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Summary
Summary
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.
Author Notes
Emily Arnold McCully was born in Galesburg, Illinois on July 1, 1939. She graduated from Pembroke College, now a part of Brown University, in 1961 and received an M.A. in art history from Columbia University.
After graduation, she held a variety of jobs in the art field that included being a commercial artist, a designer of paperback covers, and illustrating advertisements. When one of her illustrations was seen on an advertisement in the subway, she was asked to illustrate Greg Panetta's Sea Beach Express. She accepted that offer and went on to illustrate over 100 children's books. In 1969, she illustrated Meindert de Jong's Journey from the Peppermint Express, which was the first children's book to receive the National Book Award.
Her first solo venture, Picnic, won the Christopher Award in 1985. Mirette on the High Wire won the Caldecott Medal in 1993. Her other children's books include Amazing Felix, Crossing the New Bridge, Grandmas at the Lake, My Real Family, and The Pirate Queen.
(Bowker Author Biography)
Reviews (5)
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
McCullys profile of remarkable nineteenth-century astronomer Caroline Herschel reveals the scientists complicated yet productive life as her brother Williams co-researcher and housekeeper. After childhood illnesses (typhus and smallpox) for which she received inferior treatment (there was no one who cared much about me is a direct quote from Herschels journals), Caroline moves from her birthplace in Germany to England, where she becomes an unpaid assistant to William when he is named Kings Astronomer. McCully carefully details all of Carolines contributions to the creation of their telescopes--from grinding and polishing mirrors to spooning food into her brothers mouth so he can keep working--as well as her astronomical discoveries. Carolines work was eventually recognized and awarded: she was the first woman to find a comet (the 1786 Ladys Comet) as well as the first to receive a salary for her scientific work (in 1787, she began being paid by King George III), and she was made an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. Passages taken from Herschels diaries document her prickly personality, as do the delicate, spiky pen-and-ink illustrations that capture her serious expressions and dedication to her work. Appended with an authors note, a bibliography, a glossary (of both scientific terms and nineteenth-century vocabulary), and a timeline. danielle j. ford (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
*Starred Review* As a 10-year-old child in 1760, Caroline Herschel became ill, first with typhus, which stunted her growth, and then with smallpox, which scarred her face. Twelve years later, she left home to become a housekeeper for her older brother William in England, where he taught music and studied the stars. Becoming his assistant-astronomer, she helped him build a world-class telescope and recorded his observations and discoveries, which most notably included the planet Uranus. On her own, she discovered 14 nebulae and star clusters, two new galaxies, and, in 1786, her first of eight comets. Receiving a salary from the king, she became well-known in her own right. McCully calls her the first professional woman scientist. Most picture-book biographies record the significant events and achievements in their subjects' lives, but this one goes a bit further. 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.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2017 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
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 © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
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 opportunitya 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, andfamouslyeight 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) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
