A Universe of Stories: Stars

Older Than the Stars by Karen C. Fox

In a way, we are all as old as the universe itself. In fact, every bit of every one of us was created in the Big Bang, billions of years ago.

Stunning illustrations and lively verse tell the story of the cosmic connections that tie human beings to the beginning of the universe. Simple, informative prose provides additional facts.

One Day a Dot by Ian Lendler

Starting with one tiny dot and continuing through the Big Bang to the rise of human societies, the story of our universe is told in simple and vivid terms. But the biggest question of all cannot be answered: Where did that one dot come from?

The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer

Before the universe was formed, before time and space existed, there was . . . nothing. But then . . . BANG! Stars caught fire and burned so long that they exploded, flinging stardust everywhere. And the ash of those stars turned into planets. Into our Earth. And into us. In a poetic text, Marion Dane Bauer takes readers from the trillionth of a second when our universe was born to the singularities that became each one of us, while vivid illustrations by Ekua Holmes capture the void before the Big Bang and the ensuing life that burst across galaxies.

Lost Stars by Hannah Cumming

Everyone has become so focused on bright lights and new technology that they have forgotten about the stars. Fed up with not being appreciated, the stars decide to leave their posts and go on holiday. But what will happen when the lights go out? A charming picture book warning us to appreciate the natural beauty of the world, before it is lost.

A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

Reimagines the cycles of the moon as a mother bakes a Big Moon Cake and, despite Mama’s request to wait, Little Star begins nibbling at it every night.

First Star: a Bear and Mole Story by Will Hillenbrand

While camping, Bear tells Mole the story of how the First Bears created the moon and the stars.

Star Climbing by Lou Fancher

When he cannot sleep, a little boy imagines himself on a nighttime journey across the sky where he can run and dance with star constellations.

My House has Stars by Megan McDonald

Young people describe the different kinds of homes they live in around the world and how they see the stars.

Constellation lacing cards: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8__TFE0yObfNmQ3NTA1NjUtYTdjMy00OGE5LTlkMzQtYjJmOWFjYjgzYzk2/view?hl=en&authkey=CJiFndEM

DIY Constellation flashlight: https://www.handmadecharlotte.com/diy-constellation-flashlight-discs/

 

 

A Universe of Stories – Mars

You are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’Brien

In the spirit of books that once imagined colonies on the moon, Patrick O’Brien has created a unique look at your first trip to Mars. Using the most up-to-date designs and theories of what it will take to establish a base on Mars, you are off on an incredible journey, over 35 million miles to the red planet. Filled with details, and vividly brought to life, this is an adventure that you are never going to forget.

Mars by Elaine Landau

From the First Book series, each volume discusses current knowledge and speculation about its subject, reporting on the planet’s geography, moons, and mysterious features as well as the space probes that have gathered the information.

Planet Mars by Ann Squire

As one of our closest neighbors in the solar system, Mars has long fascinated people who are interested in space exploration. Readers will find out how we have used advanced technology to explore the surface of Mars and why some scientists think they might one day discover life on the fourth planet from the sun.

Rabbits on Mars by Jan Wahl

Tired of their hard life on Earth, where dogs chase them, winters are cold, and carrots scarce, three rabbit friends build a rocket ship and journey to Mars in hopes of finding a better life.

Life on Mars by Jon Agee

In this sneaky, silly picture book an intrepid-but not so clever-space explorer is certain he’s found the only living thing on Mars.

 

Oliver who would not sleep! By Mara Bergman

 

Oliver Donnington Rimington-Sneep avoids falling asleep by flying his rocket ship to Mars.

 

 

Mousetronaut Goes to Mars by Mark E. Kelly

 

 

A mouse stowaway on NASA’s first human mission to Mars becomes a hero when one of the landing craft’s engines fails. Includes facts about Mars.

 

Mars activities: https://www.weirdunsocializedhomeschoolers.com/hands-mission-mars-activities/

 

Mars sand art: https://www.thekeeperofthememories.com/mars-invitation-to-create-process-art-experience/

 

Moon and Stars

Sun, Moon and Stars by Stephanie Turnbull

Easy to read nonfiction book that answers such questions as “What is the sun made of?” and “How did astronauts get to the moon?” plus others on what’s out in space.

Rabbit Moon by Jean Kim

One night, Rabbit takes a wish and makes it float down to earth and when it comes true, he makes new friends. This whimsical story told in rhymes is inspired by Korean folklore and includes many fantastical elements.

Earth Space Moon Base by Ben Joel Price

A funny quick read about life on other planets.

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle

A little girl wants to play with the moon, but she can’t quite reach it. This story literally unfolds as the pages extend both outward and upward as her father goes on a journey to get the moon for his daughter.

Moon Dreams by Ruth Martin

Moon Theater by Étienne Delessert

Moon activities

http://www.onceuponalearningadventure.com/2013/01/space-case-and-100th-day-sneak.html?spref=pi

Sun, moon, earth model printable

file:///C:/Users/lclbr3/AppData/Local/Temp/Sun,%20Earth,%20Moon%20Model.pdf

Moon phases printable chart

https://homeschoolclipart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/MoonChart.pdf

Solar Eclipse

I recently presented a space theme family storytime and began with an introduction to the upcoming solar eclipse with Looking Up: The Science of Stargazing. There was an easy to understand explanation of the solar eclipse beginning on page 34.

Another nonfiction book with easy to understand concepts is Experiments with the Sun and the Moon.

The Sun and the Moon by Lisa Desimini

Beautifully illustrated story of giants following the moon and sun in search of their soulmates who finally meet each other during an eclipse.

The children really enjoyed answering the questions about the book I want to be an Astronaut, and explaining why they did, or did not want to be an astronaut!

Sun and Moon by Lindsey Yankey

The book begins with the moon begging the sun to trade places with him, for just one day, as his nights were dark and lonely. He believed that the sun was able to see all the beautiful things in the world had during the day. The sun agreed, but upon two conditions: the moon must trade with her forever, and before she was willing to trade, he had to look at the world closer than he ever had before. The moon was excited to look at the world in a way he never had before. He was expecting to see the same things he saw night after night, darkness but he was surprised when he looked just a little bit closer.

We finished with Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! and the action rhyme of the same name.

https://www.todaysparent.com/lullaby_lyrics/zoom-zoom-zoom-lyrics/

Here’s some great activities from NASA:

https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/activities

Here’s a coloring sheet and activity for the solar eclipse dragon.

https://sunearthday.gsfc.nasa.gov/2008eclipse/materials/Coloring_Dragon.pdf

Here’s a fun craft with coffee filters:

http://www.lookwerelearning.com/coffee-filter-solar-eclipse-craft/

Science Poetry

Comets, Stars, the Moon and Mars by Douglas Florian

Find some space-related science activities at these sites:

http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/space/science.htm

http://www.preschoolexpress.com/theme_station07/outer_space_jun07.shtml

Science Verse by Jon Sceiszka

Write a group verse about several of your upcoming science activities, for an extension project.

Review: The Truth About Nature

The Truth About Nature: A Family’s Guide to 144 Common Myths about the Great Outdoors by Stacy Tornio and Ken Keffer

This book could be a useful resource for those incorporating science into their storytimes. The 144 myths are arranged by season and are accompanied by forty strange-but-true nature facts, 32 assorted legends, and 16 activities/experiments. There are quick tips at the beginning of the book to help you use the book to best advantage and a great index in the back to help match your storytime topic to book topics. Check it out!

What Is Science?

What is Science? by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

This title can be used to introduce the concept of science to young children. It shows them that almost anything can be looked at scientifically.

Moon/Space

Zoom! Zoom! Zoom! I’m Off to the Moon by Dan Yaccarino

Use a baking sheet and cover the surface with 1/2 inch of flour. Smooth it over completely and then have the children drop marbles and small pebbles into the flour to create craters. Drop the objects from various heights so the children can see the different effects.