Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, Everyone!
Today I have a special treat for you!
I’m going to share the book first, so you can see what we’re talking about, and then I have a little Q&A with the author that I think writers, teachers, parents, and all readers will find very interesting as well as some activities that she prepared especially for us to do with our children and students! So please see below in the “Links to Resources” section for all that bonus material! (It includes a recipe for Disappearing Crunch Cookies and I know you won’t want to miss that! 😊)
As if all that weren’t enough, the publisher, Albert Whitman, is offering a copy! So if you leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday April 8, you will be eligible for the random drawing that could make you a winner!
Title: Listening To The Stars: Jocelyn Bell Burnell Discovers Pulsars
Written By: Jodie Parachini
Illustrated By: Alexandra Badiu
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company, April 1, 2021, Nonfiction
Suitable For Ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: biography, astrophysics, astronomy, girl power
Opening: “Does the galaxy have a sound?
Is it loud and full of thunderous booms?
Soft murmurings, whooshing whispers?
Blips and bloops, like laughter and hiccups?
Silent?
When Jocelyn Bell was young,
she never dreamed that she would spend
her life listening to the stars.
But sometimes, if you open your mind,
you can hear the universe.”
Brief Synopsis: A biography of astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who helped build a radio telescope that contributed to her discovery of pulsars, which some scientists consider to be the greatest astronomical discovery of the twentieth century.
Links To Resources: the back of the book includes a glossary and an author’s note; and I have a special treat for you – some activities from author Jodie Parachini!
Welcome, Jodie! Thank you for joining us!
What drew you to this subject?
The first question people ask when I tell them I wrote a book about Jocelyn Bell Burnell, is
“who’s that?”
When I explain that she’s an astrophysicist who discovered an astronomical marvel called pulsars, they ask,
“Why haven’t I heard of her?”
Exactly. Then when I mention that she wasn’t awarded a Nobel Prize for it (it went to her male colleagues), they stare in wonder and say,
“Haven’t I heard this story before?”
Yes, sadly. Women such as Rosalind Franklin (who worked on the structure of DNA with Watson and Crick), Chien-Shiung Wu (who worked on the Manhattan Project), and Lise Meitner (who helped discover nuclear fission), were rarely acknowledged for the incredible contributions they made to science. But one of the reasons I love writing picture books is to get these stories out there. Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s story, like those of so many women who work in the STEM fields, should be read, discussed, treasured, and celebrated.
Which do you prefer writing, fiction or nonfiction?
Great question! But I can’t answer it—it’s like choosing which child is my favorite.
I’m drawn to telling stories and I tend to pounce on whatever idea strikes me at the moment. Which means I usually have a few picture book ideas in progress at once. Sometimes I can’t get a rhyme out of my head and other times I hear a story on the news and think I MUST research it further. I let my haphazard brain lead the way!
The nonfiction appeals to my inquisitive and curious nature, the fiction to my creative side. I’m sure there’s a right brain/left brain comment that could be made about this! Hmmm, Righty wants to go to the Library while Lefty wants to pick daisies… I sense a new picture book idea percolating!
I have four more nonfiction and three fiction books coming out in the next two years, so luckily I don’t have to choose between Righty and Lefty!
Do you have any advice for other writers on getting published?
I do not have a traditional publishing story. Like many writers, I spent years getting rejections (I still do). I’ve never had an agent (ahem, see what I mean about rejections?) but I’ve been persistent about following up every opportunity possible when it comes to my manuscripts. Sometimes that means:
1. Pursuing every lead with editors or publishers you meet (for example, I met an art director at a conference. He didn’t think the first story I pitched was right for his publishing house, but I followed up with another in an email, and that one will be published in 2022. I could have just licked my wounds and retreated after the first rejection but sometimes perseverance is key.)
2. Believe in your work, but be flexible enough to alter it. Editors often know the market better than writers. Sometimes it takes (what feels like) hundreds of rewrites to get to the final product. Why start out with a fixed, single-minded vision when collaboration (with awesome editors and amazing illustrators!) is so much fun!?
3. Most writers jump into querying agents/publishers too quickly. The dream of being published is powerful, but I have found that taking classes or joining writing groups and listening to the advice of teachers and peers when it comes to how to improve my work is invaluable. Learn to tell the difference between a first draft and a polished draft by getting the manuscript in front of readers. Their opinions or critiques can open up a whole world of ideas, and, eventually, make you a better writer.
Thanks for listening, kidlit folks, and I wish all of you success of your own writing journeys!
And now for the activities!!!
I have two artsy-fartsy (my mom’s term) crafts for today—the first is a spinning star…perfect to represent the pulsars that Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered (pulsars are neutron stars that spin and send off radiation, but luckily these ones are just made out of paper). I have to admit, origami and I have never gotten along. I’m more of a modernist, throw-paint-at-the-canvas type of artist so I find folding paper in a structured, precise way quite difficult. That’s why I added the second paper star video, which is much easier and although it’s supposedly a Christmas star, I see no reason why it can’t be made for Easter too! Just grab some pastel paper, scissors, and glue!
Origami Spinning Star https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq9_tNCGnSA
Here’s the easier “Easter” Star https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NqFYzHDQyg
Double plus, I have to leave you with an amazing recipe for Disappearing Crunch Bars. (So named because as soon as you make them, they disappear completely. Trust me.)
Only 4 Ingredients:
Saltines (a column or two)
Butter (2 sticks)
Light Brown Sugar (1 cup)
Chocolate chips (12 oz semi-sweet, milk/dark/white, whatever you like)
Method:
Preheat the over to 400 degrees F.
Line a baking pan with foil. Place 1 layer of saltines on the foil. Boil the butter and sugar for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then pour the caramelly mixture directly over the saltines and use a baking brush to cover the saltines in the caramel. Place in oven for 7 minutes, then remove and immediately pour the chocolate chips over the pan. Spread the chocolate with a brush as it melts, to coat. Cool in the fridge or preferably freezer. Peel from the foil and break into bite size (or larger J ) bits and keep in the freezer. YUM.
THANK YOU SO MUCH, JODIE!!!
Why I Like This Book: I love learning about interesting people I previously knew nothing about! Jocelyn Bell Burnell has been a groundbreaker in astrophysics as well as a voice for gender equality in science. When I read about how what should have been her Nobel Prize (at least partly if not completely!) went to two male colleagues I was incensed on her behalf! Jocelyn’s dedication to her research is amazing. She worked her way through 3 miles of paper printout from the radio telescope to discover patterns that would lead her to neutron stars and pulsars. At age 77 she is still contributing to the field of astrophysics and leading the way for girls and women to achieve their scientific goals. She has truly been a pioneer. An inspirational read for all young readers!
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do 😊
For the complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.
PPBF folks, please add your titles and post-specific blog links (and any other info you feel like filling out 😊) to the form below so we can all come see what fabulous picture books you’ve chosen to share this week!
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Go out and look at the stars! 😊
Susanna Leonard Hill 
Thank you Susanna!
My pleasure! 😊
Wow! Stellar review of a woman I sadly have never heard anything about! Congratulations, Jodie, on introducing this remarkable scientist to the world.
Happy Easter – may your baskets be filled with loads of yummy chocolate (is there any other kind?)!
Thank you!
(And many bars of chocolate were harmed while making this book 🙂
She worked hard to get recognition. And now you’ve honored her with this beautiful picture book! Can’t wait to read it!!!
Thank you!
Funny enough, Dame Jocelyn has admitted that NOT winning the Nobel meant she was considered for (and awarded) many other accolades throughout her life.
Jodie, Congratulations on this new book and sharing Jocelyn’s story with the world! I wish I could say I knew who she is before I read this, but now I do. Good luck!
Thank you! I love the idea that Dame Jocelyn will soon be a name that people have heard.
Congratulations Joie, on this wonderful book. Love the cover and illustrations. What a perfect and inspiring biography about for girls who love the science, astronomy and the stars I had never heard of Jocelyn before I read this review. Enjoyed learning about you and your book.
Thank you Patricia!
So fascinating! Thank you, Susanna, for highlighting LISTENING TO THE STARS and congratulations to Jodie for bringing Jocelyn Bell Burnell’s story to us. I look forward to reading this stunning book.
Thanks Claire!
Jodie -Thank you for creating an inspiring book. You never know who’s imagination might be sparked by it. Thank you also for the encouraging words for writers too.
Susanna- Thank you for choosing to highlight Jodie’s new book. This was a good interview.
SO glad you enjoyed it!
That’s exactly why I wrote it, because you never know who might be out there reading it!
Congratulations, Jodie! Looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the advice on persistence as well.
You’re welcome. I find giving advice hard, because I always think, “who am I to tell people how to write?” But of course, it’s not about that at all, it’s about being as supportive as possible to everyone else on this writing journey.
Jodie – what a fantastic topic for a book. I never thought of pulsars in terms of sounds (though it makes sense)! And I totally agree – hundreds of rewrites with an editor sounds about right.
Definitely want to read this book! Thanks for sharing your journey and your wisdom – and Jocelyn’s story with us.
And Susanna – thanks for featuring Jodie and Jocelyn today – they both have important stories to tell.
I struggled with the “sound” aspect, because of course there is no sound in space. But I also needed a way to tell kids that there are other ways to examine the stars besides through a telescope. Hopefully I got the balance right 🙂
Thanks, Susanna and Jodie for highlighting Jocelyn’s story. Love hearing about women who made a difference with their incredible accomplishments. Looking forward to reading this book!
Thank you Rose. Dame Jocelyn is so awe-inspiring that I truly enjoyed doing all the research.
Thank you, Jodie, for bringing Jocelyn’s fascinating and important story to light. I can’t wait to read LISTENING TO THE STARS!
Thank you for reading, Gabi!
Picture book biographies have taught me about women in science and math that I have never heard about before and I’m hoping in today’s world, we are changing this with women supporting other women and getting the word out. I can’t wait to read this book and learn more as space topics are my favorites.
I agree with everything you said, Danielle. Girls growing up today are going to have such an amazing wealth of role models.
If only my dad were still alive. As an astrophysicist, he would have enjoyed reading this book. When I read LISTENING TO THE STARS, I’ll be sure to enjoy it for him, too. I’m glad that readers will come to know about Jocelyn Bell Burnell through this book.
Oh Leslie, I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I dedicated the book to my dad, an amateur astronomer himself. I haven’t been able to visit him for 2 years now due to Covid, and I miss him every day.
Love the opening lines to this book! And I love how many women in STEM are FINALLY getting a little of their due! And I really really really want to make these Disappearing Crunch Bars, knowing they won’t last the day. My son used to call those origami stars “throwing” stars because everything in his hands became a projectile, LOL. Cheers!
Thank you Jilanne! You won’t be disappointed with the bars, they’re melt-in-your-hands good. We try to keep some in our freezer for emergencies, but like the title suggests, they always seem to disappear.
This was another great blog..thank you Susanna!
It’s amazing how many great women were not afforded what was due to them! Thank you so much Jodie for introducing us to Jocelyn Bell Burnell! 🙂
And to SESCHIPPER, I agree wholeheartedly! I only listed a FEW of the amazing women who were overlooked. According to the Nobel website, there have been 216 Laureates in Physics and only 4 have been women. Something needs to change!
I love learning about little-known amazing women like Jocelyn. Thank you for introducing her to us!
Thank you, Linda!
Thank you so much for sharing your book, the crafts, and writing tips. I learn something new each time I read Susanna’s blog. Count today as another great one.
Wonderful to hear, thank you ReadMyBook2002!
This sounds so lovely! And I love the activities! My kids are very into space right now AND we just finished The Dinosaur Lady which started a big discussion about overlooked women in history. I can’t wait to read this to them!
I hope Listening to the Stars gives you many more wonderful discussions with them! Thank you, Nicole!
Susanna, I agree wholeheartedly that too many women never received (receive) the acknowledgement they are due for their discoveries and research. I am so glad that Jocelyn Bell Burnell will. Thank you for highlighting this book. I look forward to reading it.
I wholeheartedly agree! Thank you, Maria!
Another great story of a woman’s imagination and putting it to good use. Thank you for sharing this picture book. I’m looking forward to reading it.
What a fascinating story. I love that Jocelyn Burnell is still living and getting some recognition for her work.
Book looks great! Hope I win a copy to read with my twins!
I love books like this that tell stories of people who history overlooked. It’s great to bring them out of the shadows and make them the stars they deserve to be.