Books by Giles Sparrow

The Traveler's Guide to the Solar System: Put Your Space Shorts on and Take a Cruise on an Intergalactic Getaway

by Giles Sparrow

So you want to go into space? Then The Traveler's Guide to the Solar System is for you, the independent space tourist. It will take you into the most exotic reaches of the solar system, and also help you to discover everything you ever wanted to know about the more traditional and familiar destinations. Is no gravity fun? What's it like on a spacecraft? Can I breathe on Venus? Will I need to take water? To find out, all you'll need is a class V launch vehicle, a space suit, and your toothbrush. . . .
With so many tourist attractions, you won't know where to fly first. Book a week on the Moon and dine in lunar orbit. Have your photo taken with Neil Armstrong's footprint before putting on your heavily shielded space suit and flying off for a walk in the heat on Venus. Discover giant volcanoes, breathtaking mountains, and frozen lava rivers. Explore the remains of Soviet space probes. Play golf in one-sixth gravity. Go ice-skating on Jupiter's moons. The possibilities are endless!

What Shape Is Space? (The Big Idea Series)

by Giles Sparrow

This fascinating entry in The Big Idea series is a well-informed, comprehensive and accessibly written look at the very nature of the universe.
What Shape Is Space? is a question with far-reaching implications for our understanding of the very nature of reality and our place within it. The concepts involved may be sophisticated, but Giles Sparrow’s effortless prose style renders them understandable, allowing readers to come to grips with the overarching debates at the cutting edge of cosmology today. Illustrations, diagrams, and astronomical visualizations demonstrate and clarify the various astonishing implications of a universe of infinite space.
This entry in the “Big Idea” series explores four key topics: “Mapping Space,” featuring the evidence that favors the expanding and infinite universe theory; “The Expanding Universe,” which examines the rate at which the cosmos is expanding; “The Omega Factor,” which explores the possibilities for different types of hypothetically infinite universes; and “The Shape of the Multiverse,” which analyzes the effect of each possible shape on the likely future of the universe.
Well-informed and lucid, What Shape Is Space? is an in-depth and approachable exploration of the ideas and possibilities born from this seemingly simple question. c. 150 illustrations

Universe: The Definitive Visual Guide

by Martin Rees, Robert Dinwiddie, Giles Sparrow, Carole Stott, Robert Eales, Pam Spence

Exceptional full-color photographs representing the latest captures from space telescopes and detailed digital artwork enhance a comprehensive study of the world of outer space, from Earth's closest neighbors in the solar system to the farthest galaxies, documenting the planets, their moons, stars, galaxies, supernovas, and other celestial phenomena.

Universe: The Definitive Visual Guide

by Martin Rees, Robert Dinwiddie, Giles Sparrow, Carole Stott, Robert Eales, Pam Spence

Exceptional full-color photographs representing the latest captures from space telescopes and detailed digital artwork enhance a comprehensive study of the world of outer space, from Earth's closest neighbors in the solar system to the farthest galaxies, documenting the planets, their moons, stars, galaxies, supernovas, and other celestial phenomena. Reprint.

Science: The Definitive Visual Guide

by David Burnie, Robert Dinwiddie, Giles Sparrow, Jack Challoner, Carole Stott, Marcus Weeks, David Hughes

This remarkable reference book tells the story of science from earliest times to the present day, taking in everything from ancient Greek geometry to quantum physics, and the wedge to the worldwide web. Exploring science in a thematic, highly approachable manner, each spread takes as its theme a specific event, discovery, invention, experiment, theory, or individual and explains why this subject was so significant in the development of scientific thought and what its impact on history has been. In addition to providing a broad-ranging and comprehensive history of science, the book also explains how science works, employing DK's trademark clarity and visual ingenuity to render tricky scientific subjects easily comprehensible.

Science is structured chronologically with five chapters covering major phases in world history from ancient times to the present day, with an eye to the future. Within these chapters, subjects are arranged in discrete spreads, each of which takes a key scientific concept, event, discovery, or process as its subject. These spreads are framed by "Before" and "After" panels that place the subject in context, revealing the causes and consequences that surround it. Panels and feature spreads highlight key figures and inventions in the history of science, while major scientific breakthroughs are also pulled out as special features. An extensive reference section sets out key scientific principles and formula, and contains essential graphics, such as the periodic table.

Starfinder

by DK, Giles Sparrow, Carole Stott

Pick up the new edition of this robust and practical interactive star gazing kit and find everything you need to observe, understand, and enjoy the night sky. Whether you're a complete beginner or an accomplished astronomer, Starfinder is your up-to-date guide to star gazing.

Explaining how to recognize simple signposts in the sky, containing a monthly guide to the skies of both the northern and southern hemisphere, and featuring a section on observing the Moon, planets, and other bodies of the Solar System, Starfinder is the complete practical guide to getting started in astronomy.

Starfinder

by DK, Giles Sparrow, Carole Stott

Planisphere and Starfinder is your personal guide to exploring the night sky. It takes the mystery out of astronomy and introduces basic stargazing techniques, helping you to find and recognize objects easily.
Starting close to home in the Solar System, it shows you how to observe the Moon, planets, comets, and asteroids, as well as how to make the most of events like eclipses and meteor showers. Then, you’ll head for the stars with a guide to the constellations.

In this book, you will find:
Facts, charts, timelines, and graphs to help explain core concepts. Month-by-month guides outlining the best times and places to see planets. A planisphere you can remove from the book and take anywhere to see stars on the go.

Each entry is illustrated with a clear star chart, shows you where you can see the constellation in the world, and even explains its star pattern's symbolic meaning. Have you ever heard of Orion’s belt? Your guide will ensure you’re armed with a list of things to look out for and how best to see them.

The New Children's Encyclopedia: Science, Animals, Human Body, Space, and More! (Arcturus New Encyclopedias)

by Giles Sparrow, Claudia Martin, Claire Hibbert

This definitive children's encyclopedia is a treasure trove of knowledge, presented in an attractive jacketed hardcover format with gold foil embossing.

This beautifully designed book combines facts with stunning photographs, illustrations and diagrams in full-color. Covering space science, the animal kingdom, the human body and much more, this absolutely accessible guide is written with flair and clarity, functioning both as an invaluable reference guide and an engaging read.

Full of fascinating facts and world-class photography, this compendium of knowledge delves into:
• The worlds of science and technology
• Wildlife of land, air, and sea
• Space and the universe
• Our planet-including human and physical geography
• And so much more!

Supporting STEM learning, this encyclopedia is an an invaluable tool for discovering and understanding the world-and a must for every child's bookshelf. A brilliant guide for kids aged 8+.

The Night Sky: Discovering the Universe from Alpha Centauri to Quasars

by Giles Sparrow

Since the beginning of time, people have been fascinated by the twinkling lights in the night sky — the stars, planets and constellations that are visible from earth. In Night Sky, readers are treated to an amazing adventure unlocking the secrets of the universe. This wonderful book features the following.

• You can track a meteor shower or observe a lunar eclipse. Join a team of astronomers and scientists for an educational and entertaining trip into the cosmos where you'll explore the solar system up close.

• Everything you need to know to be able to explore the solar system is provided, including using a telescope, the various types of telescopes available and how to use them.

• Students of the sky can learn how to use star atlases, planispheres and astrolabes to uncover the mysteries of the dark.

• Unique spreads contain detailed descriptions, important data tables, intriguing graphics and stunning illustrations of key constellations, planets and telescopes.

Smithsonian: Spaceflight, 2nd Edition The Complete Story from Sputnik to Curiousity

by Giles Sparrow

This compelling story of exploration charts and celebrates humankind in space, from Sputnik's launch in 1957 through the Apollo Moon landings and the International Space Station to future missions to Mars and beyond.

Spaceflight chronicles how, in the half-century that followed Sputnik, the world was revolutionized by space travel and exploration. The opening up of Earth's orbit to satellites led to a revolution in communications, monitoring of the environment, and materials science. For the human imagination, the impact has been even greater: the voyages of robotic space probes have transformed our view of the Solar System, while Earth-orbiting satellites and missions to the Moon have forever changed our view of ourselves.

This book is a celebration of human ingenuity and imagination. From the work of pioneers like Wernher von Braun, Yuri Gagarin, and Neil Armstrong to the triumphs and tragedies that followed, it reveals the people, science, and technology that have propelled us into the Space Age.

Constellations: A Field Guide To The Night Sky

by Giles Sparrow

Constellations is a guide to the night sky that focuses on these 88 distinctive patterns, revealing their often intriguing stories–their origins, mythology, present-day significance, and the multitude of wondrous objects they contain. Complete with over 300 of the best astronomical images ever captured, a comprehensive introduction to the stars and other celestial phenomena, and a series of newly commissioned, state-of-the-art maps showing the stars that are visible from populated latitudes in both hemispheres throughout the year, this magnificent guide has all you need to know to become an expert stargazer.

Step outside on a clear night, and the number of stars in the night sky can be overwhelming. Take a pair of binoculars or a small telescope with you, and a celestial vista of star clusters and clouds, knots of gas and dust, nearby planets and distant galaxies is revealed. Since ancient times, stargazers have made sense of the night sky by grouping its stars into constellations–star patterns that often have symbolic or mythological meanings.

Nature Guide: Stars and Planets (DK Nature Guides)

by Robert Dinwiddie, Giles Sparrow, Carole Stott, Will Gater

Thank your lucky stars for this completely comprehensive guide to our Universe.

From asteroids and constellations to galaxies and planets, this star-studded look at space is the perfect package for space cadets and amateur astronomers.

Part of DK’s best-selling Nature Guide series, Stars and Planets takes you out of this world to experience the beautiful sights and intricate details of our incredible Solar System. Packed with stunning images and expert information, you’ll enjoy the whole world at your fingertips. You’ll visit each and every planet and fly past the Kuiper Belt on this intrepid, intergalactic adventure.

Come back down to Earth to discover all the tools and techniques you need to observe the spectacular night skies. You’ll see all 88 constellations in their sparkling splendour and read the stories behind their amazing shapes and patterns. The monthly sky guide will keep your eyes on the skies all year round.



Grab this guide and get started!

Physics in Minutes

by Giles Sparrow

Physics in Minutes covers everything you need to know about physics, condensed into 200 key topics. Each idea is explained in clear, accessible language, building from the basics, such as mechanics, waves, and particles, to more complex topics, including neutrinos, string theory, and dark matter.

Following the latest scientific research proving that the brain best absorbs information visually, each description is accompanied by illustrations to aid quick comprehension and easy recollection. This convenient and compact reference book is ideal for anyone interested in how our world works.

Chapters include: Newton’s Laws of Motion, Schrödinger’s cat, Magnetism, Superconductivity, Fission and fusion, Higgs Boson, Entropy, Dark matter.

The Stargazer's Handbook

by Giles Sparrow

From the craters of the Moon to the far reaches of Orion, The Stargazer's Handbook will enable you to explore space without leaving the comforts of Earth. All you need are a pair of binoculars and a clear night sky to experience the wonders of the universe.
This book will take you on a journey through space, beginning with our own moon and neighboring planets before exploring the fascinating sights of deep space-from hypergiant suns and stellar nurseries to blazing nebulae and swirling galaxies. Each star, planet, or constellation is fully illustrated and accompanied by an annotated star map, as well as close-up images that zoom in on areas of interest.
Featuring up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, monthly sky maps for both northern and southern hemispheres, history and mythology of all 88 constellations and the rationale behind the names of stars and constellations, The Stargazer's Handbook will fully equip you with the tools to navigate-and understand-the night sky.

Can We Live on Mars? Mind Mappers—making Difficult Subjects Easy to Understand

by Giles Sparrow

Take a thrilling journey to the Red Planet. Find out how to get there, where to settle, and how to survive.

No one has ever been to Mars. It is between 35 million and 250 million miles away, depending on the calendar. But Space scientists are developing a rocket to take us.

How do we know when to go? Can we land without crashing and burning? How will we survive when we get there?

Mars has a thin and unbreathable atmosphere, intense radiation, and sandstorms the size of North America. There is no fuel, and the only water is locked in the frozen icecaps and particular rocks.

Mind Mappers Can We Live on Mars? unravels the complicated science and logistics of this incredible challenge. Structured in a unique way using the visual-thinking technique—mind mapping—complex ideas are broken down into a clear flow of visual information. The mind map connects the information, making it easy to grasp. Even the youngest wannabe astronaut can learn how humans may be able to reach and live on the Red Planet in their own lifetime.

BEAUTIFUL ILLUSTRATIONS: Combines the beauty of a picture book with science-based facts and information.

UNIQUE APPROACH: Can We Live on Mars? is structured using a visual thinking technique called “mind mapping,” where complex ideas are broken down into a clear flow of visual information. The “mind map” connects the information, making it easy to grasp.

ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY READER: The text is carefully layered and leveled for emerging to proficient readers.

COMPLETE THE MIND MAPPERS COLLECTION: How Do We Stop Climate Change?, Are We Running Out of Water?, and Why Does Plastic Hurt the Planet? are also available.

A History of the Universe in 21 Stars (and 3 Imposters)

by Giles Sparrow

Expert science writer Giles Sparrow guides you through 21 stars you can see in the night sky and what they can teach us about our universe.

On a clear evening, if you look up you can see thousands of stars shining in the dark sky, each with a story of their own. Taking 21 stars (and three imposters, that cheekily aren't technically stars), expert science writer Giles Sparrow offers a complete introduction to what is happening up in the night sky. Sparrow draws 'star maps' to help you easily identify the celestial bodies and then explains (for anyone not an astronomer themselves) what this particular pinprick of light can tell us about the birth, life and death of our universe.

From red giants, quasars and supernovae to black holes, multiple stars and even our own Sun, this fascinating book tells the intriguing, inspiring and sometimes incredible story of how we came to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos, and what we learnt along the way. So look up at the sky and marvel at its wonders with this exciting new book.

Mars Explore the Mysteries of the Red Planet

by Giles Sparrow, Shauna Edson

This ultimate guide to Mars launches 7 to 9 year olds on a breathtaking journey through the past, present, and future of the Red Planet.

This spectacular reference book for children aged 7-9 explores the planet Mars, exploring the evidence for past life on Mars, what's happening there now, and what it might look like to one day live on the Red Planet. Be amazed by the tallest mountain in the Solar System, discover how houses on Mars could look, and find out if you've got what it takes to join the teams traveling to Mars in the future.

This wonderful children's book on Mars offers:

- In-depth information, backed up by space and satellite photography and fun illustrations.
- Easy-to-digest sections about Mars, each filled with incredible facts and visuals.
- Information on the entire subject of Mars; its formation and geography, what we've learned about its past, missions and exploration, potential future life on Mars, and more.

Has there ever been life on Mars? Will we be living there soon? How? Discover the past, present, and future of the mysterious Red Planet in this beautiful non-fiction book for kids. Packed with fun illustrations by artist Mark Ruffle, combined with images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA, information panels, and diagrams, children will adore this essential guide to Mars.

At DK, we believe in the power of discovery. So why stop here?

If you like Mars, then why not complete the collection? Take a trip into space and discover the mysteries of Earth's closest neighbor with The Moon, or explore Earth's surrounding neighbors with Solar System.

Science Year by Year The Ultimate Visual Guide to the Discoveries That Changed the World

by Mary Gribbin, Giles Sparrow, Jack Challoner, John Farndon, Philip Parker, Derek Harvey, Marcus Weeks

This epic journey of scientific discovery starts in ancient times and travels through centuries of invention before fast forwarding into the future.

From simple machines to modern-day marvels, you'll follow incredible illustrated timelines that plot the entire history of science and highlight the most momentous discoveries. A jaw-dropping collection of more than 1,500 photographs, illustrations, maps, and graphics charts the evolution of science year by year, century by century.??

You'll meet influential inventors and famous faces from the past, including Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Marie Curie, and Stephen Hawking. You'll visit places of scientific importance, such as prehistoric cave art, Stonehenge, Hiroshima and the first atomic bomb, the Moon landings, and the Higgs boson particle. These huge events are made simple thanks to eye-catching images, helpful timelines, and accessible, informative text.??

Landmark people and periods are combined in this one stunning volume for children, showcasing the ideas, experiments, and technologies that have shaped our daily lives and transformed the world today.??

Aspiring scientists, get ready for a time traveling trip like no other.

Spin to Survive: Deep Space Danger Decide Your Destiny with a Pop-Out Fortune Spinner!

by Giles Sparrow

Spin to Survive: Deep Space Danger, the fourth in the series, launches you on your most daring adventure yet: surviving on board a spaceship heading for disaster.

*2025 CBC Children’s Favorites Winner*

The innovative Spin to Survive series boldly goes where no game-in-a-book has gone before with its fourth instalment. As part of a pioneering mission to Mars, you've earned your place as one of Earth's greatest explorers. Now, become its most tenacious hero as you fight for your life and the lives of your crew when your spaceship meets with catastrophe. All systems are down, your crewmates are gone, and you're millions of miles from help.

Armed only with your scientific knowhow, a few scraps of hi-tech gear and, of course, your astronaut's Survival Spinner, it's up to you to avert the impending calamity. Will you abort the mission and set a course for home, try to bring the spaceship back online and complete your journey, or attempt to divert to a nearby asteroid mining station?

On each spread, read the story, make your choice, then use the pop-out spinner to determine if it was the lucky one... or not! With dozens of paths and unexpected disasters along the way, readers aged 8-12 will love embarking on this journey again and again.

Play your way through a host of hazards as you fight to survive, enduring solar flares, asteroid belts, space-walks, and more interplanetary challenges. Prepare for adventure... and take to the stars!