TITLE: The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars
AUTHOR: Laura Alary
ILLUSTRATOR: Yas Imamura
PUB DATE: Late January 2026
READ AS: Online reader copy
RESULT: Dang this is good!
NEED MORE?: YES
OKAY MORE: 
This is a picture book about Cecila Payne, who was a young girl who did not fit in. She stood out in many ways not just because she was taller than other girls/women, not just because she was a female, but because she really loved nature and science, she was smart, and would challenge the male dominated world of astrology. Alary shows how one woman blazed a path that was filled with the bumps and bruises of being a woman at the early start of popular astronomy. She would only let people question herself once, and then always followed what she knew to be true.
This is a picture book that gives a good introduction to the subject of astrology and science, plus gives a strong introduction to a person who did not get credit when credit was due her. The illustrations are reminiscent of a more old school look, keeping with the time frame Payne lived and making it more “romantic” and softer to the viewing eye. There are good colors and details as well that make it fleshed out, but also keeps it simple and in the form of fiction and not a “dry” nonfiction. Extras are included as well which expands the age range of readers and/or listeners.
This is a picture book that was enjoyable to read, enjoyable to view and overall just an enjoyable package.