So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter (So You Want To Be A...)

"So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is one of the more unique jobs in the So You Want To Be series by Linda Soules. Although it might seem like astronomers spend all night gazing through a telescope, there’s much more to this job than meets the eye. This is a real eye-opener into what they do, how they discover worlds that no one has ever walked on before, let alone seen, and what it takes to be that person. You’ll learn about the years of training before you even look through a telescope, how to understand what you see through it, and what you need to do your job. You’ll understand the team they work with, how they analyze what they spot, the instruments they need, and you’ll get to visit amazing worlds you’ll never see in person. Walk in an astronomer’s shoes to understand why it’s one of the most exciting jobs in the world and beyond.

So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter by Linda Soules is part of an amazing series that helps kids of all ages decide what they might want to do for a job. Packed with clearly written scientific facts, this is a wonderful book that takes readers on a stunning journey through an astronomer’s life. Astronomy isn’t just about peering at the sky through a telescope; it’s about the joy of discovering exoplanets and of learning to understand a whole new, largely undiscovered world above us. The illustrations are lovely, helping explain things, and you’ll meet some famous astronomers and learn what they discovered. And if you want to get started right now, there are some practical steps to follow at the end, along with an informative glossary. If you’ve ever gazed up at the sky and wondered what’s beyond, wonder no more. This book is the perfect introduction to a fascinating job."

"So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is a fascinating and beautifully presented nonfiction book for young readers who are curious about space, science, and what it really means to study the universe. Written for ages 10 to 14, this book goes beyond simple stargazing facts and gives readers an honest, exciting look at the real work astronomers do, especially those who search for planets beyond our solar system.

One of the book’s greatest strengths (as it is in the entire So You Want To Be… series) is the way it explains complex science in a clear and engaging way. Readers learn how astronomers detect exoplanets by studying tiny dips in starlight, measuring the wobble of distant stars, and using spectroscopy to understand the chemical makeup of alien atmospheres. These are big scientific ideas, but Soules presents them in a way that feels approachable without talking down to kids. The book trusts young readers with real vocabulary and real science, which makes the subject even more exciting.

The career-focused sections are especially strong. The book does an excellent job of showing that astronomy is not just about looking through telescopes. It involves math, physics, coding, patience, careful observation, data analysis, and problem-solving. And above all, it takes patience, as Linda puts it, “the timescales are humbling. An exoplanet… is found only by observing its star for at least one full orbit – which means years of patiently waiting.” The day-in-the-life section gives readers a realistic look at an astronomer’s work, from opening an observatory dome at sunset to dealing with weather problems and reviewing data the next morning. This realistic approach makes the career feel both challenging and inspiring.

The illustrations are another highlight. They are colorful and detailed, adding visual interest while also helping explain the science. The book also includes fun facts, a helpful glossary, historical profiles of important astronomers, and practical suggestions for kids who want to start learning more right away. Tips such as learning constellations, visiting a planetarium, trying a small telescope, exploring real datasets, and participating in citizen-science projects make the book feel empowering.

I also appreciated the strong representation of women in science. By highlighting female astronomers who made major contributions despite facing barriers, the book shows young readers, especially girls, that they belong in science too. This adds an important and inspiring layer to an already excellent educational book.

So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is an informative, engaging, and visually appealing guide for children interested in space or science careers. It’s short and accessible, but still packed with meaningful information. Young readers who dream of studying stars, galaxies, telescopes, or distant planets will find this book both exciting and useful. It’s a wonderful choice for upper elementary and middle-grade readers, classrooms, libraries, and families with kids who look up at the night sky and wonder what else might be out there."

"Linda Soules turns a child's late-night wonder about the stars into a clear career guide. This exoplanet hunter volume does not talk down to readers. It invites them into real science with patience, honesty, and scale.

The guide succeeds because Soules never underestimates her audience. She walks through transit methods, all-night observatory shifts, and citizen science on Zooniverse without simplifying the hard parts. Some younger readers may need a pause at the scale of numbers involved, though the comparisons usually carry them through. As a parent, I read the 'prepare right now' section with my ten-year-old and we ended up opening a star-map app that same evening. The practical steps landed better than I expected.

Soules writes like someone who respects young minds. As part of the So You Want To Be A... series, this volume keeps the same direct, conversational tone as its companions. Her sentences carry real numbers alongside vivid comparisons that stick, and the full-color illustrations help readers picture observatory domes, transits, and far-off worlds without losing the thread. The author note at the end lands with quiet force. The voice stays warm, precise, and steady throughout.

If your child keeps asking whether anyone else is out there, this is a solid place to start. It rewards curiosity without promising an easy path into the field."

"So You Want to Be an Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter by Linda Soules is a fascinating introduction to a career that involves studying some of the biggest mysteries imaginable. This book takes young readers far beyond the familiar picture of an astronomer simply looking through a telescope. Instead, Soules shows us scientists who study light, analyze enormous amounts of data, write computer code, work through the night, and patiently search for planets orbiting stars so distant that we may never physically reach them.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book is the sense of wonder Soules creates from the very beginning. Astronomy deals with distances that are almost impossible to comprehend. The Sun is about 93 million miles from Earth, yet its light reaches us in only about eight minutes. The nearest star beyond our Sun, Proxima Centauri, is so far away that its light takes more than four years to reach us. Even more amazing is the idea that when we look deeply into space, we are also looking backward in time. The light reaching us from the Andromeda Galaxy began its journey millions of years ago. These facts immediately give young readers a sense of just how enormous the universe really is.

'Soules turns the night sky into something more than a beautiful view—she turns it into a mystery waiting for the next generation of scientists to solve.'

I was especially interested in learning how astronomers actually discover exoplanets. Since these distant planets are usually too small and far away to photograph directly, astronomers often watch the stars instead. When a planet passes between its star and us, it blocks a tiny amount of the star’s light. If that dimming happens repeatedly at regular intervals, scientists may be seeing the signature of an orbiting planet. The book calls this a transit, and the resulting pattern is a light curve. I thought this was such an interesting concept because astronomers can discover something they cannot actually see by carefully measuring what happens to the light around it.

The tools astronomers use were another surprise. Of course, telescopes remain extremely important, but today’s astronomers also depend heavily on computers, mathematics, statistics, and coding. Soules explains that Python and even machine learning have become important tools because a single space telescope can produce terabytes of information. Scientists need programs capable of sorting through all that data and separating meaningful signals from ordinary noise. The book also introduces spectrographs, which separate light into its component colors and allow astronomers to learn astonishing things about a distant star, including its temperature, chemical composition, and movement.

The section on space telescopes made the science even more exciting. Soules discusses the James Webb Space Telescope and explains how extremely cold it must remain to detect faint infrared signals from distant worlds. She also introduces TESS, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, which scans the sky searching for nearby stars with planets. I think sections like this will help children understand that astronomy isn’t only about discoveries made hundreds of years ago. This is a rapidly developing field in which new discoveries are still being made.

I also appreciated the honesty of 'The Hardest Parts of the Job.' Astronomy requires tremendous patience. Weather can destroy an entire week of planned observations. A satellite can cross a telescope’s field of view at exactly the wrong time. Scientists compete for limited telescope time and research funding, and what initially looks like a planet may turn out to be an instrument problem, noise, or something else entirely. Some discoveries require years of observations before scientists can be confident about what they have found. Soules presents persistence as part of science itself: astronomers keep observing, analyzing, questioning, and trying again.

That makes the discovery itself seem even more rewarding. I loved the description of an astronomer realizing that the quiet pattern on a computer screen represents a world no human being has ever known existed. There may be no dramatic explosion or flashing announcement—just data finally making sense. Yet that scientist could be the first person in human history to know that particular planet is there. I can imagine how extraordinary that moment must feel.

The 'A Day in the Life' section gives young readers a realistic look at the unusual schedule of observational astronomy. The day may begin at 4:00 in the afternoon, with the astronomer waking at the observatory and preparing for the night’s work. Observations continue through midnight and into the early morning, with data being checked as it arrives. By 4:30 a.m., dawn approaches and the dome closes. Then, while much of the world is beginning its day, the astronomer sleeps. This section made the profession feel much more real because children can imagine what living that schedule would actually be like.

Another excellent point is that astronomy is collaborative. Discovering an exoplanet can involve observers, instrument specialists, theoretical astronomers, statisticians, graduate students, telescope operators, software engineers, science writers, and many others. Soules makes it clear that major discoveries are rarely the work of one person sitting alone beneath the stars.

I particularly enjoyed the historical section. Young readers meet Caroline Herschel, who discovered eight comets and became the first woman ever paid as a professional scientist by the King; Vera Rubin, whose observations provided powerful evidence for dark matter; Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz, whose discovery of 51 Pegasi b helped transform exoplanet science; and Natalie Batalha, who led the science team for NASA’s Kepler mission. I especially liked learning that Batalha began college as a business major before a physics class changed her direction. That is a wonderful reminder to children that they do not necessarily have to know their life’s path from the beginning.

The fun facts may be some of the most memorable pages for younger readers. Imagine a world where iron rains from the clouds sideways because of tremendous winds, or another planet where winds carry tiny glass particles at more than 5,400 miles per hour. There are even planets orbiting two suns, meaning that from their surfaces you could theoretically watch two sunsets. These facts sound like science fiction, which makes it even more exciting that they concern actual worlds astronomers have discovered.

'Perhaps the most inspiring message in this book is that the universe is enormous, but a curious child does not have to wait until adulthood to begin exploring it.'

I loved that Soules gives children practical ways to begin right now. They can learn constellations, use a star chart, visit a planetarium, learn basic coding, take math and physics seriously, read about space, or participate in citizen-science projects that allow ordinary people to examine real telescope data. A child doesn’t have to own a professional observatory to begin developing the curiosity and skills of an astronomer.

The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful and help communicate both the enormous scale of space and the human side of astronomy. We see observatories perched on mountains, glowing computer screens displaying data, diagrams explaining planetary transits, distant worlds, scientists working together, and children looking upward through telescopes. The visuals make some fairly complicated scientific concepts much more approachable.

Overall, So You Want to Be an Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is an engaging combination of career exploration, astronomy, science, and inspiration. Linda Soules doesn’t simply tell children that astronomy is exciting; she shows them why, while also being truthful about the patience, mathematics, technology, skepticism, and persistence the profession requires. I would highly recommend this book for young readers fascinated by stars, planets, computers, science, or the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. It leaves readers with one especially exciting thought: somewhere in all that darkness, there are still worlds waiting to be found—and perhaps one of today’s curious young readers will be the person who finds the next one."

"This book was very informative and actually easy to understand. My niece is obsessed with space. So I can’t wait to show her this book to give her more information to learn about the stars and planets and the people behind it."

"I got this one for my nephew. He’s always loved and been interested in space. This book is not only detailed in a kid friendly way but the graphics are excellent. I look forward to many other topics in this line of books."

"As a mom to a little girl this book was very informative. I love the females in science representation that is displayed through out this beautiful book. It gives a very realistic picture of what this job may entail including the harder parts."

"An excellent read if you have a child interested in space and careers in the field. The book provides a great explanation of the career paths, tools, and what to expect in the types of jobs. The pictures are detailed and colorful. Good informational read geared towards upper elementary age."

"Very informative for kids and I love the pictures. Explaining the tools used for the job and the day in the life would definitely help a child to understand what an astronomer actually does. I also like that it gives tips on where a child can start today (borrow a small telescope, visit a planetarium, etc.) Very good book - short and to the point but full of good info."

"I think this book was really amazing. It told about the planets and the steps to becoming an astronomer in such easy to read and concise sentences. And it helps that the pictures were gorgeous."

"Informative book to exploring a future in astronomy. Glossary is helpful & fun facts are actually fun. If your child is exploring astronomy as a future path this book covers it all & is an in-depth introduction."

"A really cool book for kids who want to learn about astronomers. The pictures also show nice detail and lots of information on the topic. I would definitely recommend this book to elementary aged school kids!"

"This book was a delight to read. While it is written for children, it does not talk down to them. The images are well-chosen and engaging. From the coverage of the newer research area of exoplanet hunting to the helpful glossary, this book is informative and gives kids a realistic look at what astronomy is and what it takes to get into the field. The section on how a child can start immediately is a nice bonus that will interest families as well."

"The book was very informative and actually easy to understand. My son is obsessed with space. So, when he sees this book, it will blow his mind. this book will give him more information to learn about the stars and planets and the people behind it. The pictures are detailed and colorful short but an absolutely wonderful book for all ages."

"This book is a surprisingly good read even for adults. Most adults don't know a lot of professions other than their own. This book was a real eye-opener for me.

I had no idea that astronomers worked nights (although it makes sense now.) Or that they often worked at altitude. Or that it can takes years to assemble a full set of data for an exoplanet. But that all comes out in this book. I can only imagine what it would be like as a 12 year old to be getting this breadth of information.

I wonder if this could be integrated into a middle school curriculum. I remember visiting my daughter's school for a career day but there was nowhere near a complete list of professions represented."

"As a third-grade reading teacher, I enjoyed Linda Soules' 'So You Want to Be an Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter.' The illustrations are beautiful, and the information is accurate, engaging, and inspiring for students interested in science and space...I would recommend this book for advanced readers, STEM enrichment, middle school students, or as a teacher read-aloud. Overall, it is a wonderful resource that encourages curiosity and a love of scientific discovery."

"Loved this book! I'm an adult and even I want to be an astronomer when I 'grow up!'

Full of fascinating facts and history of the profession. This has been the best book I've read so far in this series. Never thought I'd learn so much from a children's book."

"So You Want To Be An Astronomer and Exoplanet Hunter is such a good book for kids! Linda Soules is a magical author that is so good at writing these So You Want To Be books. Reading these with my kids I've also learned so much. I really like how this one talks about the moment an astronomer discovers finding something no one has ever seen before. Highly recommend all these books!"

"As a first-grade teacher, I’m always looking for books that spark genuine curiosity, and So You Want to Be an Astronomer and Exoplanet Hunter by Linda Soules did exactly that.

It’s one of those books that has students asking, 'Wait... there are planets outside our solar system?' Those are the kinds of questions every teacher loves to hear.

What I appreciated most was how the book takes a topic that could feel overwhelming and makes it approachable for young readers. The explanations are clear without talking down to children, and the real-life career connection helps students see that science isn't just something they learn in school, it’s something people actually do for a living.

As we read, my students were completely fascinated by the idea of searching for planets around distant stars. It led to some wonderful classroom conversations about space, telescopes, and what it might be like to discover a brand-new world. Seeing their imaginations take off was my favorite part.

This book is a great addition to any classroom library, especially during a space unit or STEM lessons. It encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and dreaming big, while showing students that asking questions about the universe can grow into an exciting career. Linda Soules has a wonderful way of introducing complex careers in a way that feels exciting and attainable for young readers. I’m already looking forward to sharing more books from this series with my class."

"Such a great book for young, aspiring astronomers. It has great insight into the exciting, discovery side, as well as, the disappointments and excruciating parts of waiting and being patient. All wrapped up in a short read with amazing illustrations. Perfect to keep them engaged."

"This book is intended for younger readers, but it is not the least bit juvenile. As a matter of fact, I suspect some readers may find the earliest sections a little daunting (terms, vocabulary, etc.). Those are NOT criticisms, but observations. I found the book to be thorough and compelling. It explains what an astronomer does, tools, capabilities, challenges, personal attributes, terminology and more. I found the most impactful (and exciting) statement toward the end... astronomy is the only science where professionals study what they can't touch, measure what they can't see and discover places they will never visit. The book introduces a career in exploring."

"This was such a cute book on learning about stars and astronomers. It was interesting to be able to read a day in a life of an astronomer. I know the book had stated I did not need a telescope, but after reading I really want a telescope! This book also teaches you about famous astronomers' like Caroline Herschel, Vera Rubin and a couple of more! This book is also equipped with a glossary in the back for some unfamiliar terms to help better understand the astronomy terminology."

"My son wants to be an astronaut and I read him this book. It's very informative and tells you a lot about astronomy. I love the pictures and the writing style."

"This is a great kids book! It would be great for learning about what’s beyond our blue skies and even great for JH kids who are interested in going into that field in the future. Even as an adult it was a good read."

"This book does something rare — it tells young astronomers the truth about the profession without dimming the wonder for a single page. The transit method, spectroscopy, radial velocity, citizen science platforms — all explained with clarity that trusts young readers completely. The profiles of barrier-breaking women astronomers are inspiring without being preachy, and the detailed observing-night walkthrough makes the career feel thrillingly real. For any young person who looks up and immediately wants to know what's out there, this is the perfect starting point."

"This book is an excellent book for people interested in knowing more about astronomy and exploration. The graphics are amazing. The information and detail given is quite interesting. The book gives readers history, science, and access information that most readers do not realize exist. The book takes you through an in-depth look into the life of an astronomer and exoplanet hunters life, and scientific information on why this is important for our world. A good read for adults also."

"This is great for kids! It's engaging and holds their interest. My daughter loved the pictures! It is very informative, but still at a level that kids can understand."

"So, You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter by Linda Soules is an informative nonfiction book written for young readers who are curious about space, science, and careers in astronomy. The book explains what astronomers and exoplanet hunters actually do, showing that the work is not just about looking through telescopes but also about patience, math, data, teamwork, and careful observation.

One of the strongest parts of So You Want To Be An Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is the way it balances wonder with realism. The subject of discovering distant worlds is exciting, but Soules does not pretend that the job is easy or glamorous every moment. Instead, she shows that science requires patience, curiosity, and a willingness to work through uncertainty. This makes the book feel more trustworthy because it respects young readers enough to tell them the truth about the career.

The explanations are also clear and engaging. Topics like the transit method, spectroscopy, and data analysis could easily become confusing, but the book presents them in a way that makes the science understandable. It helps readers see that astronomy is not only about big discoveries, but also about asking careful questions and trusting evidence. The focus on real scientific methods gives the book educational value while still keeping the sense of mystery that makes space so fascinating.

I also appreciated that the book explains how ordinary people can become involved in astronomy. The idea that public telescope data and citizen science projects can help people participate in discoveries makes the subject feel more accessible. Instead of making astronomy seem like something only a few experts can do, the book encourages curiosity and shows readers that learning can be the first step toward real contribution.

This book is a surprisingly good read even for adults. Most adults do not know a lot about professions other than their own, so this book was a real eye-opener for me. It made astronomy feel more real as a career, not just as a subject people study in school or admire from a distance.

I had no idea that astronomers worked nights, although it makes sense now. I also did not know that they often work at high altitude or that it can take years to assemble a full set of data for an exoplanet. Those details all come out in this book, and they helped me understand how demanding and patient the work really is.

I can only imagine what it would be like as a ten-year-old to receive this information. For a young reader, the book could open up a whole new way of thinking about science, careers, and the universe. That is one of the reasons I think it succeeds: it gives readers knowledge they may not even realize they were missing."

"This book is amazing! The illustrations are eye catching and beautifully done. This book is so thorough and detailed. I absolutely loved the section that showed a day in the life of an astronomer. In addition the list of things kids can do to prepare now is sure to keep kids excited and preparing for the future! What a great read for the young scientists in our lives!"

"I got this one for my nephew. He’s always loved and been interested in space. This book is not only detailed in a kid friendly way but the graphics are excellent. I look forward to many other topics in this line of books."

"Okay, this book looks so cool! The cover art with the night sky and the stars is honestly beautiful. It’s perfect for kids who love outer space and looking through telescopes. It teaches you all about how astronomers look for crazy alien planets (exoplanets) out in space. It makes science actually sound fun instead of boring schoolwork. The way it explains things is super simple and easy to understand. I’d definitely recommend it if you have a younger sibling, or niece/nephew who is obsessed with space!"

"A great starting point for any kiddo thinking they might like to become a professional astronomer! Very informative on the actual day to day reality of the life of an astronomer. Great read!"

"This fascinating and fact-filled book teaches kids all about what it takes to be an astronomer and what an exoplanet hunter actually does! Topics include a day in the life, qualities needed, the best and hardest parts of the job, fun facts, famous astronomers in history, and lots of scientific data to clearly explain this very complex career!"

"Another fantastic so you want to be book. Explains the qualities and background knowledge you need to be an astronomer. Also emphasizes that you can be an amateur astronomer as well. Includes technical terms and the history of some of the great ones of our time. I especially enjoyed that the author added women astronomers. The illustrations are excellent."

"This is such a cute series! It is perfect for my 7 year old as he starts to explore different areas. He picked this book out because he loves looking up to the sky at night and always asks what each stat is. This book helped me to explain what an astronomer does and I love that it also has a Section for famous astronomers he could look up to."

"I really like to read these types of books to my 4 year old. It opens him imagination and he starts asking questions and then he realizes he can be anything he wants to be. I highly recommend these books."

"This book had a lot of useful information for an older kid who is interested in this career. It includes fun facts, history, and encouraging tips. I like that it goes over specifics of the career, everyday tasks, preparation, and skills needed. Reading it was a pleasure! Anyone who likes space would enjoy it because of all the astronomy details and illustrations. After reading the book, I had a deeper appreciation for the people that work this field."

"This is a great book to teach kids about what it really takes to be an astronomer. It goes into detail about how it is more than just looking through a telescope. It explains in simple terms what spectrographs, coding and telescopes all do in reference to astronomy! I even enjoyed this book as an adult and it will give kids a good understanding of what being an astronomer is if that is the path they choose!"

"I read this because at one point in my life I was wanting to be an astronomer. This gives you so much information about the life of an astronomer. It's amazing how big the universe is and how small we are in comparison. I would definitely recommend this to anyone interested in astronomy."

"This book makes astronomy exciting and easy for kids to understand. I loved the section about exoplanet hunters searching for planets beyond our solar system and learning how telescopes help scientists discover them. The explanations of stars, galaxies, and curious scientists make the universe feel much closer. A fun, educational read for young space enthusiasts!"

"This book takes you on a journey through space and time allowing the reader to get a clear view of what it means to be an astronomer in this day and age. You will learn how astronomers explore what they call a transit method and how it catches a planet's shadow while crossing over a distant star. It teaches you how to use a telescope to mathematically observe and collect data on stars and further galaxies teaching you that patience is needed to capture great detail. It gives you a detailed understanding of where the constellations are in the night sky and where to find them throughout the year. This book provides the motivation and the tools to start at a young age to gather and track mathematical codes. A very informative book."

"A very informative, but fun book. My kids love astronomy, but I have had a hard time finding something to help us all learn about what it’s like to be an astronomer and all the different aspects of it. This book helps so much!"

"I absolutely am in love with this series! I am going to buy the entire set for my nephews! This one is about being an astronomer and exoplanet hunter. It's not as easy as it sounds. A lot of telescopes are out in the middle of nowhere so the lights don't interfere with being able to see into space. And the best telescopes on earth sit 2 miles above sea level where the air is quite thin and can cause headaches and the air is freezing. Some famous woman astronomers are Vera Rubin, Natalie Batalha who lead the science team for NASA's Kepler mission, & Caroline Hershel was a German born astronomer that worked with her brother in England and she was the first ever woman paid scientist and she was paid by the king himself!"

"So You Want to Be an Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is such a beautiful and inspiring book, especially for curious kids who love looking up at the night sky. I really loved how it makes astronomy feel exciting and achievable while introducing readers to stars, galaxies, planets, black holes, and the search for other worlds.

The illustrations are gorgeous and really bring the magic of space to life. I also loved the encouraging message that curiosity and patience can lead to incredible discoveries. It makes you feel like you could be part of discovering something amazing someday!

A wonderful little book for young dreamers, future scientists, and anyone who has ever looked at the stars and wondered, “What’s out there?”

Such a cute, educational, and inspiring read! Loved this book and the others in the series for kids!"

"Wonderful book! It includes the history and some notable historical figures. Additionally, you can see a day in the life of an astronomer/exoplanet hunter and helpful qualities for the future astronomers. This book gives a complete and thorough overview of an astronomer & exoplanet hunter."

"This is an absolutely wonderful book for all ages honestly. The way that the job of an astronomer is broken down into not only what it is, but also the tools they use, the locations that are relevant to their study, and the setbacks that one can face were all very interesting to read. I had not heard of the sub-job of Exoplanet hunting either so that was something new I learned. I also love the illustrations, not only are the beautiful but they also offer a lot of information themselves. Other parts that stood out to me were the timeline of a day in the job of astronomy, as well as the information about famous astronomers from history, as well as a list of ways to learn even more. Overall, this book contained a lot of really great information and was a delight to read."

"I read So You Want to Be an Astronomer and Exoplanet Hunter with my baby nephew as he is obsessed with space and it was a really enjoyable read. What I liked most was how it made astronomy and the search for exoplanets feel exciting and accessible rather than complicated. It was definitely pitched at the right level - perfect balance of text and images.

We found myself learning something new on almost every page, especially about how astronomers actually find planets so far away. It definitely made me look at the night sky a little differently!

A really enjoyable read for anyone interested in space, astronomy, or the possibility of discovering new worlds. I’d happily recommend it to other budding space enthusiasts."

"This book is both intelligently written, filled with easy to digest information, and seems like a great spark for a young astronomer. The illustrations were both visually appealing and informational and it was a well rounded informational book."

"So You Want to Be an Astronomer & Exoplanet Hunter is an engaging and informative book for kids who are curious about space and interested in learning what it takes to become an astronomer.

The book provides a broad and easy-to-understand introduction to the Sun, planets, and the exciting world of exoplanet discovery. It explains how we are living in an incredible age of planetary exploration and discovery, where the possibilities for astronomers seem almost limitless.

I especially enjoyed learning about world-famous observatories and where they are located, as well as the different tools astronomers use, including telescopes, detectors, spectrographs, coding and computation, and space telescopes. The book also gives young readers a realistic look at both the exciting and challenging sides of being an astronomer. Waiting for data and observations can be a significant part of the job, but astronomy also offers the opportunity to work at your own pace and follow your curiosity.

One of the most encouraging messages in the book is that becoming an astronomer starts with something very simple: a curious mind and keen observation skills. The book explains what a typical day for an astronomer might look like and highlights how important collaboration is in astronomy.

It also shows how astronomy continues to contribute to science and humanity through discoveries year after year. I liked that the book includes the achievements of famous astronomers, along with fun facts that young readers will enjoy.

Most importantly, the book encourages children to question the unknown, pay attention to even the smallest changes, and remain curious about the sky above them.

I would definitely recommend this book to children around 7–15 years old who want to know, learn, and explore the fascinating world of astronomy."

"I read this book in almost one night. Even though it was written for kids it was thought provoking and gave me a totally new outlook towards looking at the stars. I enjoyed the fact that they had scientific facts that were presented in a fun, yet educational way. I hope that this book captures the imagination and curiosity of the young people who read it. There is still so much to learn, maybe this book will push a youngster to look further away than we have. There’s so much that I didn’t know and I am so glad that I read this book. I will certainly read it again and recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of childlike wonder in their lives."