Like Peter Sis's other book I recently read, The Tree of Life: Charles Darwin, the artwork and small details are lush. I like the way Sis does not skimp on showing dates and details in the life of Galileo. These are not generalized, glossed-over biographies, they are rich in information about their subjects.

Text is wrapped around round objects so that the reader is forced to turn the book on it's side to see the text...and no doubt the pictures...from a different perspective. Something, unfortunately, the Catholic Church was unable to do in it's condemnation of Galileo Galilei and his novel idea that the earth goes around the sun.

It is always amazing the human capacity for denial of reality and how much it hasn't changed in almost 500 years. ( )

Story of galleio galilei ( )

With beautiful illustrations and stylized text accompanying the story, Peter Sis tells the tale of Gallileo. Some may object to the images of him in front of the pope and cardinals but this is an accurate portrayal of what he endured. ( )

Top 100 Pick because:

Although I feel this book is almost more suited for adults to appreciate, hopefully younger children will find inspiration and beauty in this picture book. I find the illustrations and cultural and historical influences upon the story absolutely compelling and breathtaking. From the front cover to the back, each page is filled with details, many of them alluding to Galileo's life and the sprinkling actual samples of his writing throughout (which I think an adult would find more interesting than a young child). I cannot give the book anything other than 5 stars, however, because I love the way Galileo's life is told, the captivating illustrations, and how it all ties together. I do also love that Galileo stuck to not only what he believed (which is more faith based), but what he knew & could prove. STEM inspiration right there. ( )

Wonderful art. It's a big book that give panoramic views of the sky. It also uses old maps and pictures they had to show the sky. It tells the simple story of Galileo and how he went about church doctrine to tell what he saw. He was declared a heretic for his work, but left to live in his home. It took the church 350 years to admit that he was right - which is sad.

There are his quotes around the book, but some of them are hard and it is difficult to read which annoyed me. Still it was a good story. ( )