Of course, the word "classical" in the title is always going to get my attention, but Signs and Seasons: Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy is not just for students of the classics or those engaged in Christian classical education or the Charlotte Mason approach.

The stars have fascinated man from the beginnings of recorded history, and I dare say, even before. As early as Genesis 1, we read about the creation of the Sun, Moon and stars, and about the purpose that God had in mind from the beginning: to rule the day and night, for signs and for seasons, for days and for years, and to declare His glory.

This is a thorough treatment of astronomy written in an engaging style that has kept the attention of our littler ones during read-aloud time though dealing with complex issues suited to further study by older students. History buff that I am, I found the historical quotes fascinating, from the Greek poet Aratus (c. 275 B.C., quoted by Paul when he was speaking on Mars Hill in Athens), Ptolemy, Dante, Chaucer, and Calvin, to name a few.

Let me emphasize that this is the study of astronomy, or study of the heavenly bodies and how God has ordered them, not astrology. The stars and constellations recognized today by scientists bear names in Greek, Latin, and Arabic reflecting the ancient cultures that studied them. Signs and Seasons treats the constellations as they have been drawn and discussed in Western classical tradition up to the modern time.

The author begins by calling our attention to the sky, defining terms and giving a thumbnail history of astronomy and the ancients, as well as the relationship between stars and keeping track of time and location.

Chapter 1 is devoted to the Sun. It sounds so simple, but what a wonderful, complex, far-reaching discussion begins here. The simple concept of the Sun moving across the sky prompts all sorts of knowledge from time-keeping and divisions of the day to finding direction to the earth's rotation.

For safety's sake, the author warns severely against looking at the Sun without the right protective gear, and our copy of the book contains a pair of Eclipse Shades for safe viewing. (I'm still not completely comfortable with the idea of using these, though I'm sure they're a good idea; our method of "viewing" eclipses has always been the pinhole method. Prick a pinhole in a piece of cardboard, let the Sun shine through the hole onto a piece of white paper below, and watch the eclipse progress on the paper, looking down, not up. Much safer, in my opinion, if your children are as curious as mine.)

In Chapter 2 we read about the stars and constellations, the celestial sphere, poles and meridians, and the celestial equator, all keys to understanding the movement of the constellations in the night sky due to the earth's rotation and how that movement indicates the seasons, just to begin with.

Other chapters examine the movement of the Moon and the Sun. There is an excellent discussion distinguishing between astronomy-a science based on fact, physics, and observation-and astrology-a system of belief based in ancient pagan superstition. The "zodiac" as laid out in this book has nothing to do with horoscopes and everything to do with "arrangements of stars in the sky observed to be a part of God's creation," by which we are able to determine times and seasons.

Why is the Sun lower in the sky during the winter months? Why do we see different constellations at different times of the year? Why do the days grow longer and shorter as we progress through the year? Why do we have standard time? Your student will find the answers to these questions, and more.

The author discusses how the night sky changes with the seasons, making for a wonderful foundation for stargazing. I can't tell you how satisfying it is to be outside and hear a small voice pipe up, "There's the Big Dipper! Look, it leads to the North Star! That way's north!" or "I found Cassiopeia!" or "There's Saturn!" (Yes, the author also discusses the planets and their motion.)

The narrative chapters in Signs and Seasons conclude with a chapter on the calendar-"not simply a chart of days in a month that hangs on the wall" but "a mathematical system for measuring time - to calculate the cycles of the seasons and to find the dates of important events, such as planting and harvesting or celebrating religious feasts" (as the Hebrews did). This includes a history of the development of the modern calendar.

Spiritual issues arise periodically in the discussion like the comparison of astronomy and astrology mentioned earlier, the naming of the stars, the Biblical meaning of "signs," and a discussion of whether "Easter" is of pagan origin. These pages are set off with a different typeface and background.

Practical exercises are contained in the Field Activities section of the book, or "Mastering Your Knowledge and Understanding of the Sky through Practical Observation." These are rigorous and varied, and while they may be used to establish credit on a transcript for high school students, they also may be adapted for a multi-level unit study with children of all ages. In the course of study, the student creates a field journal for the recording of astronomical observations. Suggestions for activities include sketching, using a globe, creating tools from common household materials, and topics for further study. As with any other unit study, not all activities are necessary, but they are written to be self-guided for the high school student or parent-led for younger students. Even if you don't make the backyard compass as laid out early on in the Field Activities, by the time you finish this study you'll never again look at the calendar, the clock, or the sky in quite the same way. How marvelous is this Creation that we so often take for granted!

An appendix contains a glossary of terms, brief biographies of quoted authors, astronomical tables for finding stars and planets, a list of further reading, bibliography, and index. The author offers a free e-mail newsletter, "created especially for Christian homeschoolers (though everyone is welcome!)," with current information on happenings in the night sky and answers to astronomical questions from a Christian perspective.

Signs and Seasons is an excellent curriculum, put together with great attention to Biblical, historical, and scientific accuracy. I give it high marks!