Cosmic Wonder: Halley's Comet and Humankind

 
4.0 (2)
 
0.0 (0)
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Cosmic Wonder: Halley's Comet and Humankind
Publisher
Age Range
4+
Release Date
October 10, 2023
ISBN
978-1536223231
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An innovative and visually sweeping picture book imagines Halley’s Comet observing Earth and its inhabitants at every pass, tracing human evolution over millennia.

First recorded traveling overhead in 240 BCE, Halley’s Comet returns every seventy-six years or so for a fresh glimpse of life on bountiful Earth. In a wondrous story told from the comet’s point of view, the creator of A Green Place to Be weaves scenes of Halley’s hurtling through space with views of Earth and its evolving flora and fauna below. Even as humans gaze up in search of the celestial wanderer—tracking the “broom star” in words and pictures—the comet gazes down, forming gentle conclusions. Each visit reveals how curious and creative humans transform the planet, contributing war and pollution but also a boundless capacity to love. What will the comet find when it passes again in 2061? Time stamps and thorough back matter ground a lyrical and luminously illustrated story in sound historical and scientific research. A kaleidoscope of biodiversity, locales, and peoples, Cosmic Wonder gracefully charts the highs and lows of human civilization through the eyes of a sympathetic watcher.

Editor reviews

2 reviews
Inspires Curiosity, Fosters a Sense of Responsibility
Overall rating
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Learning Value
 
3.0
Cosmic Wonder was a beautifully illustrated read. I imagined its purpose would be to inform about Halley’s comet but it was how the earth has changed over the span of the comet’s visits. Taken from the perspective of the comet the illustrations gave glimpses into the past and how we have changed. It leaves us curious about how the Earth might look on its next visit. The backmatter went into greater detail about the periods featured and what we know about the comet as well. This book is like WE, THE CURIOUS ONES by Marion Dane Bauer. Overall, this book inspires a sense of curiosity about our past and fosters a sense of responsibility for making our Earth look presentable the next time the comet arrives.
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Curious Star
Overall rating
 
4.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Learning Value
 
3.0
Cosmic Wonder was a good children's picture book.

The images are delightful. They are vibrant and bold, showcasing a diverse collection of human-kind throughout the ages.

While the text itself isn't highly informative, Cosmic Wonder is an easy read that reminds us of how interconnected things are and to consider our past, present, and future.
The back-matter includes additional information on things such as early humans, the hole in our Ozone, and the "Broom Star."
Cosmic Wonder opens the door for further explorations of many topics.
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