The Big Dipper is often one of the first star patterns children learn to recognize—but finding those seven bright stars can open the door to much more.

In the Faithfully Explore! episode about the Big Dipper, children discover how the same stars have inspired different stories, including Greek and Haudenosaunee traditions. They also learn how people have used the Big Dipper’s pointer stars to locate Polaris and find north.

These books, guides, and activities can help young explorers continue that journey by reading about the stars, locating them outside, recording their observations, and creating constellation art.

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The Big Dipper

By Franklyn M. Branley, illustrated by Molly Coxe

The Big Dipper is an approachable introduction for children who are just beginning to explore the night sky. Part of the trusted Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, this illustrated nonfiction book helps young readers recognize the Big Dipper and use it to find the Little Dipper.

The simple explanations and colorful illustrations make it especially useful for younger listeners who may need to see the star pattern on a page before trying to locate it outside.

Best for: Ages 4–8, beginning stargazers, family read-alouds, and early elementary science lessons.

Pair it with the episode: After reading, ask children to find the two stars at the outer edge of the Big Dipper’s bowl. These are the pointer stars that lead toward Polaris, the North Star.

Seeing Stars: A Complete Guide to the 88 Constellations

By Sara Gillingham

For children ready to explore beyond the Big Dipper, Seeing Stars introduces all 88 constellations officially recognized in modern Western astronomy.

Each constellation is presented through bold artwork, star patterns, information, and stories. Children can locate Ursa Major—the larger constellation containing the Big Dipper—and then investigate the other people, animals, creatures, and objects people have imagined in the sky.

This is a beautiful reference book that children can return to as their knowledge and curiosity grow.

Best for: Ages 7–12, visually motivated learners, classroom libraries, and children interested in both astronomy and mythology.

Pair it with the episode: Compare the constellation system in the book with the Greek and Haudenosaunee traditions shared in the episode. Remind children that people from different cultures have looked at the same stars and connected them in different ways.

The Night Sky 30°–40° North Latitude Planisphere

By David Chandler Company

A planisphere is a rotating star map that shows which stars and constellations should be visible at a particular date and time. Unlike a phone app, it allows children to explore the sky without adding another screen to the experience.

The Night Sky 30°–40° North Latitude Planisphere includes instructions on the back and can be rotated to match the night children are observing. Once it is aligned, young stargazers can search for the Big Dipper, Ursa Major, Polaris, and other seasonal constellations.

The large plastic version is particularly practical for repeated use outdoors.

Best for: Family stargazing, homeschool astronomy, science clubs, camping trips, and outdoor classroom observations.

Before purchasing: Planispheres are designed for particular latitude ranges. Check your location’s latitude to make sure the 30°–40° north version is right for you. David Chandler also offers versions for other latitude ranges.

Pair it with the episode: Use the planisphere to find the Big Dipper. Then trace an imaginary line through the bowl’s two pointer stars to see whether it leads you toward Polaris.

Astronomy Log Book for Kids

By Bennie V. Hunt

Looking at the sky once is exciting. Returning to it over several weeks helps children begin to notice patterns.

The Astronomy Log Book for Kids gives young sky watchers a dedicated place to keep track of their night-sky observations. Children can record what they notice, sketch the position of stars, and return on another evening to see what has changed.

A child might draw the Big Dipper early in the evening, observe it again later, or compare its position during different seasons. These repeated observations help transform stargazing from a one-time activity into a genuine scientific investigation.

Best for: Ages 6–12, homeschool portfolios, astronomy units, nature study, and children who enjoy drawing or keeping journals.

Pair it with the episode: Invite children to create a “Finding North” observation page. They can sketch the Big Dipper, mark its pointer stars, draw a line toward Polaris, and record which direction they were facing.

Constellations Scratch & Sketch

By Peter Pauper Press

Constellations Scratch & Sketch adds a creative, hands-on element to a night-sky study.

Children use the included wooden stylus to trace constellation patterns on black-coated pages. As they scratch away the surface, glittering gold, silver, and colorful designs appear beneath it. The book includes 20 constellation drawings, brief accompanying information, and additional pages for children to create their own art.

It is a fun choice for children who learn best by tracing, drawing, and working with their hands.

Best for: Ages 5 and up, art centers, quiet-time activities, travel, and hands-on astronomy enrichment.

Pair it with the episode: After tracing the published constellations, invite children to arrange seven dots in the shape of the Big Dipper. What new picture or character could they imagine among those stars? Their creation does not replace a traditional cultural story—it simply shows how humans naturally search for shapes and meaning in the sky.

Create a Big Dipper Stargazing Kit

Combine several of these items to create an easy family or classroom stargazing kit:

• Read The Big Dipper before going outside.
• Use the planisphere to determine where the Big Dipper should appear.
• Listen to the Faithfully Explore! episode to hear how different communities have understood the stars.
• Record the date, time, weather, and observations in the astronomy log book.
• Explore more star patterns with Seeing Stars.
• Finish with a constellation Scratch & Sketch activity.

You do not need an expensive telescope to begin exploring the night sky. A clear evening, a simple star guide, and a willingness to look carefully are enough.

Start with seven familiar stars. Follow them toward north. Then keep exploring—because once children learn how to look up, the sky becomes a place filled with science, stories, questions, and wonder.

Listen to the Big Dipper episode on Faithfully Explore! and begin your family’s next night-sky adventure.