A list of books that is great for the budding astronomer. All are child friendly and would suit students ages 9-12. All can be found in the local library. Each has a link for Amazon which includes more information. By Terence Dickinson ; principal illustrations by John Bianchi.
This book is aimed at novice star gazers anxious to expand their astronomical repertoire beyond the Big and Little Dippers. Dickinson has designed a superb introduction to astronomy that is clear, concise, beautifully illustrated, and very "user friendly" no matter what the child's age.
Buy or see the book on Amazon.
 Astronomy
By Kristen Lippincott
This title begins with two-page overviews of the history of astronomy, early instruments used in both astronomy and navigation, and astrology. Double-page spreads on optical and radio telescopes, observatories, spectroscopy, the solar system, the sun and moon, and each planet follow. The book concludes with a discussion of meteors and cosmology. The illustrations consist of small, full-color reproductions of paintings and full-color drawings and diagrams; all have captions that often contain more information than the introductory paragraph they surround. An excellent introduction to the topic.
Buy or see the book on Amazon. (Note: This book is from 2008, the library has past editions.)
Planets
 By Dennis Brindell Fradin ; illustrated with full-color and black-and-white prints and photographs.
People are fascinated by the question "Are we alone in the universe?" Dennis Fradin tells readers the story of those men and women throughout history who have been part of the extraordinary hunt--the hunt for other planets. Fradin introduces readers to a cast of characters whose curiosity and persistence have opened the possibility of exploring life on worlds other than our own.
The book is available in our library. See the product information at Amazon.
 By Toney Allman
Since the first man orbited Earth in a cramped capsule, human space travel has been a challenging and risky learning experience. As knowledge and competency have been gained, however, space explorers' ambitions have expanded, despite the dangers. Today, humanity stands poised to conquer the solar system and inhabit other worlds.
Buy or see the book on Amazon.
 By Seymour Simon
Born almost 5 billion years ago at the edge of the Milky Way galaxy, our Solar System is a place filled with mystery and wonder. In the last fifty years, we have learned more than ever about the farthest reaches of our world. With dramatic full-color photographs and spacecraft images, Our Solar System takes young readers on a fascinating tour of the sun, the eight planets, and their moons, plus asteroids, comets, and meteoroids. Award-winning science writer Seymour Simon has teamed up with the Smithsonian Institution on this new, updated edition of his much admired book about the vast and mystifying part of the universe that we live in.
Buy or see the book on Amazon. (Note: This book is from 2007, the library has past edition.)
 Stories of the Sun: The Planets
By Clint Twist
The Stories of The Sun series takes readers on a journey through the solar system, stopping at The Earth, The Moon, The Stars, and The Planets. Children will learn interesting facts, history, myths, and legends about the solar system. Presented on graduated pages that steadily increase, and finished with a detailed gatefold, Stories of The Sun is a dynamic introduction to the solar system. Buy or see the book on Amazon. Stars
 Stories of the Sun: The Stars
By Clint Twist
Stories of The Sun: The Stars provides an introduction to the sun, the nearest star to Earth, and the billions of other stars in the universe. Each page increases in size as different types of stars, galaxies, and star patterns are described. A gatefold page looks at the night sky and the life cycle of a star. Children will have fun uncovering each page in this one-of-a-kind book!
Buy or see the book on Amazon.
 By Frances Purslow
Despite some boilerplate, these brief introductions convey enough information to make them useful for primary-level research. Constellations mentions some specific examples, but focuses more on stars, astronomy, and seasonal changes in the sky. Northern Lights discusses the solar wind, magnetic fields, and auroral ovals. In Rainbows, readers learn about the optical effects that cause single, double, and lunar bows. Each volume opens with an overview, includes references to relevant folklore as well as scientific information, profiles an important scientist, and closes with review questions, a simple craft activity, and a glossary. Though the mix of photos, diagrams, and digital art adds more color than substance, and Constellations includes a few bobbles, such as a diagram of Orion that looks more like an hourglass than a hunter, all three will make acceptable supplements to less narrowly focused titles on stars and atmospheric phenomena.
Buy or see the book on Amazon.
 By Chris Sasaki ; illustrated by Alan Flinn
Children will see the stars shining brightly right in their own room with this glow-in-the-dark introduction to the night sky. Each constellation sparkles brilliantly on the page, thanks to the special ink that illuminates the lush artwork. And even as the luminous illustrations encourage stargazing, the kid-friendly text presents a perfect mix of simple science and storytelling. Along with very basic astronomical facts about our galaxy and the major constellations are the world myths of the gods and heroes whose names grace today’s star maps. Take the tale of Andromeda—the princess sacrificed to save her father’s kingdom who lives in the long, curved “V” of stars best seen in late fall. With information on constellations from Cygnus the Swan to Orion the Hunter, it’s an appealing, interactive approach to a popular subject.
Buy or see the book on Amazon.
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