Galaxy Mapper: The Luminous Discoveries of Astrophysicist Hélène Courtois

This inspiring picture book biography introduces young readers to the life and work of French astrophysicist Hélène Courtois. It traces her journey from a curious child in a small village to a leading scientist who, with her team, mapped our "luminous address" in the universe, the Laniakea supercluster. The narrative highlights her perseverance as often the only woman in her science classes and her dedication to understanding the cosmos. With lyrical text and shining illustrations, the book aims to spark wonder about space and encourage children, especially girls, to pursue STEM fields. It includes fascinating back matter to deepen the learning experience.

Introducing our luminous address in the universe—and the determined woman scientist who mapped it with her team. Growing up in a small French village, Hélène Courtois had big questions about the world around her. Avidly, she observed the trails, roads, and water pathways traversing planet Earth; but her mind always wandered higher, toward the night sky. What would a map of “out there,” beyond the moon, look like? The question traveled with her to university, where curious Hélène—often the only woman in her science classes—learned to map the compositions of galaxies. Numbers swam with the stars in her brain, and after years of wonder and experimentation, Hélène and her team make a dazzling discovery—a supercluster of galaxies they name Laniakea, home to our very own Milky Way. With fascinating back matter, illustrations that shine on the page, and a lyrical text written in consultation with astrophysicist Hélène Courtois—who continues to illuminate our view of the cosmic landscape—this portrait of a contemporary female scientist will light up young minds and inspire future sky gazers and galaxy mappers to look up and dream large.