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The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Story About Edwin Hubble
This is the story of Edwin Hubble, a boy fascinated by the stars who surmounted many hurdles to follow his dreams of becoming an astronomer. Using the insights of great mathematicians and endlessly observing the sky, he succeeded in confirming two things that altered human life forever: that there are more galaxies than our own, and that the universe is always expanding. Hubble’s message to us is to find peace in the vastness of the mystery surrounding us, and to be curious. “We do now know why we are born into the world,” he said, “but we can try to find out what sort of world it is.”
52 pages, Hardcover
First published January 19, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 17, 2021
Another gem on the biography shelf. This book conveys the wonder and excitement of observing the cosmos. The foil-inlay text was a nice touch.
March 19, 2022
I love everything about this book: the story, the design, the art - and the man it’s all about! ❤️
July 5, 2021
Beautifully told story of Edwin Hubble that does a great job of capturing the beauty and mystery of the cosmos. It is thanks to Hubble that people first learned how truly vast the universe truly is. (Incidentally, he did not create the Hubble telescope, but it is named after him.) I do think this is one of those picture books that is more for grown-ups than for children... for example, "Edwin wasn't terrified by the vastness of the universe he had discovered. He saw beauty in is immensity and it gave him comfort." Not that children aren't natural philosophers and scientists, but I think adults are more likely to ponder Hubble's quotes, such as this: "We do not know why we are born into the world, but we can try to find out what sort of world it is." The concepts are rather challenging even for adults to wrap their heads around, such as explanation that all galaxies move away from each other and that the further away a galaxy is from Earth, the faster it moves away from us. Again, not to say we need to dummy down for children, but this just strikes me as the sort of book that will resonate more for adults already interested in the subject than for children new to it. Given that, I found the rather whimsical illustrations a bit too juvenile for the overall tone of the book. However, it's a beautiful book and the back matter is also excellent so I do highly recommend it to those interested in the subject.
July 6, 2021
The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Story About Edwin Hubble is a children's picture book written by Isabelle Marinov and illustrated by Deborah Marcero. It centers on Edwin Hubble's childhood and a wonderful tribute to his life's work and the joys of staying curious.
Edwin Powell Hubble was an American astronomer. He played a crucial role in establishing the fields of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology.
Marinov's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Straightforward storytelling details young Hubble’s early obsession with the sky throughout his Missouri childhood and first career as a teacher and basketball coach, then his transition into astronomy. Backmatter includes author and illustrator notes and a brief biography, further explains Hubble’s major contributions to astronomy. Mixed-media illustrations evoke the immenseness of the universe in compositions, including an impressive gatefold, that emphasize star-studded skies.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a biography of Edwin Hubble, whose insatiable curiosity led to groundbreaking discoveries about the cosmos in the early 20th century. However, when he was a boy, his father forbade him from studying astronomy. Hubble spent years working as a teacher, but his mind continued to dwell in the stars. After his father's death, he followed his dreams, worked at Mount Wilson Observatory, studied galaxies, and proved both that the universe is much bigger than was previously thought and that it is expanding.
All in all, The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Story About Edwin Hubble is a lively and stellar biography.
Edwin Powell Hubble was an American astronomer. He played a crucial role in establishing the fields of extragalactic astronomy and observational cosmology.
Marinov's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Straightforward storytelling details young Hubble’s early obsession with the sky throughout his Missouri childhood and first career as a teacher and basketball coach, then his transition into astronomy. Backmatter includes author and illustrator notes and a brief biography, further explains Hubble’s major contributions to astronomy. Mixed-media illustrations evoke the immenseness of the universe in compositions, including an impressive gatefold, that emphasize star-studded skies.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It is a biography of Edwin Hubble, whose insatiable curiosity led to groundbreaking discoveries about the cosmos in the early 20th century. However, when he was a boy, his father forbade him from studying astronomy. Hubble spent years working as a teacher, but his mind continued to dwell in the stars. After his father's death, he followed his dreams, worked at Mount Wilson Observatory, studied galaxies, and proved both that the universe is much bigger than was previously thought and that it is expanding.
All in all, The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars: A Story About Edwin Hubble is a lively and stellar biography.
February 10, 2021
The illustrations are lovely, and the author conveys biographical and scientific information clearly and smoothly, at a level that children can understand.
August 6, 2021
Elegant and sweet illustrations in cool-colored ink and pencil capture both the charm and majesty of the life of Edwin Hubble. Born in Missouri, Edwin's curiosity was nurtured by a grandfather who gave him a home made telescope. We see Edwin grow, motivated by essential questions "How many stars are in the sky, How did the universe begin, Where did it come from? But his life initially followed a path obedient to the concerns of a father who thought astronomy wasn't a proper job. It was after a law degree and a stint teaching and coaching that the death of Hubble's father allowed Edwin to return to school for a degree in astronomy and a career following his passion.
This is one of those books rich with detail that elevate understanding. The author gently reminds us of astronomical facts or teaches us them in ways that feel conversational. We get a feel for Hubble's personality both in his choices and in quoted passages. We get glimpses of the astronomical community (Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Harlow Shapely) and the questions that drove astronomers at the time. (Are there other galaxies, is the universe static or expanding.) Most importantly readers learn the two massive contributions that Hubble made to human understanding - the universe is bigger than we thought and it is getting bigger all the time.
Finally this is a beautifully designed book, from the silver typeface of the three repeated motivating questions: "How many stars are in the sky, How did the universe begin, Where did it come from? to the splendor of the central gatefold that reveals the majesty and detail of a universe populated with constellations.
This is one of those books rich with detail that elevate understanding. The author gently reminds us of astronomical facts or teaches us them in ways that feel conversational. We get a feel for Hubble's personality both in his choices and in quoted passages. We get glimpses of the astronomical community (Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Harlow Shapely) and the questions that drove astronomers at the time. (Are there other galaxies, is the universe static or expanding.) Most importantly readers learn the two massive contributions that Hubble made to human understanding - the universe is bigger than we thought and it is getting bigger all the time.
Finally this is a beautifully designed book, from the silver typeface of the three repeated motivating questions: "How many stars are in the sky, How did the universe begin, Where did it come from? to the splendor of the central gatefold that reveals the majesty and detail of a universe populated with constellations.
December 31, 2021
Great book for science-focused kids, age 7 and up + geniuses! Does not delve much into Hubble's personal life - it is mostly about his love of astronomy and his discoveries, which changed the face of cosmology: The universe is far bigger than originally thought, and it is constantly getting bigger. It lauds curiosity, and that you can find comfort in the vastness of space. That's a bit of a leap for some, including me. But it certainly inspires awe.
March 16, 2021
I have always been interested in learning about Hubble, and included him on lists of people with Indiana connections when we studied them in school. (I was pleased that this book did include his brief stint at New Albany HS.) The book does a great job of illustrating Hubble's power of wonder through both words and graphics. The starry spreads are gorgeous, with some of the text in a silvery glow.
The end matter is helpful, although I think the author's protests about astronomers vs military leaders went a bit far.
The end matter is helpful, although I think the author's protests about astronomers vs military leaders went a bit far.
June 23, 2021
A wonderful introduction to astronomer Edwin Hubble who studied the Andromeda Nebula to determine if other galaxies existed is the namesake for the space telescope. Deborah Macero's mixed-media illustrations evoke the immenseness of the universe in compositions, including an impressive gatefold depicting star-studded skies.
Read
January 23, 2022Gorgeous illustrations capture the vastness of the universe and of Hubble's quest to know it. Props to Enchanted Lion for the production values—especially the foil text in the interior when these questions are repeated: "How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from?"
June 28, 2023
Four stars with a caveat (so more like a 4-). As Catholics we know who created the universe and why we are here. The book poses these questions a few times and never answers them. Led to a brief discussion that allowed us to anchor ourselves in the Catholic world view.
March 30, 2021
A picture book biography of Edwin Hubble whose love of space started early and lasted a lifetime and through career changes to lead him to study the stars. Elementary and up
Read
April 19, 2021A vivid and fascinating biography of Edwin Hubble. Lots of info but still really accessible.
December 30, 2021
Maria Popova recommendation
August 22, 2023
This book is absolutely breathtakingly gorgeous. Loved it.
March 10, 2021
A simple, accessible, yet rich picture book biography. Sparse text conveys the wonder and awe the Hubble must have felt. The repetition of the same three questions is effective, and the illustrations try to steal the show.
February 17, 2021
Great pictures accompany this informative book about Edwin Hubble (whom I discovered did not help create the Hubble telescope, it was named after him).Anything you did not like about the book? Some pages had silver writing that was on theme (stars) but hard to read, I had to tilt the book to get the light right. It was a little too informative for my six year old, but my nine year old budding astronaut lliked it.
March 23, 2021
Born in the late 1800s, Edwin loved the stars from a young age. At eight, he was given a telescope by his grandfather, and they headed into the Missouri night to see the stars up close. Edwin was a good student who loved math and learning about the universe, but his father wanted him to do something else with his life. So Edwin studied law before becoming a high school teacher. It wasn’t until after his father’s death that Edwin felt he could study astronomy. His first job was at Mount Wilson Observatory, the world’s largest telescope. There, he spent years studying the Andromeda nebula, eventually proving that it was a separate galaxy. Edwin continued to classify and learn more about galaxies, discovering that they move away from each other and that the further away they are, the faster they move. Eventually, the Hubble Telescope was launched, named after this man who studied the stars and increased our understanding of the universe.
In her debut picture book, Marinov shows real skill in taking a lifetime of accomplishments and making them accessible for young readers. She writes with a tone that shares the facts of Hubble’s life but also shares his personality, his wonder at the universe and the hard work and resilience it took for him to make his discoveries. As Hubble and others ask big questions about the universe, these statements are done in a silver print that elevates them and will have the reader marveling along.
The illustrations are done in a whimsical style that uses fine ink lines to share small details of large telescopes and landscapes. Using the darkest of black ink, Marcero illuminates her pages with stars that sweep across the paper. One gatefold opens to reveal a series of nebulae to wonder at.
A strong and interesting look at one of the most famous astronomers. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
In her debut picture book, Marinov shows real skill in taking a lifetime of accomplishments and making them accessible for young readers. She writes with a tone that shares the facts of Hubble’s life but also shares his personality, his wonder at the universe and the hard work and resilience it took for him to make his discoveries. As Hubble and others ask big questions about the universe, these statements are done in a silver print that elevates them and will have the reader marveling along.
The illustrations are done in a whimsical style that uses fine ink lines to share small details of large telescopes and landscapes. Using the darkest of black ink, Marcero illuminates her pages with stars that sweep across the paper. One gatefold opens to reveal a series of nebulae to wonder at.
A strong and interesting look at one of the most famous astronomers. Appropriate for ages 6-8.
April 8, 2022
"Edwin wasn't terrified by the vastness of the universe he had discovered. He found beauty in its immensity and it gave him comfort." I can't say enough about this gorgeous picture-book biography of Edwin Hubble, who put off following his passion for astronomy until the death of his disapproving father, and who went on to discover that the milky way is only one galaxy among thousands, that galaxies come in different shapes, and that each of them is moving farther and farther away from the others, meaning that the universe is expanding. (He also had a telescope named after him.) Besides conveying science as a thrilling life pursuit ("Thinking. / Wondering. / Measuring. / Calculating." "Edwin wanted to settle the questions once and for all."), and the awesomeness of the universe it reveals, this book importantly grounds Hubble's life-long passion in philosophical questions he began wondering about as a young boy, that stayed with him throughout his life: "How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from?" The artwork in turns, charming and dazzling, and includes explanatory illustrations of a lunar eclipse, different shapes that galaxies come in, and the expansion of the universe over time (the double centerfold showing a universe of colorful galaxies took my breath away). The story ends with this philosophical observation by Hubble: "We do not know why we are born into the world, but we can try to find out what sort of world it is."
June 13, 2021
About Edwin Hubble from childhood through the opening of the Hale Telescope, wrapping up with the Hubble Telescope being named after him. The book is framed around three broad questions:
*How many stars are in the sky?
*How did the universe begin?
*Where did it come from?
I thought this did a good job of showing parts of one type of scientific process in astronomy -- many observations, many calculations, over many years, to come to a conclusion. I appreciated the endnotes pointing out that one of the plots in the main text wasn't fully accurate, just conveying the main idea (though I didn't really understand why the plot couldn't show something nonlinear in the main text).
Also shows science as a second (at least) career! And mentions one of the Harvard computers, Henrietta Swan Leavitt (see Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer for more on her) that did a lot of the important work that helped Hubble to his discoveries.
One fold out page showing many galaxies.
*How many stars are in the sky?
*How did the universe begin?
*Where did it come from?
I thought this did a good job of showing parts of one type of scientific process in astronomy -- many observations, many calculations, over many years, to come to a conclusion. I appreciated the endnotes pointing out that one of the plots in the main text wasn't fully accurate, just conveying the main idea (though I didn't really understand why the plot couldn't show something nonlinear in the main text).
Also shows science as a second (at least) career! And mentions one of the Harvard computers, Henrietta Swan Leavitt (see Look Up!: Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer for more on her) that did a lot of the important work that helped Hubble to his discoveries.
One fold out page showing many galaxies.
November 5, 2021
Beginning with a quote from Stephen Hawking imploring us to “look up at the stars and not down at your feet” this picture book biography reiterates that sentiment throughout. The questions that were in Edwin Hubble’s head for almost all of his life were, “How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? And Where did it come from?” Marinov uses spare, yet concise language to paint a picture of Hubble’s life and accomplishments. Space is a difficult concept for young children to understand. Marinov’s tribute to Hubble uses subtle humor coupled with lots of fact to help young readers make sense of him and of the universe. There is mention of Hubble relying on the work of Henrietta Swan Leavitt. In the hand of Deborah Marcero, there is whimsy as well as artful graphic in her illustrations. They are black and white with touches of the hues of blue. Edwin is often shown with a halo of stars around his head. This is a quiet gentle story perfect for young star gazers. There is extensive back matter.
December 31, 2020
So much impressive detail in the pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations in this book and very appropriate for the biography of Edwin Hubble, whose unwavering focus on the stars and sky led to great discoveries. Edwin's story, along with the text's repeated refrain, "How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from?" will encourage curious minds to keep exploring and reaching for the stars. Backmatter provides more information on the Hubble-Lemaître Law and Hubble's discoveries along with very sincere author and illustrator notes.
June 24, 2021
A beautiful and interesting biographical picture book about Edwin Hubble and his discoveries. (No, he did not invent the Hubble telescope!) Charming illustrations with a combination of watercolor, acrylic, pencil, and ink include details that enhance the text and give us even more information about Hubble. For those who are interested in learning more, the author and illustrator each have written an extensive note about their experiences in making the book and there is also a nice added note at the end with more detail about Hubble's most significant discoveries. Very well done!
December 5, 2021
I love picture book biographies - I always learn so much! And sometimes I learn enough to whet my appetite to learn more. That would be the case with Edwin Hubble. He was certainly a tenacious individual. And his discoveries changed the way we look at the universe.
I also really appreciated the illustrations. I loved the repetition of the How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from? questions. And that they were printed in silver.
Hopefully, reading this book will help spark as much wonder and questioning as Hubble had himself.
I also really appreciated the illustrations. I loved the repetition of the How many stars are in the sky? How did the universe begin? Where did it come from? questions. And that they were printed in silver.
Hopefully, reading this book will help spark as much wonder and questioning as Hubble had himself.
March 18, 2022
I read this book, when I found it lying on our couch. It looked like my mom had checked it out of the library, as we normally do with books, so I gave it a try, and.... Well, it was fun, but a little too informative. I probably would have preferred something much better and lighter, given that it was intended for a younger audience-read. It's really taking me a lot longer to finish children's books, I just don't know why.
November 25, 2022
2023 Beehive Book Award Nominee: Informational Books
I didn't know about the life and discoveries of Edwin Hubble before reading this book. I love being able to learn about the life of important people through picture books. I wouldn't want to read a whole biography about Hubble, but this introduction is the perfect amount of information to learn about his life and contributions to cosmology. The illustrations and book design are gorgeous.
I didn't know about the life and discoveries of Edwin Hubble before reading this book. I love being able to learn about the life of important people through picture books. I wouldn't want to read a whole biography about Hubble, but this introduction is the perfect amount of information to learn about his life and contributions to cosmology. The illustrations and book design are gorgeous.
May 13, 2021
A book filled with wonder about the universe and our place in it. An inspiring biography, lyrically written and creatively (related to perspective and math!! oh, no!) and beautifully illustrated. Science, as far as I'm concerned, starts with curiosity and wonder. This book demonstrates this perfectly.
September 12, 2021
The illustrations were as expansive as space itself. Not really, but it did feel like I was outside looking at stars and galaxies.
So many things that I’ve heard about space but couldn’t comprehend before were illustrated so perfectly that I finally finally understand.
The universe is expanding.
So many things that I’ve heard about space but couldn’t comprehend before were illustrated so perfectly that I finally finally understand.
The universe is expanding.
November 24, 2021
LOVED the star spreads and the stamped silver foil for Edwin's three enduring questions. But ... expanding universes make my head hurt, and if my students were to ask me to explain anything besides how a telescope works, I would be at a loss. I suppose that shouldn't prevent me from reading it for Mock Sibert. But seriously, astronomy gives me anxiety.
February 28, 2023
"Edwin wasn't terrified by the vastness of the universe he had discovered. He saw beauty in its immensity and it gave him comfort."
Hubble and his fascination for the sky struck a chord with me. I felt this was an excellent way to show how curiosities, supported or not, should be recognized and pursued if it makes you, you.
Hubble and his fascination for the sky struck a chord with me. I felt this was an excellent way to show how curiosities, supported or not, should be recognized and pursued if it makes you, you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews