Small and Shaky, Guaranteed to Disappoint. A telescope requires three qualities and this telescope misses on all three. A proper telescope is stable and remains pointed where it is placed. This spindly tripod lacks the strength and rigidity to do the job. A real telescope has light gathering aperture so faint objects can be seen. Look for 80mm or more, and 150mm (six inches) is ideal for the beginner. That means a reflecting telescope, and ideally a Dobsonian, which is also very stable. The third quality is Optical Quality, where the lens or mirror is well made to properly focus light so images of stars and planets appear sharp. Not going to happen with a cheap scope like this. Just don't disappoint a child's real interest with this sad compromise.