The Stuff Stars are Made Of
Do you know what the Sun is, and how it makes the heat and light that is needed for life on Earth? This is the tale of Big Blue the star, and how the small things in our Universe make stars work…
The Stuff Stars are Made Of was written by Adam Tuff, illustrated by Kieran Gates, and is read by Frances Postlethwaite of Explore York Libraries and Archives.
Enjoy our very special story.
After the story, why not have a go at our colouring the lifecycle of a star activity?
Colour your own lifecycle of a star pdf (PDF 
, 141kb)
Health and Safety:
- Non-toxic colouring pens should be used
Background to the book:
Scientists have studied our Solar System by sending space probes and robots to other planets to look at what planets are made of. They have also looked at lots of stars (including our Sun) through telescopes. Scientists have seen stars of all different ages, and have even seen exploding stars as well!
The story in The Stuff Stars are Made Of explains how a lot of scientists think our planet was made. They have to work this out by studying other stars and planets because nobody was alive when we think our planet and Sun first started to grow - about 5 billion years ago!
Further information:
The book is designed for children to read during the early years of schooling, with the rhyming tale supporting early-years reading. It’s also an inspiring book to read aloud to pre-school children.
For more information for teachers on how The Stuff Stars are Made Of links to reading development, literacy as well as science engagement in primary schools, please see the Primary Schools Teacher page of the Binding Blocks programme.
Book sales
You can buy copies of The Stuff Stars are Made Of from Fox Lane Books, a local independent bookseller and Festival partner. Author signed bookplates are available.
About the author
Dr Adam Tuff studied Physics and has a PhD in nuclear astrophysics. A York alumnus, he now works for KROMEK Ltd., a UK company specialising in radiation sensors.
