Like a Diamond in the Sky by Elizabeth Brown and Becca Stadtlander - ADVISABLE

Like a Diamond in the Sky Jane Taylor's Beloved Poem of Wonders and the Stars by Elizabeth Brown and Becca Stadtlander. PICTURE BOOK/NON FICTION. Bloomsbury Children's Books, 2021. $19. 9781547604272 

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Living in the late 1700’s, girls were expected to marry and do domestic tasks, not work outside of the home. Jane and her sister Ann, however, were schooled by their parents, studying nature, the night sky and her father’s engraving work. Books were cherished in Jane’s home, she and Ann read daily. Jane heard words, rhymes and poems in her head and she practiced writing using the art her father engraved. Because women were not allowed to publish books, Jane and Ann wrote under pen names. Eventually women were able to publish and Jane and Ann made their living publishing books. Taylor was one of England’s most famous children’s poets and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is well known by all. 

Like a Diamond in the Sky is a history of Jane Taylor’s life and work. Brown’s book is an informative and interesting history of her life. The illustrations are beautiful, showing what Victorian English life was like and complimenting the text well. The illustrations draw the reader in and allow you to feel as if you are in the country with Jane and her family. There are pages and pages of information about Jane Taylor’s work and life as well as the famous poem. Perfect for elementary school libraries. 

Deanna M. - Elementary Media Tech