Natural history was one of the most popular subjects for books in 18th and 19th centuries both for adults and children. The pure sciences were not so popular but, in response to children's curiosity and to a growing interest by adults in the sciences, by the mid-19th century an increasing number of books were being published for children that dealt with astronomy, geology and other sciences. Authors such as Peter Parley and later Charles Kingsley wrote entertainingly on these subjects.

Facts were passed to children in a conversational pattern between child audience and parent or instructor. Accuracy in description and in illustration became more important particularly by the mid-19th century with the growth and popularity of zoos and museums. In The Starry Heavens a father entertains and instructs his children in the mysteries of the solar system and some related issues. Perhaps surprisingly the frontispiece is of the Southern Cross and this is described further into the book as 'one of the most striking constellations ...' (p.13). Elsewhere the author describes the Earth and demonstrates how its roundness can be tested.

This and other books in the series First steps in general knowledge were donated by the Gilbert Family of Pewsey Vale.

Whalley, Joyce Irene. Cobwebs to catch flies: illustrated books for the nursery and schoolroom, 1700-1900, London: Elek, 1974

Muir, Percy H. English children's books, 1600 to 1900, London: Batsford, [1954]

Bratton, J. S. The impact of Victorian children's fiction, London: Croom Helm; Totowa, N.J.: Barnes & Noble, 1981

British Library: Historical survey of children's literature in the British Library: 19th century

University of Delaware Library: World of the child: Books of instruction

State Library of South Australia: Children's Literature Research Collection: Gilbert Collection

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing exhibitions: To be a child August 2004-