Sunday, February 22, 2015

"The Outcast Star" by I. M. Tu

REVIEW and EXCERPT
The Outcast Star
by I. M. Tu


Based on the true story of twin stars dancing on the edge of a black hole in the middle of the Milky Way, The Outcast Star is a charming visit with a truly unique little star and his extraordinary adventure. You can read an excerpt and my review below.


Description
Take a trip into space with this delightful, engaging picture book based on real science.
The Outcast Star is the story of Brother Star and Sister Star and their happy life in space, until the day Sister Star dances too close to a black hole...
Dealing sensitively with issues of love and loss and packed with beautiful illustrations, this book will capture the minds of young readers and give them an enjoyable introduction to the intricacies of astronomical discovery.

Excerpts
Long, long ago and far, far, far, far, far away two twin stars danced in the Milky Way at the edge of a tremendous, dangerous Black Hole out in the middle of the galaxy.

But, the Sister Star always closed her eyes when she danced and concentrated on the beautiful music she heard playing in her head. She knew the Back Hole was dangerous. She knew it was there. But, all in all - she just didn't care.

The scientists on Earth could tell you how far he flew, but he didn't know. All Brother Star knew was that he was scared and helpless and alone.

Praise for the Book
"My colleagues and I really are honored that our discovery became the source of inspiration for this beautiful little story. Who knows, perhaps one day it will inspire or encourage kids to become scientists." ~ Dr. Heinz Edelmann, First author of the discovery paper "HE 0437-5439: An Unbound Hypervelocity Main-Sequence B-Type Star" by Edelmann, H.; Napiwotzki, R.; Heber, U.; Christlieb, N.; Reimers, D. 2005, Astrophysical Journal 634, Letter 181
"This moving story is a creative way to introduce children to the nature and wonder of the Universe around us." ~ Dr. Warren R. Brown, Astrophysicist, Harvard-Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
"This is a delightful and endearing gift for young people, but it's a great companion for the not-so-young, too. I am so happy to have it, and heartily recommend it." ~ C. Cooper
"Children can and should be taught and entertained are the same time - this child-friendly book does exactly that. Encourage the children you know with this beautifully illustrated and creatively written work." ~ Richard A. Haynes

My Review


By Lynda Dickson
Brother Star and Sister Star love to dance by the edge of the dangerous Black Hole. But, while Brother Star always keeps an eye on the Black Hole, Sister Star dances with carefree abandon. One day Sister Star gets too close ... Meanwhile, the scientists on Earth watch on through their telescopes.
This is a lovely, touching story that gives life to astrophysics. It is based on true events that are explained in the two articles at the end of the book. The kids will learn while they are entertained by the fable-like tale of Brother Star and Sister Star. The colorful illustrations by Larrea Young are absolutely stunning.
Highly recommended.

About the Author
I. M. Tu is a writer in various media including film, theatre and the web. The Outcast Star is Tu's first published children's book and will be followed by Charlie and the Stars, which will also be illustrated by Larrea A. Young and published by Impera Books. Tu divides time between New York and Indiana.




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