The Prince of Stars

This fabulous and inspiring new non-fiction story is based on the life of Ulugh Beg. The author imagines the questions he asked that led him to build the great observatory in Samarkand, weaving them through a compact but vivid evocation of his childhood. The illustrations add to the atmosphere of open plains, wide skies, glorious sunsets and lush gardens.

The story honours his achievements in mathematics and astronomy, setting him in his historical place between the earlier scholars of Alexandria and the later European astronomers like Galileo. Although it stops short of documenting his downfall, it is explicit about the religious opposition he encountered (as so many scientists did). It also stresses his own deep faith and belief that learning was a sacred duty.

The author and illustrator have packed so many ideas and a lot of information into a short picture book and yet it remains coherent and easy to enjoy. I would definitely have wanted this in my classroom when I taught in Year 1 and it would be appropriate for up to early Key stage 2. A real gem – I loved this one!