in astronomy or science in general.

A Star Explodes by James Gladstone tells the story of Supernova 1054. I read this book to my students, as we are currently learning about space. We all learned some new things! The illustrations are beautiful and have inspired my 3rd graders to create their own artwork! Very informational text!

This is a great book to inspire interest in astronomy in children. But what really sets this book apart is the illustrations. They are, in a word, breathtaking. I love the multicultural views, helping me imagine people and animals all over the globe experiencing the same phenomenon of the supernova of 1054.

One glaring omission in these brilliant illustrations is a rendering of the Crab Nebula, which is what this explosion became. How can you mention that it looks like a crab, yet never show it as anything but a white dot or ray of light traveling eons through space? Even if you don't draw out the characteristics, like in astrology, at least give us an idea of what it looks like, so we can make our own determination.

five stars for the book, minus one star for missing such a vital element as the crab

Beautiful illustrations about Supernova 1054. Something I was today years old to learn, actually. Would definitely read this to my children & use to foster discussions about outer space.

It's always nice to find a non-fiction selection with beautiful illustrations to recommend to patrons or teachers. This is a gorgeous book.

A Star Explodes is such a cool story about a supernova explosion. It describes how it looks from Earth, as well as how it came into and disappeared from the night sky. The illustrations are beautiful and the stars seem to glow! It's a great book for kids to learn a little about space.

Very interesting explanation on supernovas. How others see and think what the bright star means. Explanations are a bit vague. Not sure what age this book is geared to but feel only someone actually interested in learning about the stars would even pick it up.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkid Books through NetGalley.
Gladstone takes readers on a journey from Supernova 1054 existing and then exploding through the centuries until the discovery of the Crab Nebula. Readers learn that the light from this star spread throughout the universes and the Nebula created continues to grow today. The artwork captures the awe and excitement felt by so many as they observe the night sky. The author also includes informative text at the end of the book on Supernovas and this specific Supernova.

I loved this picture book so much! I'm a space enthusiast and love sharing books about space and astronomy with the kids in my life. The way this book paired the story of people seeing Supernova 1054 with what actually happened to is was such a great way to make the strange things that happen in space feel real and relatable to readers. The illustrations are stunning and filled with life. There is so much to take in and look at. I highly recommend this book and look forward to sharing it with others.

I love informative picture books, and I liked how this one incorporated world culture as well as science. I thought the language was very easy for young children to understand while still explaining interesting concepts.

This is a must for any budding astronomer. A Star Explodes is the perfect blend of history, science, and storytelling. The illustrations are beautiful and there is just the right amount of text on each page. It's probably best as a read aloud, but advanced independent readers may enjoy the challenge.
Thank you to Netgalley and Owlkids Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.