Recent Reads: Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman and Olga Pastuchiv

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Ada and the Galaxies by Alan Lightman and Olga Pastuchiv, Illustrated
by Susanna Chapman
Publisher: MIT Kids Press
Publication Date:  September 7, 2021

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Stargazers rejoice! In his first book for children, renowned physicist Alan Lightman and collaborators, with help from the Hubble telescope, light up the night sky.

New York Times best-selling author Alan Lightman, in collaboration with Olga Pastuchiv, brings galaxies close in a stunning picture-book tribute to the interconnectedness of the natural world. Layering photographs taken from the Hubble telescope into charming and expressive art, illustrator Susanna Chapman zooms in on one child's experiences: Ada knows that the best place for star-gazing is on the island in Maine where she vacations with her grandparents. By day, she tracks osprey in the trees, paddles a kayak, and hunts for shells. But she's most in her element when the sun goes down and the stars blink to life. Will the fog this year foil her plans, or will her grandfather find a way to shine a spotlight on the vast puzzle of the universe . . . until the weather turns?

Review: 

Ada is a young girl that lives in NYC but loves the stars, only in NY you can't really see them because of all the bright city lights. When Ada visits her grandparents in Maine, she loves to view the stars and that is her one and only mission. Ada is so excited to see the stars that the day seems long and once it ends there is too much fog to see her starts so her Poobah (or grandfather) shows her photos of galaxies instead. 

I really liked that this book was beautifully illustrated and showcased Maine really well. It also includes scientifically accurate measurements for the stars and galaxies. Such a cool feature. I think that the book also illustrates a realistic portrayal of a young girl wanting something and not getting it all day, she is a bit moody and upset and asks about the stars every chance she gets. 

while I liked that she is interested in the stars and there are learning opportunities throughout the book, I felt that the grandparents fed into some of this not so great behavior. I know that grandparents are there for some spoiling but sadly Ada's not thrilled to see them... just the stars and I felt that could have been handled better.

All that said, this was a beautiful book. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed and, in a way, a little whimsical as well. It also included photos from the Hubble telescope which are magnificent full-page spreads. I think that star and space lovers will really enjoy this book and parents will appreciate the scientific accuracy.