Caroline's Comets: A True Story

by Emily Arnold McCully

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780823446766
Publisher:	Holiday House
Publication date:	07/28/2020
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	314,097
Product dimensions:	8.70(w) x 10.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	6 - 9 Years

About the Author

Emily Arnold McCully is a Caldecott Award-winning author and illustrator. Her books for Holiday House include In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb by Marion Dane Bauer and Ballerina Swan by Allegra Kent, as well as 3, 2, 1, Go!, Pete Won't Eat and Little Ducks Go, which she both wrote and illustrated.

Editorial Reviews

★ "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

From the Publisher

01/16/2017
McCully (Queen of the Diamond; Dare the Wind) again sets her sights on groundbreaking women with this picture-book biography of Victorian-era scientist Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet. Dynamic pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations reveal a diminutive yet determined Caroline, her growth stunted and her face scarred by childhood disease. From inauspicious beginnings as a housekeeper and stocking knitter for her family, Caroline goes on to live with her astronomer brother in England and make valuable contributions to the field. Caroline’s own words, appearing as italicized excerpts from her autobiography, enhance McCully’s straightforward narrative: “William made a small telescope for Caroline. He taught her math so she could calculate the positions of stars. I found I was to be trained... I was ‘to sweep for comets.’ Caroline always did what her brother asked.” Despite the social constraints placed on unmarried women in the 18th century, Caroline thrives and achieves, becoming one of the first professional female scientists. A bibliography, glossary, and timeline wrap up a tale of resolve and perseverance that’s sure to encourage curious readers. Ages 6–10. Agent: Susan Cohen, Writers House. (Feb.)

Publishers Weekly

02/01/2017
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

School Library Journal

2016-12-21
Look up at the stars….The long and eventful life of Caroline Herschel (1750-1848), a musician, astronomer, discoverer of comets, and involuntary servant in the English principality of Hanover (in modern-day Germany), is described here in straightforward, factual narrative, studded with interesting detail and relevant autobiographical snippets. Relegated to the position of her family's maid because of her sex and thought to have poor marriage prospects because of smallpox scars, Caroline had already accepted her lot when her brother whisked her off to England to embark on a unique opportunity—a singing career. His interest in astronomy soon became hers, and she became his assistant at his request. The two went on to great work, both together and separately, and though Caroline did not necessarily choose her assignments (her brother did), she eventually discovered nebulae, star clusters, galaxies, and—famously—eight comets. While tracing Herschel's life and development as a scientist, the text takes care to make mention of the limitations imposed on Herschel by her family and society while realistically portraying the frustrations and accomplishments of the first woman to be paid as a scientific researcher. McCully's watercolor-and-ink illustrations are true to form; appealing and evocative, closely tied to the text, with just the right amount of relevant detail. Notes, bibliography, glossary, and timeline are included in the backmatter. An inspiring tale of scientific discovery despite obstacles, with a feminist point of view. (Picture book/biography. 6-10)

Kirkus Reviews