Astronomy book for a 7 year old

[Skybrowser]

Any ideas on a good book on astronomy for a 7 year old about to get his first little refractor?

[steppenwolf]

How about 'First Book of Stars' by Patrick Moore?

I got this for my 7 year old grandson - it was specifically written with 7 year olds in mind!

[ronin]

Ring round a few astro clubs and see if any have one of the BBC Stargazing Live booklets available. Pretty basic but that is OK. If any do then get a couple.

Not suggesting one in place of a book but they are simple and pretty tough. They show the stars/constellations but not DSO's.

[Skybrowser]

thanks Steve and Ronin. I'll be helping my nephew's dad to identify a few constellatikns etc. and then getting the latest recruit to the hobby up and running on the usual targets.

[JamesM]

A couple more suggestions for you Steve.

The Usborne Book of Astronomy and Space here.

The Everything Kids Astronomy Book here.

Soaring Through The Universe: Astronomy Through Children's Literature here.

and lastly,

The Marshall Children's Guide to Astronomy here.

They have all had good reviews as being suitable for younger children although no one child is alike and you need something to sustain their interest for the next few years, which would lead me to recommend my first choice above. Hope that helps .

James

[michigander]

This was my first astronomy book - 50 years ago, but it's been updated since then

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/0547132808/ref=sr_1_olp_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1242337954&sr=1-3

Dana

[dav1d]

As the father of a nine year old boy & five year old girl, I can thoroughly recommend The Kingfisher Visual Factfinder: Stars and Planets . They both love it & it's full of big drawings, big thoughts & ambition.

It's not that brilliant for the nitty-gritty of where to find objects, but for the 'what shall I look at next,' it is inspirational & conveys a very real sense of awe about what is out there in the universe.

[Qualia]

There are some great books full of pictures and a ton of information and sometimes adults think these will be the best for the little ones, but be careful.

There can be so much info that it overwhelms. It may look interesting, but it may be just too complicated for children.

Try to remember what books - if any - you were reading at 7. I recall that I liked books with pictures and easy paragraphs that linked me directly with the picture.

Seven is still a relatively young age for most to be reading alone in silence without some kind of support and attention not only from the pictures but also from an adult.

Anyway, here are some possible suggestions:

http://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Of-The-Sun-Planets/dp/079227220X

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zoo-Sky-Book-Animal-Constellations/dp/0711213194/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336431295&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Theres-No-Place-Like-Space/dp/0679991158/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336431147&sr=1-1

etc...