Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow, illustrated by Carmen Saldaña, is a 2020 Towner Award Nominee

We are happy to share that Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are by Julia Kregenow, illustrated by Carmen Saldaña, is a 2020 Towner Award Nominee!

​The Towner Award is sponsored by the Washington Library Media Association, and aims to recognize and promote excellent informational picture books to encourage students to learn more about our world and support teachers’ use of outstanding nonfiction in their classrooms.
 
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I Know Exactly What You Are was chosen as one of ten nominated titles, selected by a team of teacher and public librarians among hundreds of nonfiction picture books. In spring 2020, Washington students in grades 2—6 will vote for the winners, to be announced in early May. 

Click "read more" below to learn more about the book and the author.

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About the book

​Do you know why stars twinkle? It’s time to find out!

Written to the classic melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” by an expert in astrophysics, this book is the perfect introduction to the real science behind the magic of stars. Discover how stars are created, what they’re made of, and even what makes them look like they’re twinkling. 

Stars are not only great for wishing upon, but they are also spectacular examples of scientific magic. From atmospheric turbulence to fusing atoms, these delightful (more accurate!) lyrics will become your new favorite version of this classic tune. Instead of wondering what stars are, you will know for sure!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
I know exactly what you are
Opaque ball of hot dense gas,
million times our planet’s mass,
looking small because you’re far,
I know exactly what you are.

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About the author and illustrator

Julia M. Kregenow, PhD (right), is a Senior Lecturer at Penn State University. She has a PhD in astrophysics from UC Berkeley and her BA in physics (with math and music minors) from Wittenberg University.

Carmen Saldaña lives in Gijon, a rainy little town in the north of Spain. As long as she can remember she has always loved stories, painting, and drawing. After studying art, she worked in advertising as a graphic designer and art director. Now she works full-time as a children’s book illustrator.