Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories in the Sky

Alice Kidd is an editor with The New Catalyst editorial collective in
Lillooet, B.C.

Joan Hinz has written a delightful introduction to stargazing for
children. She covers 15 constellations with a star chart, associated
myths and stories, scientific facts, and suggestions in sidebars that
are aptly named, “Space Notes” and “A Closer Look.” A checklist
and constellation chart for the Northern Hemisphere is included at the
back. The book begins with a simple yet practical list of equipment and
ends with a glossary and index.

Hinz has taken the familiar concept of “connecting the dots” and
applied it to the task of finding and outlining the constellations.
Detailed instructions for locating the Little Dipper set the foundation
for finding all the other constellations. Each new constellation is
connected “by the dots” to a preceding one. Her instructions are
simple yet effective. The writing style blends myth and fact without
blurring the boundaries of the two. Stories are in the main body of the
text and the facts are in sidebars. The result is clear and instructive,
yet friendly and inviting.

The layout of the book with its night-sky borders and illustrations
contributes to the pleasure of reading it. With Dot to Dot in the Sky in
my pocket, my next visit to my neighbor’s telescope should be
delightful! Highly recommended.