Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons
Written by M. O. Yuksel, Illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia
The Prince of Stars tells the true story of scientist Ulugh Beg, who lived during the fifteenth century, and contributed to the advancement of human understanding in the field of astronomy. Born of royal linage, his grandfather was the king of the Timurid Empire, giving Ulugh Beg the advantage of education by the finest teachers of the day. Curious by nature, he asked many questions, like, “How many days are in a year?” “How many stars are there?” As a young ruler of Turkistan at age 15, Ulugh Beg built the largest observatory in Samarkand. Here his team of scientists invented instruments that could measure distance in space as well as time.
The colorful full-page illustrations include mosaic tiles, architectural design, and color schemes that represent Persian culture. The back pages contain Ulugh Beg’s Biography and a timeline of Major Astronomical Discoveries from 750 BC to the present.
I would recommend this book because it is educational as well as beautifully done.
Reviewed by Kristine Kramer, Librarian, Lincoln Elementary
Review shared in February 2026
Rating: ★★★½✩ (3.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 1-4
The Prince of Stars: Ulugh Beg’s Quest to Map the Stars and Seasons
Written by M. O. Yuksel, Illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia
Harper, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
40 pages
Release Date: September 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780063240155
A review copy was provided by the publisher.
