Wanda Hears the Stars: A Blind Astronomer Listens to the Universe, written by Amy S. Hansen with Wanda Diaz Merced. Illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2025. $22.99 ages 8 and up

 

"By high school Wanda knew she wanted to go 
to college. There wasn't much money, but her 
parents told her if she worked hard, she could 
study anything she wanted. 

Wanda wanted to understand the universe."

This picture book biography that introduces a young Puerto Rican girl who knew from the moment she saw her first meteor shower that she was destined to 'aim for the stars'. She had so many questions. When her family could not answer them, she was filled with wondering. Reading helped her learn; it did not answer many of her questions. 

Things were better in high school. She was able to study and find out more about the science she loved. When she was able to enrol in college, her interest in physics satisfied her thirst for knowledge. That is, until she lost he sight due to the diabetes she had lived with since childhood. Advice from her roommate had Wanda learning to live independently. But, how could she continue to study the stars, her forever dream?

Another friend Emilio came to her rescue, teaching her about radio waves from space. Unexpectedly, Wanda could hear the sound transform as Emilio continued explaining what was happening. Persistence and patience led her to a program at NASA, where:

"A computer turned data into sounds
like drumbeats and chimes. Wanda 
listened for patterns in the sounds. 
She was finally studying the stars!" 

She had to work differently than other scientists; much of her work resulted in the same conclusions.  Today, Wanda shares what she learned while pursuing her doctorate by explaining that science is for everyone. She proves it by inviting people to join her on a 'galactic audio tour'. She helps them hear what she hears and tells them the secret she heard in the stars that no one else had ever heard. What wondering! 

Back matter includes a glossary, a list of the Spanish terms (with pronunciation guide) for words used in the writing of Wanda's story. A note from Wanda is included about her path to listening to the universe, and another from Amy, her co-writer. Further information is provided about Radio JOVE, her work to become independent, Wanda's journey as a scientist, a list of resources and a selected bibliography. 

Fascinating and accessible for readers, and complemented by vibrant digital illustrations created by Ms. Mendoza, this is another of those picture books biographies that introduces someone readers may not be familiar with ... a woman facing almost incomprehensible odds to live her life pursuing her dreams. Well-known in the world of astrophysics, and for her advocacy for those who learn differently, Wanda is someone to greatly admire. Her story is well worth hearing.                                                                                   

A Star Explodes: The Story of Supernova 1054, written by James Gladstone and illustrated by Yaara Eshet. Owlkids, 2023. $21.95 ages 8 and up

 

"So how did the guest star fit into this 
dark-sky puzzle? 
The guest star was no star at all. It was 
the light of Supernova 1054 - that long-
ago explosion in space. 
And the Crab Nebula is the starry remains
of Supernova 1054."

In another excellent picture book, James Gladstone and Yaara Eshet explore supernovas and nebulas. One stands out for them - Supernova 1054 - a distant light seen in the morning sky so many years ago. It just suddenly appeared. People in China were in awe of its light and wondered if others could see it as they did. People around the world were seeing the same light! 

It faded, leaving only memories. Had it been possible to see it more clearly then, astronomers would have discovered a nebula which was growing where the light had once been. It took centuries before the telescope allowed astronomers to see what was really there. That nebula was named the Crab Nebula and it called the same today. 

As happens, scientists have continued to learn more and more. 

"Many years later, scientists learned that some huge
stars explode. They called these star blasts supernovas. 
After a blast, a supernova leaves behind starry remains that, 
with time, spread farther throughout space."

That distant light seen so long ago was the light of Supernova 1054, and the Crab Nebula is the starry remains that continue to grow today. Allowing young readers a look at one of the mysteries of the universe, this book's accessible text and gorgeous illustrations detail the spread of a supernova through varying shades of blue skies. Back matter closes the book with a clear explanation of supernovas and their resulting nebulas. 

Look up!                                                          

The Fire of Stars: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by Katherine Roy. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2023. $25.99 ages

"At home she makes friends with her
family's books on plants and Newton's 
laws of motion. In her heart, Cecilia 
crams every empty space with this 
kindling light. Science."

I am endlessly appreciative of the stories authors tell concerning people of importance whose accomplishments are new to me. It is not too surprising to those who know me if I have not heard about a person of science. As I have stated here prior to today ... I am no scientist. 

Learning about Cecelia Payne, a girl from the English countryside, who is born at the same time an unformed star is ready for its life to begin is quite the amazing thing. That is exactly what Kirsten Larson does in this 'stellar' picture book biography. The layout of the book is remarkable. Katherine Roy creates noteworthy artwork in parallel images placed on double-page spreads that allow readers to see the growth of both over a period of time. 

Cecilia is born with a love for learning, and of nature. She discovers much through constant, careful observation. A move to London for better educational opportunities for her brother means that Cecelia is suddenly thrust into a school that offers no classes of interest to her. Being innovative, she finds a secret lab that affords her a chance to fill her need for scientific learning. Books help, and her undying quest to learn more is enhanced by a new teacher. 

"Miss Dalglish, a science teacher, appears in 
Cecelia's orbit - a new friend. She sweeps into 
school and blows away Cecelia's loneliness." 

Illness means Miss Dalglish must leave the school; she continues to mentor and encourage Cecelia through her letters. Despite attempts to stem her enthusiasm in a mostly male community of scientists, Cecelia journeys on ... just as the star is also developing and bursting into bright light. Finally at the Harvard College Observatory, Cecelia meets other women of science and has a chance to continue her research, which leads her to learning what stars of made of and how they form.  

"Cecilia proved not only what makes a star but also what makes a star scientist: curiosity, passion, hard work, and belief in oneself."

Back matter offers a timeline that shows Cecelia's impact on modern astronomy, as well as a detailed look at the development and demise of stars. What an inspiration Cecelia is to those wanting to follow their own dreams! Persistence and hard work pay off. 

https://youtu.be/mxFSx0zYTh0

The Stars, written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn. Translated by Helen Mixter. Aldana Libros, Greystone Kids. 2023. $22.95 ages 5 and up

"She's reading a book about space!! 

Then she looks up. Her eyes are black-
black like two little asteroids. 

She notices me, my book, and my 
astonished face. Her face lights up 
with a beautiful smile. Her teeth 
are just as regular as her toenails. 

And that is how I met Aicha."

Do you want to know about love? Two young people who live in Montreal meet by chance when Yakov visits the park with his sisters. He is given the job of looking out for them. Finding their games boring, he reads about the stars he loves, and dreams of being an astronaut. His father has other ideas; he wants his son to learn about the family's business and take over running it when he is older. 

One day at the park he meets a girl who also loves space. She is a newcomer to the neighborhood, and the two become fast friends. They spend as much time as possible together, searching the stars for the constellations they read about in books from the library. Seeing this, their fathers worry about their attraction to each other. It is decided they can no longer spend time together. There comes a time when Aicha moves away. Yakov finds work, after much study, with NASA, building space probes. 

In a book about shared interests and deep friendship, will the two find each other again? Perhaps as adults, they will have a voice in their own futures. 

In Jacques Goldstyn's deft hands, with detailed spreads and panelled plot points, the story and artwork create a seamless look at friendship that will resonate with the target audience and provide opportunities for careful thought and much discussion. What a lovely story this is! 
                                                                                      

STARCROSSED, written and illustrated by Julia Denos. Houghton MIfflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2021. $24.99 ages

 

"Acamar was too busy to answer her - he was
watching his blood and bones appear. He was
watching the rivers and sands grow wider, the 
lights of Eridani's city grow warmer, and the 
window where she slept grow closer and closer."

Oh, what a wonder this book is to read. In a tale of otherworldly friendship, we meet a human girl. Eridani is a student of the night sky. Her best friend is Acamar. Acamar is one of the constellations she so admires. Eridani loves to work on school projects that require close study of sky maps and star plots. 

The two best friends speak with each other every evening - when school is done and the sky is dark enough for Acamar to be seen. They share conversation about each other's day. Eri has questions about Acamar's home, and he has equally pertinent questions about hers. 

Eri realizes that no matter what she learns, she will never know what it is like to be in the sky - to be the same as Acamar. She wishes that she might trade him places. While Eridani is wishing to be where he is, Acamar is yearning to feel his feet on the ground where Eridani lives. Their love and concern for each other has them realizing that Acamar will never see a sunset, and Eridani will never know what it is like to fly. 

One night, Acamar suggests his friend make a wish upon him. She does, and he does the same. It works. Eridani's bones dissolve and her body fills with light. Acamar watches blood and bones appear and lands with a BOOM! Eridani takes her place as a new constellation where Acamar had been. The special connection remains between the two, despite their reversal in roles. 

The textured illustrations are energetic and magnificent! The tale is told with wonder, and love. An author's note describes Acamar as a star in the constellation Eridanus. She also provides a list of  resources for those keen to learn more. So worth your attention! 

Might we meet them again? One can only hope so.