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Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us
Real space science meets beautiful images in this lyrical nonfiction introduction to one of the most alluring wonders of our universe—the nebula.
Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. They can be the last breaths of supernovas, spreading the elements of life far and wide, or they can be star nurseries, swirling molecules together to form stars and planets. In this gorgeous nonfiction look into the cosmos, the nebula narrator invites young astronomers to learn more about these immense space clouds, from how they form to what they do. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the “cast”), and resources for further learning.
Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. They can be the last breaths of supernovas, spreading the elements of life far and wide, or they can be star nurseries, swirling molecules together to form stars and planets. In this gorgeous nonfiction look into the cosmos, the nebula narrator invites young astronomers to learn more about these immense space clouds, from how they form to what they do. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the “cast”), and resources for further learning.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published August 20, 2024
51 people want to read
About the author
Teresa Robeson
10 books83 followersTeresa Robeson was born in Hong Kong, raised in Canada, and now lives on 27-acres in the Midwest U.S. with her scientist-professor husband, younger son, and a flock of quirky chickens. Her debut picture book, Queen Of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom, won the 2020 winner of the ALA Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature in the Picture Book category, and was a National Council of Teachers of English Orbis Pictus Nonfiction Recommended Book, and an International Literacy Association's Nonfiction Picture Honor. It also received starred reviews and appeared on many best-of lists.
The universe didn't want Teresa to get an inflated ego from all the honors her first book received and so it made sure her second book got very little love and attention in comparison. So, if you're feeling sorry for Two Bicycles In Beijing, or if you think bike friendship stories should get more attention, you could request it for your library's purchase or leave a review! Teresa would be ever so grateful. :)
What's up next? Between 2023 and 2025, you'll see graphic novels, picture books, and nonfiction middle grades from Teresa!
The universe didn't want Teresa to get an inflated ego from all the honors her first book received and so it made sure her second book got very little love and attention in comparison. So, if you're feeling sorry for Two Bicycles In Beijing, or if you think bike friendship stories should get more attention, you could request it for your library's purchase or leave a review! Teresa would be ever so grateful. :)
What's up next? Between 2023 and 2025, you'll see graphic novels, picture books, and nonfiction middle grades from Teresa!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
September 27, 2024
Read for my toddler's bedtime. This book teaches kids about clouds in space called Nebulae. The Nebulae takes shape in the form of a little boy. Readers learn about telescopes that give people the opportunity to see space from earth. Clouds in space look like some shapes just like clouds in the sky. To reach Nebulae in space, readers will need to take a ride in the rocket ship and need 700 years to get there. The illustrations in this story are amazing and beautiful! I enjoyed the facts about Nebulae at the end of the book!
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you Candlewick Press for the opportunity to read and review.
December 12, 2024
I always find myself reading little books about stars and space this time of year. Clearly, there's a like-minded contributor on the NPR Book Concierge.
August 21, 2024
I usually love the MIT Kids Press books and am amazed at how they present real information that is complex and break it down in kid sized bites. In Clouds In Space the author uses fictionalization to explain outer space and the massive elements that are the make up of the universe - Nebulae.
The concept of clouds is used to describe nebulae and that is given in comparison to Earth's clouds. Now factor in the personification of nebulae and you have the stuff of fantasy. Personally, I'd rather not have had nebulae-persons floating around in space with kids in space suits.
The illustrations are great! I love the way descriptions of "a kaleidoscope, a riot of rainbows, atoms aglow with starlight" as well as the art reflect beautifully on the images telescopes have given us of these elements of the universe.
The back pages information is very good and describes the discovery of nebulae as well as the different types. I love the photographs and descriptions of the nebulae that make "appearances" in this book.
A good book, but not a favorite of mine.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
The concept of clouds is used to describe nebulae and that is given in comparison to Earth's clouds. Now factor in the personification of nebulae and you have the stuff of fantasy. Personally, I'd rather not have had nebulae-persons floating around in space with kids in space suits.
The illustrations are great! I love the way descriptions of "a kaleidoscope, a riot of rainbows, atoms aglow with starlight" as well as the art reflect beautifully on the images telescopes have given us of these elements of the universe.
The back pages information is very good and describes the discovery of nebulae as well as the different types. I love the photographs and descriptions of the nebulae that make "appearances" in this book.
A good book, but not a favorite of mine.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
January 19, 2025
I love how Teresa, in this lyrical book, represents a complex subject and breaks it down to make it easy for kids to understand. People on Earth have always been fascinated by the stars and looked at the sky with awe. Long ago, people could only see fuzzy smudges in the sky. They assumed the smudges were clouds, so they used the Latin word for clouds and named them Nebulae.
Readers learn how telescopes allowed people to get a closer look into space. Children will love taking the journey into space in a rocket ship to take to get a closer look at the Nebulae, something that would take 700 years to reach. While clouds we see on Earth are white or gray, the Nebulae clouds in space are a kaleidoscope of colors, their atoms aglow with starlight. Also, while Earth's clouds look big, the nebulae clouds are as vast as the universe. Kids' eyes will pop when they hear that the observable universe is more than 46 billion light-years in any direction from Earth and about 93 billion light-years in diameter.
I love the language used by the animated Nebulae, saying, "I am the last burst of breath expelled by a star or a supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind…”
Diana's illustrations are out of this world. They help children visualize the universe they can't see, which helps tell the story and keep their attention.
Parents will enjoy reading this book to their little ones, and teachers will appreciate and want to use it in their classrooms with the back matter that shows and names the different Nebulae with each photo.
Readers learn how telescopes allowed people to get a closer look into space. Children will love taking the journey into space in a rocket ship to take to get a closer look at the Nebulae, something that would take 700 years to reach. While clouds we see on Earth are white or gray, the Nebulae clouds in space are a kaleidoscope of colors, their atoms aglow with starlight. Also, while Earth's clouds look big, the nebulae clouds are as vast as the universe. Kids' eyes will pop when they hear that the observable universe is more than 46 billion light-years in any direction from Earth and about 93 billion light-years in diameter.
I love the language used by the animated Nebulae, saying, "I am the last burst of breath expelled by a star or a supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind…”
Diana's illustrations are out of this world. They help children visualize the universe they can't see, which helps tell the story and keep their attention.
Parents will enjoy reading this book to their little ones, and teachers will appreciate and want to use it in their classrooms with the back matter that shows and names the different Nebulae with each photo.
August 20, 2024
Fictionalized stories about real things are one of my favorite ways for kids to learn. Personalizing something that doesn’t have a voice, makes learning more approachable for kids and exposes them to something new they might not naturally be interested in learning about.
In CLOUDS IN SPACE, we meet Nebula. She was named Nebula because long ago, people could only see the fuzzy smudges in the sky so they assumed the smudges were clouds. Nebula is the word for cloud in Latin. In many ways, Nebula and clouds are similar. But, they are also very different. Clouds and Nebula float and contain dust. But, where clouds are large, Nebula is immense. While clouds are white or gray, Nebula is a kaleidoscope of colors.
This introduction to astronomy for young readers allows for conversation about stars and planets and how they were formed. The simple explanations allow kids to visualize what is going on in the universe.
“Sometimes, I am the last burst of breath expelled by a star or a supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind…”
Read this book with your child and then glance up at the stars for a glimpse of a meteor, the moon, or maybe a wave from Nebula. The end of the book includes more detailed explanations about Nebulae and how they are formed. Lists of websites and books that offer more information for your space-loving child are also included.
In CLOUDS IN SPACE, we meet Nebula. She was named Nebula because long ago, people could only see the fuzzy smudges in the sky so they assumed the smudges were clouds. Nebula is the word for cloud in Latin. In many ways, Nebula and clouds are similar. But, they are also very different. Clouds and Nebula float and contain dust. But, where clouds are large, Nebula is immense. While clouds are white or gray, Nebula is a kaleidoscope of colors.
This introduction to astronomy for young readers allows for conversation about stars and planets and how they were formed. The simple explanations allow kids to visualize what is going on in the universe.
“Sometimes, I am the last burst of breath expelled by a star or a supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind…”
Read this book with your child and then glance up at the stars for a glimpse of a meteor, the moon, or maybe a wave from Nebula. The end of the book includes more detailed explanations about Nebulae and how they are formed. Lists of websites and books that offer more information for your space-loving child are also included.
October 9, 2024
I was excited about this one. It wasn't our favorite.
When trying to explain science concepts to kids, particularly those at an unfathomable scale, it may not help to use poetic language. That's the case with this book.
Saying that a nebula is "the last burst of breath expelled by a star or supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind, elements needed to make you" detracted from the awesomeness that would have grabbed my boys. They're much more interested in explosions than the gasping breaths of the dying.
Then the next page describes a nebula as "a stellar nursery pulling together molecules from those last gasps of supernovae, swirling and twirling them to create stars, planets, your world and, of course...YOU."
The anthropomorphic nature of the text made me roll my eyes. This book uses almost pantheism as its backbone. Suggesting that human beings and nebulae are "family forged in fire" and that humans should waive to a nebula, as it will "be waving back," is absurd. This only muddies the distinction between living and nonliving things. My sciencey self can't take it. But neither can my Judeo-Christian anthropology.
When trying to explain science concepts to kids, particularly those at an unfathomable scale, it may not help to use poetic language. That's the case with this book.
Saying that a nebula is "the last burst of breath expelled by a star or supernova lofting elements into space like dandelion seeds on the wind, elements needed to make you" detracted from the awesomeness that would have grabbed my boys. They're much more interested in explosions than the gasping breaths of the dying.
Then the next page describes a nebula as "a stellar nursery pulling together molecules from those last gasps of supernovae, swirling and twirling them to create stars, planets, your world and, of course...YOU."
The anthropomorphic nature of the text made me roll my eyes. This book uses almost pantheism as its backbone. Suggesting that human beings and nebulae are "family forged in fire" and that humans should waive to a nebula, as it will "be waving back," is absurd. This only muddies the distinction between living and nonliving things. My sciencey self can't take it. But neither can my Judeo-Christian anthropology.
August 22, 2024
Real space science meets beautiful images in this lyrical nonfiction introduction to one of the most alluring wonders of our universe—the nebula.
Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. They can be the last breaths of supernovas, spreading the elements of life far and wide, or they can be star nurseries, swirling molecules together to form stars and planets. In this gorgeous nonfiction look into the cosmos, the nebula narrator invites young astronomers to learn more about these immense space clouds, from how they form to what they do. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the “cast”), and resources for further learning.
Nebula means “cloud” in Latin, but these little-known astronomical phenomena are different from Earth’s clouds. They can be the last breaths of supernovas, spreading the elements of life far and wide, or they can be star nurseries, swirling molecules together to form stars and planets. In this gorgeous nonfiction look into the cosmos, the nebula narrator invites young astronomers to learn more about these immense space clouds, from how they form to what they do. Readers will be entranced by the vibrant illustrations, which incorporate real photographs of nebulae, and the poetic text, which reveals that we are all grown from scattered stardust. Rich back matter provides details about nebulae and how people have studied them, the nebulae pictured in the illustrations (listed as the “cast”), and resources for further learning.
September 19, 2024
There aren't many children's picture books focusing on nebulae even though there are many about the stars and the planets, which makes this one unique. Combining digital artwork with actual photographs, this one introduces readers to the topic with powerful descriptive language intended to remind readers that humans came from stardust, a notion that will blow their minds even if it's something they already knew about. Some parts of the artwork such as the human features and anthropomorphizing of the nebulae are more visually appealing than others, but this book is sure to prompt curiosity to learn more in readers. I'm not sure that my old science texts back in elementary school or even high school even mentioned nebulae at all. I guess it goes to show that even old dogs or former teachers still have much to learn when it comes to science.
December 19, 2024
Author Teresa Robeson has a knack for taking complicated science topics and making them easy to understand and digest for kids and adults. In Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us, Robeson's gently lyrical language unspools one of the mysteries of the heavens, showing how a nebula--a cloud formed in space--is "a kaleidoscope of color, twirling the universe's materials to form stars, planets-and even the elements in our bodies." Gorgeous illustrations and photos, intertwined by Latvian artist Diana Renzina, provides the backdrop for Robeson's lovely informative text, while backmatter delves deeper into the science of how nebulae form, types of nebulae, how nebulae were first discovered, an introduction to the "cast" of nebulae featured in the book or others simply intriguing to children, and more.
August 20, 2024
As the jacket says: "It would take you 700 light-years or more to visit a Nebula", which are massive clouds of dus and gas floating far, far away. In the early days, scientists thought they were just clouds. Still, now with advanced technology, nebulae have been identified as the universe's materials to form stars, planets, and even the elements in our bodies. We are stardust! Teresa Robeson lets them tell their tale while Diana Renzina's "heavenly" illustrations show what is known, thus far, about these faraway wonders! For studies of space, this is a great addition to our knowledge!
Thanks to MIT Kids Press for this copy!
Thanks to MIT Kids Press for this copy!
August 16, 2024
In CLOUDS IN SPACE, author Teresa Robeson introduces nebulae to young readers using a compare/contrast structure that allows them to imagine this amazing part of space and the study of astronomy. Starry illustrations by Diana Renzina accompany the lyrical text. Backmatter provides additional information about this scientific wonder. Home, school, and public libraries will want to add this book to their STEM collection.
February 11, 2025
This has the full package of beautiful pictures, poetic language, and clear factual information. Absolutely gorgeous pictures that incorporate actual stunning photos of nebulae. Poetic language, yet it clearly explains what nebulae are, what they look like, and more; even giving valuable comparisons to the more familiar clouds we have on earth. The backmatter gives further details, plus the annotated unaltered nebula photos and websites for even more information.
July 28, 2024
The compare/contrast structure, narrative voice, and kid-friendly illustrations of this engaging book build a bridge from the known, clouds, to the unknown, nebulae. Young readers can relate, connect, and comprehend an amazing phenomenon. This book lets your imagination soar and then brings the wonder of space home.
August 5, 2024
Robeson's lyrical text and Renzina's dreamy illustrations make this a beautiful book about nebulae. Clouds and nebulae are compared and contrasted in easy-to-understand language and images for kids. Facts and pictures of different types of nebulae are found in the back matter. A lovely book for little astronomers.
August 16, 2024
Oh my gosh, this book is amazing! Robeson charms young readers with her poetic descriptions of how nebulae are similar to and different from clouds, how they form, and how they are part of us. Renzina's stunning art will keep them entranced. An amazing STEM book that any space-loving child will want to read over and over again. Don't miss this book!
August 22, 2024
A gorgeous and mind-expanding story. Absolutely stunning illustrations! I learned a lot in the back matter and will never look at clouds on Earth the same way, or the photos that come back to our planet from space. A delightful book and a powerful resource to get kids interested in science. Highly recommend.
August 25, 2024
Teresa Robeson has written another inspiring and lyrical picture book about a STEM topic in an accessible and entertaining way, this time focusing on nebulae, "clouds in space." The illustrations are lively and evocative, and Robeson shares her love of astronomy and space in a way that will surely pique children's curiosity. Highly recommend!
September 18, 2024
Love how author Robeson’s poetic writing and illustrator Renzina’s cosmic art make the complex and abstract subject of nebulae entertaining and easy to understand! Robeson personifies nebulae and uses lots of comparisons that kids of all ages will be able to relate to. The extensive back matter adds another layer and makes this a wonderful addition to home, school, and library collections!
September 20, 2024
Author Robeson smartly compares clouds, which young readers will be familiar with, to explain something less well known - nebulae. Tight pacing and dreamy art from illustrator Renzina make it easy to digest and understand the informative text. Detailed back matter wonderfully adds extra knowledge helpful for readers of all ages.
November 1, 2024
Beautiful text and gorgeous illustrations explain the difficult concept of nebulae to young readers! The concept is broken down and weather clouds as a close comparison. The backmatter is filled with more information about nebulae and even includes photos of nebula mentioned and illustrated in the story. All in all a great introduction to a complex subject.
September 27, 2025
About space and supernova- called Nebula (cloud in Latin), cloud formations, constellations, clouds, kaleidoscope of rainbows and starlight. spaceship to visit these, Supernova, stardust, pleiades, snf back matter to help expolain this.
August 3, 2024
Another fabulous non-fiction picture book by Mit Kids Press. Everything Nebula explored in this fascinating book. A must have for a classroom or home library.
August 28, 2024
Clouds in Space: Nebulae, Stardust, and Us has lovely lyrical language to explain scientific details about the phenomenon of Nebula. I was fascinated! Definitely pick it up for your outer space fans!
September 11, 2024
Sweet picture book about how we are all connected with a tad more science about nebulae thrown in there. Extra backmatter provides more information about nebulae and further resources to explore.
November 13, 2024
A playful, lyrical book that explains the concept of nebulae in very kid-friendly terms. The illustrations are stunning. I lingered on each page savoring the words and the art!
November 20, 2024
Approachable and really pretty -- just as all space books ought to be. I do think it was maybe trying to do too much?
December 2, 2024
I learned a lot from this book and really enjoyed all the illustrations too!
December 15, 2024
Gorgeous writing and art!
December 30, 2024
One of a kind book introducing nebulae in a child-friendly manner with stunning illustrations. Not to be missed!
January 3, 2025
I am truly blown away by this picture book. I loved the idea of nebula speaking to a young girl and sharing secrets and the illustrations were as stellar and vase and beautiful as the idea of a nebula. The author’s informational text skills are on point, explaining quite complex concepts so well, and just so lyrical which makes the book a pleasure to read as well as informative. Just like the author mixed purposes, the illustrator did as well. The art in this book is edge to edge, full of color, and just embodies the ideas and lyricism of the book.
And then the backmatter goes even deeper for anyone interested in learning even more. The backmatter is accessible but also detailed.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/28225
And then the backmatter goes even deeper for anyone interested in learning even more. The backmatter is accessible but also detailed.
Full review with teaching tools: https://www.unleashingreaders.com/28225
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews