Flashback Tuesday: The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis

Today is the birth anniversary of the great astronomer Galileo.  

The Starry Messenger by Peter Sis is a great way to introduce this historic figure to a child.   While the book is a picture book and is supposedly geared towards ages 4-8 year olds, I think it is more for an older child.   The story of Galileo is fascinating, he led a complicated life but Mr Sis is able to write this biography in a way that brings it down to a child's level.   The illustrations are also wonderful, it wasn't surprising that Peter Sis got the Caldecott Honor for them.   I have always said that there are different kinds of picture books.   There are picture books meant to be read to the very young and then there books like The Starry Messenger that are for older kids.   These picture books for older children are meant to help children really visualize a subject.   They are just as important as a chapter book.   All kids are different in the way they learn so there should be something for everyone.    Like I said earlier this book is the perfect way to introduce a complicated subject to a child....it is a beautiful stepping stone for the starry eyed child in your life....