Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us

Gr 2-4–As a meteor and bright stars shimmer, a young girl gazes towards the night sky, while the text asks: “Want to know a secret?” The answer to that question, along with intriguing facts about outer space, await readers of this well-crafted picture book. Nebula, a benign figure with streaming hair, compares clouds in Earth’s atmosphere to an outer space nebula. Nebulae are much larger and colorful: “a kaleidoscope, a riot of rainbows, atoms aglow with starlight.” Even traveling at the speed of light, it takes more than 700 years to reach the closest nebula. Nebula describes how nebulae are created and their role as a stellar nursery, connecting the various parts of the entire universe. “I am the last burst of breath expelled by a star or supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind.” Eye-catching digital illustrations incorporate photos of actual nebulae; these make good use of lush color and add playful details. Illustrations also enhance the text as it limns both the history and future of outer space studies.