Book Review: The Starry Messenger
Peter Sis’ superbly illustrated Starry Messenger takes its title from the published observations of the famous Galileo Galilei. Sis relates the story of Galileo’s life in sixteenth century Italy in child friendly faery tale prose. Italic factoids dance around the pages noting important accomplishments or milestones in Galileo’s life. Also noted are several brilliant quotes direct from the hero of the book himself i.e.
“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with senses, reason, and intellect has intended to forgo their use… He would not require us to deny sense and reason on physical matters which are set before our eyes and minds by direct experience or necessary demonstrations.”
All through out Galileo’s brave devotion to observation, reason and truth in spite of great persecution is championed.
I sincerely enjoy this book. The illustrations are worth mentioning again, as the book is a Caldecott Honour award winner. They are drawn in a fitting Renaissance-scientific style with old world lunar diagrams, maps, and mythic illustrations. The book is recommendable to both elementary school age children and anyone beyond.
Author: Peter Sis