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8th out of 82 books
—
165 voters
Stars
Stars are everywhere.
Not just in the sky.
Look...
Not just in the sky.
Look...
Hardcover, 36 pages
Published
October 4th 2011
by Beach Lane Books
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This beautiful oblong book explores the beauty and versatility of stars. There are the stars you see in the night sky. Stars you cut out of paper and keep in your pocket, because sometimes “you need to know it is there.” There’s that special day marked on the calendar with a star. Some days you’ll feel as shiny as a star, but other days you might need to reach for that paper one in your pocket. But the best way to see the stars is to find a place where the night is very dark. Look up and you’ll...more
A star is my favorite shape. I like looking at stars in the sky. I like making wands with stars when I need magical wishes to come true. I like taking pictures of stars. I just like stars. Which would make it no surprise that I wanted to read a book about stars.
This is a quiet picture book. I don't think I would enjoy reading it to my story time kids as much as I would enjoy reading it one on one. Mostly because it talks about all kinds of stars...like stars that you give to others and how stars...more
This is a quiet picture book. I don't think I would enjoy reading it to my story time kids as much as I would enjoy reading it one on one. Mostly because it talks about all kinds of stars...like stars that you give to others and how stars...more
I can easily see why this book is so "tall". The grandeur of the night sky as it deepens after the twilight hour and the pinpricks of stars beginning to grow in the velvety blackness could not have been captured as well if this book were of normal height. I've always thought that Marla Frazee was a good artist, but she really outdid herself in Stars. The beginning and ending scenes of the twinkling stars studded majestically in the dark reaches of space are enough to really inspire some feeling...more
Stars by Mary Lyn Ray, illustrated by Marla Frazee is an exploration of the wonders of stars both near and far.
Starting with real stars, this is a look at the ways we think of and use stars, including paper stars, feeling like a star (or not), and stars in nature, with real stars (and fireworks) observed again, at the end of the story.
The text is evocative and thoughtful. It is about feelings, hope, and wonder.
Frazee's illustrations are rendered in graphite, gouache and gel pens. The illustra...more
Starting with real stars, this is a look at the ways we think of and use stars, including paper stars, feeling like a star (or not), and stars in nature, with real stars (and fireworks) observed again, at the end of the story.
The text is evocative and thoughtful. It is about feelings, hope, and wonder.
Frazee's illustrations are rendered in graphite, gouache and gel pens. The illustra...more
The illustrations by Marla Frazee were very charming but they were not enought to carry this slight story. The text was trying to be vague yet qurirky, but the subject just too cutsey to be taken seriously. I kept mentally comparing it to Neil Gaiman's Insructions, which is a picture book of vague mysterious suggestions/instructions about navigating fairy tales (and/or life). This story was just about pointy shaped things. At one point the author talks about stars in the sky in a cute way (catch...more
Late one night while up at our cabin deep in the woods, I persuade my daughter and her friend to bundle up and come take a short walk with me out to the clearing. “Why?” they demanded, since it was so very cold and so very dark (i.e. scary) outside. “For a great surprise!” I said; they were not convinced. We grabbed little flashlights and made our way (tripping and giggling) out to the clearing. I told them to turn off their flashlights. Well, that request was met with nervous “no’s!!!”, but I d...more
28 October 2011 STARS by Mary Lyn Ray and Marla Frazee, ill., Beach Lane Books, October 2011, 40p., ISBN: 978-1-4424-2249-0
"Would you like to swing on a star
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a mule?
-- Johnny Burke, "Swinging on a Star" (1944)
(I love hearing the Dave Van Ronk version from the late Sixties.)
"A star is how you know it's almost night. As soon as you see one, there's another and another. And the dark that comes doesn't feel so dark."
One...more
"Would you like to swing on a star
Carry moonbeams home in a jar
And be better off than you are
Or would you rather be a mule?
-- Johnny Burke, "Swinging on a Star" (1944)
(I love hearing the Dave Van Ronk version from the late Sixties.)
"A star is how you know it's almost night. As soon as you see one, there's another and another. And the dark that comes doesn't feel so dark."
One...more
Beginning with a boy noticing the first star of the evening, this book explores those particular stars, but then moves into a message of self-empowerment and self-worth. Readers are encouraged to draw and cut a star to keep in their pockets as encouragement during tough times, and then taken on a tour of the many places where stars might appear in nature: on pumpkin vines, on strawberry plants, in the form of snowflakes, and even this wonderful phrase--"Blow a ball of dandelion and you blow a th...more
Cross-posted from my blog at Reading Everywhere.
This beautifully illustrated, simply written picture book calls children to notice the stars, to feel comforted and strengthened by their presence-- even when they're invisible. The narrative underscores the importance of having something to believe in. It also encourages creativity and imaginative play, and invites children to look beyond the literal and see stars in different places all around them.
For me, the highlight of this book is Marla Fraz...more
This beautifully illustrated, simply written picture book calls children to notice the stars, to feel comforted and strengthened by their presence-- even when they're invisible. The narrative underscores the importance of having something to believe in. It also encourages creativity and imaginative play, and invites children to look beyond the literal and see stars in different places all around them.
For me, the highlight of this book is Marla Fraz...more
I’m a fan of Marla Frazee’s illustrations – All the World and especially Everywhere Babies – so I eagerly anticipated receiving Stars through Amazon Vine.
My initial impression is that while it’s not my favorite of the three Frazee books I’ve read, it’s a sweet addition to my daughters’ library (my oldest is almost two and a half), and I look forward to reading it often with them.
I like that the print in the book is handwriting – that, combined with the many pages of children on mostly white bac...more
My initial impression is that while it’s not my favorite of the three Frazee books I’ve read, it’s a sweet addition to my daughters’ library (my oldest is almost two and a half), and I look forward to reading it often with them.
I like that the print in the book is handwriting – that, combined with the many pages of children on mostly white bac...more
I love, love, love this book! This is a must have on every shelf. The story gives meaning to the wonder of the stars and their placement in everyday life from the night sky to the one in your pocket that makes you feel just a little bit better on your "not so shiny days". The best way to describe the entire book is 'tender'. I truly was touched and almost a little teary while reading it. It is not overly sweet, just a great story for anyone who has kids or works with kids and knows how their lit...more
This book is all about stars. It has some beautiful inspiring illustrations and is designed for the beginner reader. It starts with a boy noticing a star in the sky. He then explores more and realises that stars can be found in all kinds of places and not just in the sky. He finds stars on pumpkin vines and strawberry plants and even snowflakes. He blows a dandelion and blows a thousand stars into the sky.
I like this book because it gives children the imagination and creativity to go and explore...more
I like this book because it gives children the imagination and creativity to go and explore...more
Every time I have ever been out observing stars it has been quiet enough to hear the peep of frogs from nearby ponds or a cricket hidden under the porch, and that is exactly the spirit of this book. Quiet...peaceful...and full of beauty and wonder. Such a delight. Beautiful text and beautiful illustrations that invite you in to become one with the scene laid out before you. I especially loved the center spread with text and illustration going across the two pages. I almost read it wrong, but cau...more
Marla Frazee could illustrate a cracker box and I would consider it splendid. This is a gentle book about finding a star, keeping it close, and being one.
We may think the only stars in the world are the ones in the sky. This, however, is not completely true. Stars is a story of ways we can find stars in places other than the night sky. We can make our own stars to put in our pockets and we can pull those out and look at them on days that we don't feel very shiny or starlike. We can find stars in flowers and pumpkin patches. We can find stars everywhere, especially in the dark sky.
I would use this book as a reading specialist because the language...more
I would use this book as a reading specialist because the language...more
PreS-gr3
WOW WOW WOW. Just about all she could say was "WOW"! This is an amazing book that evokes imagination, while also is very based in a child's life. I didn't realize until writing this that the two author/illustrators worked together to create this book. Another Beach Lane book, I'm noticing. It takes the wonder of stars and brings it down to very concrete things about stars - then lifts them back up into the sky for the ending. I'm not sure about this at storytime. Definitely quieter. I th...more
WOW WOW WOW. Just about all she could say was "WOW"! This is an amazing book that evokes imagination, while also is very based in a child's life. I didn't realize until writing this that the two author/illustrators worked together to create this book. Another Beach Lane book, I'm noticing. It takes the wonder of stars and brings it down to very concrete things about stars - then lifts them back up into the sky for the ending. I'm not sure about this at storytime. Definitely quieter. I th...more
I think Marla Frazee is my current favorite illustrator, and the layout and illustrations in this book are both homey and magical, conjuring up both the magic and mystery of stars and the everyday comforts of pajamas. It's a great bedtime book.
If I were rating it for myself, I'd rate it higher, but while Dot loved it the first few times I read it to her, she has since preferred to read other books, even when I offer this one as a possibility. I think if she were younger, or older, it would hold...more
If I were rating it for myself, I'd rate it higher, but while Dot loved it the first few times I read it to her, she has since preferred to read other books, even when I offer this one as a possibility. I think if she were younger, or older, it would hold...more
Good selection. Will be on my list of possible choices for BMJ nominations.
Not quite as wonderful as I had expected from reading the reviews, which were wonderful. In fact this earned some "star" reviews and is on a mock caldecott list.
Still there are lots of ways to utilize the book besides just as a read aloud, science unit on stars, crafts, and emotional development.
It is a nice way to to have a discussion of keeping yourself important and celebrating your achievements as well as knowing t...more
Not quite as wonderful as I had expected from reading the reviews, which were wonderful. In fact this earned some "star" reviews and is on a mock caldecott list.
Still there are lots of ways to utilize the book besides just as a read aloud, science unit on stars, crafts, and emotional development.
It is a nice way to to have a discussion of keeping yourself important and celebrating your achievements as well as knowing t...more
I bought this book for boys age five and under. But I have to say I LOVE this book. So I think it could appeal to any age.
It is about the night sky filled with stars. It is about our fascination with those star-filled skies. It is about the whimsy of children. It is about the the wonder of children.
Just the cover of the book draws you in. And once you are in you won't be disappointed in either the words or the art.
Lovely. So lovely in fact, I bought two. One for a friend and one for me. This st...more
It is about the night sky filled with stars. It is about our fascination with those star-filled skies. It is about the whimsy of children. It is about the the wonder of children.
Just the cover of the book draws you in. And once you are in you won't be disappointed in either the words or the art.
Lovely. So lovely in fact, I bought two. One for a friend and one for me. This st...more
Originally published at www.apatchworkofbooks.com
Combine a super sweet story with one of my favorite illustrators and you'll definitely have winner on your hands. Going down as one of my favorites of the year, Stars is incredibly simple, explaining all the wonderful places one might find stars and just what those stars can mean.
From being given a shiny star for doing something great, to blowing on a dandelion and releasing thousands of stars into the sky, this is an absolutely beautiful represen...more
Combine a super sweet story with one of my favorite illustrators and you'll definitely have winner on your hands. Going down as one of my favorites of the year, Stars is incredibly simple, explaining all the wonderful places one might find stars and just what those stars can mean.
From being given a shiny star for doing something great, to blowing on a dandelion and releasing thousands of stars into the sky, this is an absolutely beautiful represen...more
This is a sweet, calming story about stars. The narrative has a lyrical quality to it that begs to be read aloud, slowly, savoring each word. The illustrations are colorful, with a different color dominating many of the pages. I like how the illustrations alternate between bright, colorful pictures and small illustrations with lots of white and little background. It adds a nice contrast and complements the story nicely. We really enjoyed reading this book together and it's perfect for a bedtime...more
For a book that could be trite, this one hits all of the notes perfectly. It talks about stars in the sky, stars in nature, and carrying a star around in your pocket to remind you that you are a star too. The language is perfect, gentle, reassuring, hopeful. Frazee's marvelous illustrations are expansive, lovely hued, depicting the full range of children and their familiar experiences. You know, and perfect, gentle, reassuring and hopeful. It's delightful to find such a perfect pairing. This one...more
I really related to this book man. I just wanted to go outside and throw my head back and count the stars in the sky and then make a bunch of wangdangdoodle wishes and then count on them to come true. I have a little gold star in my pocket that a friend gave me and I carry it everywhere. Everyone should have one; I highly recommend it. A star is good for the heart. I have a heart that I wear on my sleeve, but I divagate. Very deep book maybe too deep actually or maybe too high.....
A truly lovely book about the poetry, and beauty of the stars. It's a quick read, very sweet, and good for nighttime. The layout and design of the book is worth noting, and the illustrations draw you towards the heavens. I love that my little one always wants to cut out his own star and stuff it into his pocket after reading the book. Means that the message got through and that he sees some comfort in appreciating and accounting for the natural world around him...
I love Frazee's illustrations and sense of humor, so I was very excited to pick this up at Book Expo. I ended up doing an impromptu read aloud of this book while in line for her autograph. I love it! A touching book that doesn't come across as sappy. It could fit into storytimes on almost any theme and offers comfort to sad/anxious readers. Similar in format to her Santa Claus book, the illustrations are evocative and full of sky and it's wide open embrace.
This book can be used in math to discuss the shapes of stars. How can so many different things be shaped like stars? Do they have the same star shape? Which items have the most star shapes?
This book can also be a launching pad for a lesson on real stars. Are the stars in the sky actually five pointed? How come we can only see them at night? Do the stars move? Can we see every star in the universe? How about in the galaxy?
This book can also be a launching pad for a lesson on real stars. Are the stars in the sky actually five pointed? How come we can only see them at night? Do the stars move? Can we see every star in the universe? How about in the galaxy?
Stars is a picture book for children two to five years old. There are beautiful illustrations that represent the various forms of stars in our world. This book stretches children's imaginations by viewing stars in unlikely places. It will teach children that one word can describe more than one item. It is informational for children because it allows children to find various items that reflect the same qualities as stars.
A very pretty and sweet little book about stars.
Wouldn't it be cool if you could have one? But you can't have a real one, you know. You can cut one out of shiny paper though, and do all sorts of fun things with it.
You can also notice stars in lots of places, like pumpkin plant flowers and snow flakes.
But to see real stars, you need a little bit of dark. "It may help to have on pajamas."
<3
Wouldn't it be cool if you could have one? But you can't have a real one, you know. You can cut one out of shiny paper though, and do all sorts of fun things with it.
You can also notice stars in lots of places, like pumpkin plant flowers and snow flakes.
But to see real stars, you need a little bit of dark. "It may help to have on pajamas."
<3
This book is one of my favortites! I read this to my preschoolers all the time! The book can be used as an introduction for both a math and science lesson. For math, teachers could use this book to introduce shapes, the main one in the book being a star shape. In science, teachers could use this as a resource to introduce our solar system, and more specifically - stars! Great book for grades PreK-1st!
This is a feel-good picture book about all kinds of stars! From star-gazing at night to paper stars that you can keep in your pocket, Stars is a must read! Great to pair with classic rhymes and songs such as "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," "Star Light,Star Bright," and other night time favorites. Oh, and you must give out star stickers and create a fabulous star to keep in your pocket.
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Mary Lyn Ray is a conservationist and author of several picture books for children. She was born in Louisiana in 1946 and grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ray has lived in New England since 1964, when she first came east to attend college. She currently lives in a 150-year-old farmhouse in South Danbury, New Hampshire, which she restored herself.
More about Mary Lyn Ray...
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Oct 12, 2011 12:15pm