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Caroline's Comets: A True Story Hardcover – Picture Book, February 28, 2017

by Emily Arnold McCully (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 50 ratings
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With courage and confidence, Caroline Herschel (1750-1848) becomes the first woman professional scientist and one of the greatest astronomers who ever lived.

Born the youngest daughter of a poor family in Hanover, Germany, Caroline was scarred from smallpox, stunted from typhus, and used by her parents as a scullery maid. But when her favorite brother, William, left for England, he took her with him. The siblings shared a passion for stars, and together they built the greatest telescope of their age, working tirelessly on star charts.

Using their telescope, Caroline discovered fourteen nebulae and two galaxies, was the first woman to discover a comet, and became the first woman officially employed as a scientist--by no less than the King of England. The information from the Herschels' star catalogs is still used by space agencies today.

The book includes excerpts from Caroline Herschel's autobiography.

A 2018 NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.
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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    6 - 9 years
  2. Print length
    40 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    1 - 4
  5. Lexile measure
    AD800L
  6. Dimensions
    9.3 x 0.3 x 11.2 inches
  7. Publisher
    Holiday House
  8. Publication date
    February 28, 2017
  9. ISBN-10
    0823436640
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0823436644
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3—This picture book biography tells the story of Caroline Herschel, who became the first female professional scientist employed by George III. Readers learn of her childhood love of stargazing, the illnesses of her youth, and the struggles she faced as an unmarried woman attempting to earn a living. Expansive, hand-drawn illustrations enhance the text. Rich, starry nighttime spreads alternate with vividly colored scenes on a white background. The text is wonderfully accessible to younger audiences, but 18th-century culture is not directly explained and may need to be discussed with children while reading. Herschel's family's singular dependence on her as their scullery maid, for example, may recall "Cinderella" to the minds of some youngsters or prompt questions about the way Herschel's family treated her. Also note that the focus here is on Herschel's life rather than on what a comet is or why it is a significant find. Pairing this title with materials on comets, stars, and astronomy would provide solid scientific context for the study of space. Herschel and her brother William's foray into telescope building is a highlight of the volume, as it demonstrates the process of learning through scientific experimentation. The use of italicized first-person excerpts from Herschel's recollections works well here. VERDICT Purchase where early elementary—level science biographies are needed.—Sara White, Seminole County Public Library, Casselberry, FL

Review

★ "The concise text includes well-chosen details and quotes that help create a multifaceted personality on the page, while letting young readers know how limited the options were for an eighteenth-century woman and how close Herschel came to living her life in obscurity, knitting socks and scrubbing pans. The appealing illustrations—pen-and-ink drawings with watercolor washes—bring the historical settings to life. An engaging introduction to a notable woman in astronomy."—Booklist, Starred Review

"An inspiring tale of scientific discovery despite obstacles, with a feminist point of view."—Kirkus Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Holiday House; Illustrated edition (February 28, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 40 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0823436640
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0823436644
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 6 - 9 years
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD800L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 1 - 4
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 9.3 x 0.3 x 11.2 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 50 ratings

About the author

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Emily Arnold McCully

Emily Arnold McCully

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Emily Arnold McCully was born in Galesburg, Illinois. She was a dare-devil tree-climber and ball-player who loved to write stories and illustrate them. Her family moved to New York City and then to a suburb, where she attended school. After college at Brown University, she earned a Master's degree at Columbia University in art history. She worked as a freelance illustrator for magazines, advertisements and book publishers until a radio station commissioned a series of posters showing children playing. The first appeared in subway cars, where it was seen by a children's book editor. It launched a long career, first as an illustrator, then as author/illustrator of picture books. McCully won a Caldecott Medal in 1993. She has two grown sons, one grandson and lives in New York City and Columbia County, N.Y., where she grows flowers and vegetables.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
50 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

FL Toll
5.0 out of 5 stars Our granddaughter loves it!
Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2018
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Loved this book!
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Helen
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book about the first professional woman scientist
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2018
My daughter and I loved this book even though we found it a little sad. Except for her brother William, it seems her family did not value her. She was an amazing woman; smart, loyal, and hardworking. I especially loved that she did not want William to pay her as his assistant and instead got the king to pay her salary thus becoming the first professional woman scientist. That took some courage and confidence. It would have been easy for her to get lost in William’s shadow. I think this book also speaks to William’s great character in that he taught her and encouraged her and did not try to take credit for her discoveries which I bet would not have been unusual at the time.

My daughter said that she particularly liked this book because Caroline became famous even though at first no one thought she was important. She said it reminds her that you should never judge a book by its cover. I agree! I am glad we had the opportunity to learn about scientists Caroline and William Herschel.
7 people found this helpful
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dpnation
3.0 out of 5 stars Appreciate highlighting an amazing woman, but misses the mark
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2021
Verified Purchase
Caroline Herschel was an amazing woman and deserves to be talked about and celebrated, but I have a hard time with some of the sexist undertones in the book. Sure in the 1700's wasn't exactly a high time in feminism, but is it really necessary to have in this children's story that Caroline's father was concerned she was too ugly to get married? And "How would she live without a husband to support her?" I'm literally reading this out loud to my 4 and 6 year old... YIKES. Also refers to her a lot as an "assistant". Upon some quick Google research, Herschel "was recognized during her life and afterward for both her pivotal role in helping her brother and for her own discoveries." Can we talk more about that?
I was recommended to try "She Persisted Around The World: 13 Women Who Changed History" which also covers Caroline Herschel, and hopefully to better effect.
5 people found this helpful
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Becky B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing story of a largely forgotten woman scientist
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2018
A picture book biography of a woman who made many astronomical discoveries and was the first professional woman scientist, employed by King George.

I didn't recognize Caroline Herschel's name or that of her brother who discovered Uranus. They made some astounding discoveries, and she paved the way for women to be employed in the sciences. Quite an interesting picture book biography that would be a good read during astronomy units or when studying women in STEM fields.

Notes on content: A perilous fall of Caroline's brother is mentioned, as is a nasty wound Caroline received from a giant hook. (The injury isn't accurately depicted in the illustration so the illustration isn't gory even though it probably should be.)
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Sabrina
5.0 out of 5 stars Il racconto di una vita
Reviewed in Italy on March 30, 2021
Verified Purchase
Il libro rientra all'interno di una ricerca che ho compiuto per le Donne nella Scienza verso le scuole e il pubblico. Ottimi i riferimenti storici e la creatività dei disegni: anche questi racconti riescono a raccogliere stimoli importanti per tutte le fasce d'età. Conoscere il passato aiuta a migliorare il presente e la conoscenza non ha età.
Illustrazioni e testi ben curati.
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Sabrina
5.0 out of 5 stars Il racconto di una vita
Reviewed in Italy on March 30, 2021
Il libro rientra all'interno di una ricerca che ho compiuto per le Donne nella Scienza verso le scuole e il pubblico. Ottimi i riferimenti storici e la creatività dei disegni: anche questi racconti riescono a raccogliere stimoli importanti per tutte le fasce d'età. Conoscere il passato aiuta a migliorare il presente e la conoscenza non ha età.
Illustrazioni e testi ben curati.
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