I spent a lot of time last year researching starry night books. When the world shuts down and there isn’t much to do I turned to learning. I always turn to nature when life gets hard so this new found joy doesn’t surprise me. Nature in books when I can’t be outside? What else was there to do anyway.
Enter new hobby. Learning about the night sky.
One thing I love is starry nights. Actual starry nights, recreating starry nights with lights, and the idea in itself. I used to work branding and selling camping and RVing experiences so this is all fitting. Maybe it’s where it comes from. Just something about the starry skies that make my eyes glisten at the sound of it. If you ask anyone on my creative team at the time, they would just shake their heads.
Another thing I love is children’s books and learning. So I combined the two together. I love illustrations and a good story. I thought taking a detailed topic and adding color and interest would encourage me to learn about it. Also, something about learning from the perspective of a child that is much more fun than black and white text on paper.
Just researching and finding the books to read was fun too. Who doesn’t love a good game of hide and seek? There are a lot of great books and resources out there. Take the time to find joy in the journey to make sure you find quality books for you. Read reviews, follow people you like, and look up subject matter experts on the topic to help find what you need.
Starry night books are something I still search for and have many I’ve yet to read. But for now, I will share with you some of my favorites. Each one of these has great information and a fun factor. They are both child and adult friendly as well. Some of the illustrations are just gorgeous and many would even make great decor items for your home. All of my decor must have a purpose so this was a requirement while looking for books to add to my collection.
Starry Night Books List
- What We See in the Stars: An Illustrated Tour of the Night Sky by Kelsey Oseid {click here}
- Star Stories: Constellation Tales from Around the World by Anita Ganeri {click here}
- Sky Gazing: A Guide to the Moon, Sun, Planets, Stars, Eclipses, and Constellations by Meg Thacher {click here}
- Full Moon Lore by Ellen Wahi {click here}
- Nature’s Light Spectacular by Katy Flint {click here}
- National Geographic Pocket Guide to the Night Sky of North America by Catherine H. Howell {click here}
See below to download my fun book recommendations sheet along with fun activities and ideas to incorporate into your learning.
Usborne Starry Night Books List
My other recommendations are for Usborne books, which I’ll list below. These are books you have to buy from an Usborne Consultant. Have you bought Usborne books before? They are stunning and great books for teaching children. And adults too, I think! Contact me if you need help finding a rep. You can email me at erinjanna@hotmail.com. In addition to great books they also have many activity books on various topics that make learning really fun! Be sure to download my Usborne book and activity recommendations for more fun ideas.
- Book of the Moon by Usborne {click here}
- Dr. Maggie’s Grand Tour of the Solar System by Kane Miller {click here}
- 100 Things to Know about Space by Usborne {click here}
Other fun ideas:
Some other fun things to incorporate into a full starry night experience are the following:
- Keep a night sky journal to track what you see in the night sky
- Use binoculars to help look up close into the sky
- Use a telescope for a whole new up close experience! I don’t have one to recommend yet but if you do, please let me know!
- Fill an inflatable pool with blankets and pillows and bundle up as you gaze at the sky
- This Star Wheel is a great resource to help understand what you can see in the sky and at what time of year.
Enjoy!
xx, ej
