Comet Chaser

January 15, 2024
German-born female astronomer Caroline Herschel (1750–1848) becomes a Cinderella-like heroine in Turner’s quotation-filled text, which charts the subject’s transformation to acclaimed career scientist. Entering into household drudgery while her brothers were educated, Herschel’s early years are overshadowed by a “severe” mother and the death of her astronomy-loving father. Enter big brother William, who offers education and the chance to assist him in his musical and astronomical endeavors in England. Though the pair work together building telescopes and mapping the night sky, Herschel’s contributions remain underappreciated until she discovers a comet and is finally recognized with a salary of her own from the king. Mildenberger’s smudgy full-bleed paintings lean on shadowy hues for dreamy nighttime vistas in which Herschel shines as a figure of resilience—and brilliance. The creative team compels with this portrayal of empowerment through vocation. An author’s note and glossary conclude. Ages 5–8.

January 1, 2024
Grades 2-4 Born in Germany, Caroline Herschel moved to England to help her brother William run his household. They also performed music together professionally. But as his interest in astronomy grew, she also became enthusiastic about observing the night sky, charting it, and helping him build telescopes of increasing size and precision. Since ancient times, only five planets had been discovered, until William saw Uranus through one of the telescopes that he and his sister had built. One night in 1786, Caroline discovered a comet. At her request, a group of skeptical astronomers visited her, looked through her telescope, and confirmed her discovery. As a result, King George III hired her, and she became "the world's first professional woman astronomer." Turner's well-researched text gives readers insights into eighteenth-century European society as well as the history of astronomy and the personal challenges faced by Caroline Herschel. The many dark, impressionistic paintings illustrate her struggles particularly well. This picture-book biography presents a short, vivid account of Caroline Herschel's notable life, with additional information and insights in the back matter.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 1, 2024
Caroline Herschel's intellectual curiosity sparkled like the stars that fascinated her. Born and raised in Hannover, Germany, Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) seemed destined for life as a household drudge; her mother, who cared little about her daughter's schooling, demanded Caroline do chores, while her four elder brothers were educated by their father. William, Caroline's favorite brother, eventually moved to England and embarked on a successful music career. He cared deeply about his sister and urged her to come live with him. Their mother refused until William sent money to hire a servant. Caroline moved, and William taught her English, singing, and mathematics. She transcribed music and performed in his concerts. Star-gazing fascinated them both, and they built several brilliantly accurate telescopes and mapped star movements. Caroline easily worked out complicated calculations. The pair made major astronomical discoveries, but William Herschel is enshrined in astronomical history as the discoverer of Uranus. Caroline's star also shone: She discovered a comet, for which George III awarded her a salary. Thus, Caroline Herschel became the world's first professional female astronomer. (She discovered several more.) This captivating, well-written biographical picture book spotlights a brilliant, persevering woman who found her true calling in the skies; STEM-inclined readers should find her story especially fascinating and uplifting. Numerous quotes from Caroline Herschel appear throughout. Mildenberger's paintings are awash in light; dark scenes gleam with stars. An important historical personality receives deserved attention in this fine account. (more information on Caroline Herschel, glossary and resources, quotations, bibliography) (Picture-book biography. 7-10)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 1, 2024
Turner tells the amazing story of Caroline Herschel (1750-1848), a pioneering woman in STEM, from her young life as family housekeeper to the discovery of a comet that earns her a paid retainer from the king of England. Despite her mother's insistence on keeping her as a helper in the home, Herschel's curiosity and hard work mean that she is able to first support and eventually work side by side with her brother in both music and astronomy. The scientific siblings create and build new telescopes that can see further into space than anyone has before, leading to a series of remarkable discoveries. (Many readers will be fascinated to learn that pounded horse dung was the innovation that allowed the Herschels to build their telescope and change astronomy.) Turner peppers the text with direct quotes from Herschel's memoir and with memorable moments, such as the winter night when even Caroline's ink freezing in the inkwell did not stop her journey of discovery. Mildenberger's painted illustrations have a historical feeling and are often muddy or dark, but bright stars and faces shine out of the blues and browns. Her characters' animated facial expressions bring scenes to life. Back matter includes additional biographical information, a glossary, sources for quotations in the text, and further reading. Laura Koenig

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

January 1, 2024
Turner tells the amazing story of Caroline Herschel (1750-1848), a pioneering woman in STEM, from her young life as family housekeeper to the discovery of a comet that earns her a paid retainer from the king of England. Despite her mother's insistence on keeping her as a helper in the home, Herschel's curiosity and hard work mean that she is able to first support and eventually work side by side with her brother in both music and astronomy. The scientific siblings create and build new telescopes that can see further into space than anyone has before, leading to a series of remarkable discoveries. (Many readers will be fascinated to learn that pounded horse dung was the innovation that allowed the Herschels to build their telescope and change astronomy.) Turner peppers the text with direct quotes from Herschel's memoir and with memorable moments, such as the winter night when even Caroline's ink freezing in the inkwell did not stop her journey of discovery. Mildenberger's painted illustrations have a historical feeling and are often muddy or dark, but bright stars and faces shine out of the blues and browns. Her characters' animated facial expressions bring scenes to life. Back matter includes additional biographical information, a glossary, sources for quotations in the text, and further reading.

(Copyright 2024 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)