A STAR EXPLODES

The supernova of 1054 C.E. is illuminated.

In 1054 C.E., a light brighter than any star was seen. The book implies that we know about this phenomenon today because it was noted and recorded in China (though this isn’t explicitly stated in the text). The light from the supernova eventually faded from sight. Centuries later, the telescope was invented, allowing astronomers to extend their vision into deep space. And what they saw was a large mass of gas and dust that they named the Crab Nebula for its resemblance to the crustacean. Turns out, the Crab Nebula consists of the remains of the supernova of 1054. Using simple language, Gladstone competently explains this phenomenon—from its sighting nearly 1,000 years ago to its rediscovery as a nebula—although inquisitive readers may be left with unanswered questions: Why don’t all stars end up as supernovas? How do elements in the exploding stars contribute to life? This is not necessarily an omission, since the wonder and awe inspired by the supernova may spur children to further explore the topic. The illustrations, however, all double-page spreads in rather unexciting colors, have a mostly unvaried, straight-on perspective that doesn’t do much to enhance the narrative. Though characters in earlier scenes are Chinese, those in later ones are diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A simple introduction to a fascinating topic but with rather wishy-washy illustrations.