Journey Around the Sun: The Story of Halley's Comet (2025)

Thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This picture book shows how we have observed Halley’s Comet and documented said observations across centuries and millennia. Going as far back as 240 BCE, when Chinese astronomers started to record its appearances.

For a long time, however, we did not know what we were looking at and the comet was often seen as a messenger of misfortune. But then in 1705 the English scientist Sir Edmond Halley predicted its return for 1758. And he was proven right. But he did not live to see it himself.

Now Halley’s Comet is bearing his name and we know that it returns every seventy-five to seventy-six years. It has become a once-in-a-lifetime event to see it making its appearance in our sky.

This book does a good job of showing how the rise of modern science and new technologies have changed our perception of the cosmos and how this can create excitement. That’s really the best thing about it and the reason why I’m rounding up to four stars.

I’m not a huge fan of the ancient looking artwork. But it certainly matches the book’s content very well.

(This one is my favorite)

This digital version of the book would usually only get a three-star rating from me, because most of it consists of double-page spreads that I was simply not able to enjoy properly. I’m not sure if this will in fact be a problem with the final version. But unfortunately, the ARC was unreadable on my Fire tablet. And using Adobe Digital Editions on my notebook I could only see one page at a time. Double-page view was not available.

So, yeah, not a four-star reading experience for me. But likely a four-star book upon release.

This is the right way to explain the topic and spread knowledge on any subject. I liked such ways where Authors choose the object's POV to give the details. I read about Halley's comet first when I was in class 3rd, I remember. This was very fascinating when I read first and now again to read through this pattern of providing info gives enthusiasm.

Details were factual and illustrations were amazingly appropriate but I found edition issues because of which I was unable to read it properly in NetGalley App. Pictures were dividing into many parts in app. But yes, I liked the info and It revised my knowledge on this topic again. Very well work.

This can be included in the curriculum for children up to class 6th. Children need this pattern to be used to make them learn in a simplified and fun method.

For me its 4.5/5.0

*I received an ARC from Owlkids Books (Publishers) through NetGalley.

Journey Around the Sun, an illustrated book about Haley’s Comet, was unfortunately a bit of a disappointment for me, especially as I’m such a fan of children’s science books, and astronomy ones in particular.

The text was OK. It’s told from the perspective of the comet, with sidebars giving a more formally informational text. The dual nature means the language was awkwardly repetitive at times. For instance, the narrator says, “Some people called me a hairy star” followed immediately by “Eadwine, a monk . . . described [it] as a hairy star.” The next page the narrator says “a bushy star” followed by “Chinese astronomers saw what they called a bushy star . . . “It just seems an odd choice to use the exact same language so close together. Outside of this issue, the language was adequate but not particularly striking, original, or lyrical. Another strange choice I thought was that the book, when discussing how different cultures viewed the comet, didn’t go in chronological order, going for instance from Ancient Greece to 989 A.D. to 1145 then back to 374 then up to 1607, then back to ancient China and Babylon, then to the Middle Ages. Seems more natural and easier for children especially to follow a more chronological approach (I did like the variety of cultures though)

Art is always subjective. This art was hit and miss for me. The night sky ones didn’t do much for me, but I did like the latter images more, those showing a medieval tapestry or a scientist at work. Overall, the art was a little simple for me but is consistently clear and clean and bright.

As noted, the book was somewhat disappointing, the text mostly and the artwork a little. I’d have preferred more original, poetic language and a more structured, chronological approach. Like most such books, there’s an addendum of more straightforward facts/definitions at the end. So while the book works on an informational basis, there are others out there that I think better convey a sense of linguistic or visual wonder. (2.5)

I liked the quick trip through history presented in this book. It was a great introduction to comets for two of my young children, who were full of questions as we read the book and studied the pictures! I was glad to find the pages of information about comets at the end of the book; they answered my children's questions.
I received a review copy of this book from NetGalley, and these are my honest thoughts about it.

An oversized picture book about the orbit of Halley's Comet. The art is beautiful, but I did not care for the author's choice of having some of the book narrated 1st person as if it was the comet. I found it a little weird/confusing and think kids might too.

WOW! Fun historical picture book about the history and journey of Halley's comet. We go from when it was first spoted in BCE to our current day!

Well-meaning, if slightly awkward, book celebrating something the audience will not be able to witness for another four decades. It looks fine, taking us through the ages of man and always looking up to see Halley's Comet blaze across the night skies, but the text didn't quite work for me. In bold print we get the voice-over from the comet itself, discussing how long we've know of it – even if we had no idea it was one and the same thing each time for centuries, what we thought of it and how we wanted to get up close and learn about it. In much smaller print, however, are the sciencey bits – facts about the representations of the comet to back up the larger font, or introductions to the noted observers and thinkers concerned. Perhaps I shouldn't have been, but I was skipping from one to the other and not quite getting things to gel – neither thread survives without being interrupted by the other, they are both lacking a chronological order, and so on. So yes, it is a reasonably interesting young science book, but I could see a different approach being more successful and again there's the fact it's for a target audience who will be much changed when it comes back.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced e-copy of this book.

Journey Around the Sun is a simple picture about Halley's comet. It goes through the history of each time the comet came past Earth, it outlines some of the scientific advances that changed how people viewed the comet, and many of the superstitions and fears that also arose each time it came past. It also looks at what a comet is exactly. Everything is told as though from the point of view of the comet itself, which is an interesting narrative device that I think many kids will enjoy. People are pretty boring after all.

The illustrations are lovely, though on the ebook version we get they are split in ways that aren't exactly helpful. I will have to get a hard copy of this book to better appreciate the art and to read to my kids. The information and stories that are told are told simply but engagingly, making this an approachable and accessible book that can be read by (or to) anyone. It's not too loaded down with facts and dates, it's not too full of details that distract from the main points. It's short, simple, and to the point. And that works in its favour. It's got enough information to whet the appetite of those susceptible to astronomical delights, without putting off those who aren't super interesting in that sort of thing. So it's a perfect little balance there.

The book ends on a sweet hopeful note as it speculates about what sort of wonders Halley's comet might "see" on Earth next time it comes towards us. Just a pity we can't get excited about that yet! I was disappointed to be reminded that Halley's comet last appeared in the year I was born and so I won't be able to see it until I am about 75years old. Sadness. But it is nice to note when it will be here next.

I definitely recommend this one and I look forward to getting my hands on a physical copy of it.

An introduction to Halley's Comet, as told by the comet itself.

Using a poetic text thread, Halley's Comet tells of the history of the science behind the comet, as noted by the scientists and others who documented the comet's passage by the Earth. Secondary text in smaller print include more detail about the statement on the page; this can be skipped over with younger readers, extending the value of this book to a wider user range.

Gladstone uses simple declarative sentences through most of the book, posing the kinds of questions that observers on the Earth might have wondered as they observed the comet. Instead of making footnotes for each statement in the back of the book, he includes those details on that page. His use of broad statements for younger listeners (ex. "A planet with a glittering tail.") is documented in more detail for those looking for more information (ex. "Arab writing s record that a planet with a tail was seen for twenty-two days form the city of Cairo in the year 989. Historians now know that was Halley's Comet.") While it may seem a bit redundant to repeat information in this manner, it is a way to show younger readers how to take information from a book and report it back. It keeps both of these on the same page, rather than flipping back to a source guide in the back of the book - eliminating the need to include backmatter.

Great STEM information for science classes and for demonstrating point of view in language arts.

Recommended for PreSchool-grade 3.

A story of Halley's Comet, one of the most known well known comets in the celestial sky. Journey Around the Sun by James Gladstone and Yaara Eshet is an interesting take on a non-fiction book.

Thanks to the good folks over at A Bit About Book, who wrote about Melissa Stewart and the five different types of non-fiction, I believe this book fits into the expository literature category. It’s written from a unique point of view, Halley's Comet is the narrator telling us about its journey and the things it sees as it moves around the sun. There are incredible illustrations and in each section we get a history of the comet and the instances, from ancient times to the present, that Halley's Comet has been seen and written about. Readers who are fascinated by space, the night sky, and celestial bodies will really enjoy learning more about Halley’s Comet. You can read this story to readers young and old as each group will learn new things about the comet and comets in general. There is a wonderful author's note at the end that poses some very thoughtful questions that teachers and parents can use to spur conversation and further learning. There is also a section all about comets and the science behind them.

Yaara Eshet’s illustrations are these incredible two page spreads, following the comet throughout its journey. Looking for the comet on each page becomes a fun scavenger hunt.

Told from the point of view of the comet, this picture book traces the history of humanity's fascination with this celestial visitor. Various times in history are shown and small-print captions within the illustrations provide extra details. Observations from Ancient Greece, imperial era China and medieval England offer varying descriptions and dates of the comet's appearances. Images show the different ways the comet was described - "a hairy star," "a bushy star," "a great sword of flame," and even a peacock's tail.

It is amazing to think that civilizations as far back as 240 BCE and as far apart as China, Babylonia, Italy, and Egypt have all documented sightings over the centuries. And the inclusion of the comet in clay tablets, paintings, writings, and tapestries preserved the information for later generations. Edmond Halley is introduced as the first to predict the comet's return, then later viewing parties and observers are shown, including the Giotto spacecraft. The final spread predicts the next return and asks if the reader will be watching.

An author's note about his own viewing of Halley's Comet, an explanation of comets with a labeled photo showing the nucleus, coma, and tails. A list of sources from the author's research are included.

An entertaining and informative way to introduce young readers to Halley's Comet and comets in general.

This picture book teaches children about Halley's Comet. The pages have a narrative, told by the personified comet, as well as smaller font on the same page giving historical connotations. Though this style did not work for some readers, I rather enjoyed it. For younger children, you could simply read the comet's story in the larger print and enjoy the illustrations. As children get older, you could incorporate the smaller print. A good idea might be to let a child read the comet's story, and then you could read the smaller text. Many children who read this book will be alive to see the next passing of Halley's Comet in 2061. I hope to see it myself, as I was born one year after the last pass it made in 1986. Even as an adult, I found the book's explanation of the history of the comet to be very interesting, learning how different civilizations viewed and recorded the comet as far back as 240 BCE.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books.

‘Journey Around the Sun’ is a gorgeously illustrated resource depicting the story of Hailey’s Comet featuring history and astronomy. Told from Halley’s Comets perspective throughout history, readers explore the wonder of space with bite-sized information. I found the narration great for children as the accompanying text is informative whilst minimal and therefore not overwhelming.

Also, I love the illustration. The art style is whimsical and adorable. I found the illustrations engaging and suitable, utilising a beautiful colour scheme and cute graphics.

Overall, ‘Journey Around the Sun’ is a magical read, perfect for young enquiring minds and fans of astronomy and stargazers. A highly-recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

This review will be posted on my blog closer to the publication date.

Note: I received an ARC of this book via netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Author James Gladstone has achieved an unusual combination of history, science and inspiration in this story about Halley's comet. With the comet as narrator the book shows human history in snapshots and goes from superstitions to scientific discovery. And knowing that the comet will return allows for a look to the future of human achievement and the continuing mystery of space.

Illustrator Yaara Eshet has done a wonderful job placing historical events and scientific facts into a visual context and their paintings are simply beautiful to look at.

At the back of the book is a note from the author, information on comets and a list of sources used by the author.

When a nonfiction book is written in a fiction format, this is one of my favorite ways of presenting it. Everything is accessible and able to be conveniently understood. It teases the interests and allows us to be happy with what we have or go on to explore more. Here Halley's Comet tells their own story. With gorgeously illustrated artwork, this book tells you the highlights of the comet and the history even of the world. We see how people felt it was a herald of doom (the death of a king), but it might even be answer one of the oldest questions we have: The star the told of the birth of Christ? I'd give you even money that was Halley's Comet. What do you think? Give it a read and let me know!

Told from the POV of the comet itself, this book explains a little of the history of Halley's comet. There's not a lot of discussion in the story itself about what a comet it or why it's orbiting the sun, instead it focuses more on the human history aspect of Halley's comet. There are some great illustrations and side notes about the astronomers who have observed comets. Overall, this would make a much better one-on-one read with a kid who's really into space and astronomy than a group read aloud. Recommended.

Disclaimer: I received a free electronic copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Book through NetGalley.
Gladstone takes elementary readers through the history of Halley's Comet. He shares what is known and provides informative text paragraphs about the various people who watched the comet and speculated on what it was. The illustrations capture the beauty of the comet and the various methods people have tried to recreate what it looks like. Readers can use this resource to learn about this comet and use it as a springboard for further research. Gladstone also includes informative text at the end.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Journey Around the Sun is a non-fiction book about Halley's Comet, a comet that is visible from Earth every 80 years or so. It's told from the comet's point of view.

This was a cute book. And I actually learnt a lot, I don't think I had heard about this comet before and it was pretty interesting. I quite liked the art. I also liked seeing the world through the comet's eyes and learning about where it's been seen in our History. All in all, this was a good surprise.

I love a children's book that's also educational. And especially if ithas illustrations this lovely.

This story was told from the point of view of the comet (in big font) and a bit of sciency facts (in small fonts). Sadly, these two were breaking the flow of one another, so the whole wasn't so whole, but a littlebit snappy.
(I would be lying if I said that I didn't skip the small font here and there).

A big thank you to Owlkids Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting concept (the book is told from the perspective of Halley's comet) but I just didn't love the way it was executed. The bigger text is supposed to be what the comet is saying but then there is much smaller text on each page explaining scientific/historical ideas. It made the flow of the book very awkward. I also wasn't a huge fan of the illustration style.
I do think the book did a good job of instilling a sense of wonder regarding Halley's comet. I know I'm now sad that I will have to wait until 2061 for a chance to see it!

I loved this fascinating children's book about Halley's Comet. It has a lot of useful educational and historical information in it and the graphics were really beautiful. I highly recommend this magical book. It would make a fantastic addition to any educational establishment or home.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This gem of a nonfiction picture book combines a story-like text told from the viewpoint of Halley's comet with factual details about the comet's appearances throughout history. The pictures are beautiful. The only one I don't really like is the cover, which is showing a child of the future viewing the comet. This is a book kids of all ages will pour over.
Review based on an ARC received through NetGalley.

Thank you Owlkids Books and NetGalley for the digital advance reading copy of this book.

This book was fantastic! I love that James Gladstone told the story from Halley's view and all of the changes the comet has seen in Earth's history. I also love that James included so many fascinating facts about the history of Halley's Comet.

I hope I am still alive to see it's return in 2061 (I will be 83 if I live that long), fingers crossed.

Journey Around the Sun is a children’s book about Halley’s Comet, and I feel like I learned something. The beautiful illustrations and short amount of text kept my 4 year olds attention. I went back and read the small text and facts for myself. My son’s love reading about space, so this was a hit with them. It was very interesting to see how through the ages everyone interpreted Halley’s Comet as something else.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for my ARC.

Interesting and informative, but the narrative may struggle to land with the intended audience. HOWEVER, the pictures are beautiful, and the approach of narrating from the comet's perspective is an interesting one. While I don't think this was the author's intent, I'd say to read this for the illustrations, primarily. Enjoy the tidbits of knowledge about Halley's Comet as a lovely bonus and don't get too caught up in the narrative gaps.

Thank you netGalley and owlkids books for the ARC!

Short, fun story about Halley's Comet, as told by Halley's Comet! I'd say 2nd to 4th grade level. It's a general history of sightings and what people though/reacted to it. Illustrations were wonderful. Nice addition to a collection, or a nice gift for young star gazers.

I received a Kindle arc from Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.

A beautifully illustrated history of Halley's Comet. The illustrations were a highlightof this story, and help to tell the story alongside the text. Recommended for early elementary students or younger as a read aloud. A beautiful STEM book, that could encourage artistic renderings of their own comets.

A perfect book for anyone who has an interest in astronomy. I will be 63 years old when the world next sees Halley's comet and who knows maybe I'll be reading this book to my grandchildren as we prepare to watch it grace the sky once more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for this advanced copy which I received In return for an honest review.

Journey Around the Sun is a beautifully illustrated children's book telling the history of Halley's Comet.
I read this to my 4 year old son who is obsessed with anything space/astronomy related and, although some parts were to old for him, we both really enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for my ARC.

Told from the POV of Halley's Comet, this tells the story of how humans have viewed the comet over the centuries. Younger audiences can just read the bigger font sentences, and as they get older they can add reading the smaller font sentences for more details. Very poetic, the pictures invite deeper examination and discussion even if the readers don't read the details.