Halley’s Comet tells its own history in this unique STEM book
Halley’s Comet, visible from Earth only once every 75 years, tells its own story in this unique informational picture book. With each return of the comet, the book highlights human life at that time, and how science has advanced toward a greater understanding of our universe.
Told in minimal, poetic text paired with detailed captions for context, the book begins with sightings in ancient civilizations, where for centuries, the comet was a mystery recorded in art and writing. From Edmond Halley’s successful prediction of the comet’s return in 1758, through the advent of technologies like cameras and eventually a spacecraft that photographed its ice core, Halley’s Comet tells an inspiring and wide-reaching story of scientific advancement and cultural history.
The book closes by inviting readers to wonder what our world might look like the next time Halley’s Comet is visible from earth, expected in 2061. What will the comet “see,” next time it passes by on its journey?

JAMES GLADSTONE is an author of picture books for children, including When Planet Earth Was New, Earthrise, and Turtle Pond, which won the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. James’ latest book, Journey Around the Sun, follows Halley’s Comet on its travels through the ages. James lives in Toronto, Ontario.

 

James Gladstone's profile page

YAARA ESHET was born in Israel and studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. She has illustrated more than thirty books for readers of all ages, including Journey Around the Sun: The Story of Halley’s Comet by James Gladstone, which received starred reviews from Kirkus and Quill and Quire. She has exhibited her art in galleries and museums, in solo and group exhibitions, in Israel and Canada. Yaara lives with her family and cats in Toronto, Ontario.

Yaara Eshet's profile page

• Short-listed, Sheila Barry Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year Award
• Commended, A Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2021
• Commended, A Junior Library Guild selection
• Commended, Best Books for Kids and Teens

"Halley’s Comet speaks to readers, recounting the various ways that people throughout history have understood the celestial object. Gladstone and Eshet take us from the time of Aristotle to the space age — with many stops in between."

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

"It’s rare to come across an informational picture book that offers the perfect mix of fact and wonder. But [Journey Around the Sun] is one such gem: a cosmic road trip sure to delight any reader who has ever looked up toward the heavens in awe."

Quill & Quire - STARRED REVIEW

"Listening to Halley's Comet tell its own story is an ingenious way to introduce the comet that has been viewed from Earth over many hundreds of years ... Captivating and informative, this wonderful book will find fans of all ages."

Sal's Fiction Addiction

"Gladstone not only provides readers with a 'personal' account of the comet and lots of fascinating historical and scientific information but he also asks us to think about our relationship to the stars and, ultimately, the universe."

The Globe and Mail

"An ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book science collections for young readers ages 4-8."

Midwest Book Review

"A smart, meditative introduction to the astronomical phenomenon."

Foreword Reviews

"The text is accompanied by full-page paintings that capture the beautiful vastness of the sky along with panels that portray the intensity and fascination of the scientists, artists, and ordinary folk... Factual, historical, and inspirational."

Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW

"An intriguing picture book primer on 'the most famous comet.'"

Publishers Weekly

"This attractive informational picture book will provoke curiosity and wonder about our amazing universe and its history."

Canadian Children's Book News

"A fun and beautifully illustrated introduction to Halley’s Comet."

Canadian Review of Materials