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Comet Chaser: The True Cinderella Story of Caroline Herschel, the First Professional Woman Astronomer
CCBC Review:
“It was my lot to be Cinderella of the family,” is how Caroline Herschel recalled her designation as the housekeeper and servant to her parents and four older brothers when she was a girl growing up in 18th-century Hannover, Germany. Yet Herschel had an active mind and longed to pursue her interests. When her older brother, William, requested that Caroline join him in England, her life in drudgery was over. Reunited, the siblings bonded over music as part of William’s daytime career, and at night they celebrated the night sky with their passion for stargazing. Their informal interest and observations were soon noted by the astronomy community. In fact, the siblings had built their own home telescopes that rivaled those of scientists. The Herschels’ scientific skills and studies were cemented when William discovered the planet Uranus. In partnership, they discovered the rings of Uranus, two moons circling Uranus, new moons of Saturn, and thousands of nebulae. On her own, Caroline discovered several comets and was awarded her own salary as a professional astronomer by the king of England. Painted illustrations in muddy, midnight tones dotted with moments of light convey the time period and dark sky discoveries, as well as Caroline Herschel’s evolution from housekeeper to highly regarded comet chaser. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 6-10
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
18th Century
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Science and Scientists
Sexism
Space/Astronomy
Publisher:
Chronicle
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 52
ISBN: 9781452145433
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 920 Herschel