was gifted a  thrifted copy of the stars: a new way to see them, by hans augusto rey (yes, that h.a.rey).

from his wikipedia:

before the 1952 publication of rey's the stars: a new way to see them, (isbn 0-395-24830-2) star charts used a conventional set of diagrams that were difficult to remember and relied on dim stars that are difficult to see in modern populated areas. rey invented a new set of constellation diagrams that could be seen as cartoonish depictions of the creature or character the constellations was supposed to represent—- or, at least, were memorable.

at least.

right up my alley though. thanks jm!