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Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space
Get ready to blast off into a world of wonder and imagination with Luna Hearstrong and her fearless crew of explorers! Luna's unshakeable bravery is put to the test when she receives a mysterious invitation to join a secret mission, leading her to venture into The Unknown. Together with her trusty A.I. companion N.O.V.A. and new friends Maya and Squeaks, Luna seeks to uncover the mysteries of The Unknown and overcome the challenges of deep space. Will they emerge victorious? Join them on their journey and discover the boundless potential of the human spirit!This thrilling tale is an inspiring guide for young readers to navigate difficult emotions with courage and perseverance. Complete with whimsical scenes and stunning illustrations, this story will leave your child in awe and wonder of the limitless possibilities of the universe and their own inner strength. Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is a heartwarming story about friendship, teamwork, and facing challenges head-on. Young readers will be swept away on an intergalactic adventure filled with excitement and discovery. This book is perfect for children who love science fiction, space exploration, and stories that empower them to overcome their fears and chase their dreams. Bonus At the end of this book, you'll find a section called "Talking to Your Child About A Q&A Guide," which was designed to help parents have meaningful conversations with their children about dealing with stressful emotions. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource for raising emotionally intelligent kids! outer space book for kids 3-5, kids space book, children book about space, childrens space books, childrens books about kindness, kids book about emotions, emotions books for kids ages 7-9, children story book adventure, childrens book about anxiety, book about feelings 8 year old, childrens book about meditation, beautiful childrens picture books, space book for children, childrens picture books, childrens books ages 4-8
66 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2023
About the author
Lyra Brave
7 books5 followersLyra Brave is a children's author and illustrator who specializes in books that help young readers navigate difficult emotions with bravery and resilience. With a background in psychology and a passion for storytelling, Lyra has authored and illustrated a series of books that span across the galaxy, helping children explore their emotions in a fun and engaging way.
Lyra's books have been praised for their relatable characters, imaginative settings, and insightful messages. Her unique ability to blend creative storytelling with thoughtful perspective has allowed her to craft stories that not only entertain, but also educate and inspire.
In addition to writing and illustrating, Lyra enjoys stargazing, mountaineering, and creating art. She currently lives in Seattle with her partner, John, and their cat, Scoot.
Lyra's books have been praised for their relatable characters, imaginative settings, and insightful messages. Her unique ability to blend creative storytelling with thoughtful perspective has allowed her to craft stories that not only entertain, but also educate and inspire.
In addition to writing and illustrating, Lyra enjoys stargazing, mountaineering, and creating art. She currently lives in Seattle with her partner, John, and their cat, Scoot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
June 5, 2023
4.5*
A very enjoyable and lovely book which helps young children understand the feeling of stress. Luna and the other characters are very sweet and a pleasure to read about. These illustrations are fabulous. The artwork really is beautiful. I felt the story could have just been a little longer. A tiny bit more involving the space adventure side. On the whole a great book.
Many thanks to the Author and Booksmith publishing via Booksirens for an ARC for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A very enjoyable and lovely book which helps young children understand the feeling of stress. Luna and the other characters are very sweet and a pleasure to read about. These illustrations are fabulous. The artwork really is beautiful. I felt the story could have just been a little longer. A tiny bit more involving the space adventure side. On the whole a great book.
Many thanks to the Author and Booksmith publishing via Booksirens for an ARC for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 17, 2023
Brilliant! Gorgeous! Amazing! It’s a beautiful walk for my eyes and the story and rhyme are the sweetest and bravest among many I have read. This book works on every level for me. The art is fascinating, immersing, contextual, textural and pulls you right in. I love how this was done. I love ❤️ it! Brilliant. The colors, methods, swirls, shapes; juxtaposed with the beautifully timed and rhymed story plus emotional element just blew me away. This is a masterwork that is good for more than kids. It certainly lifted my soul! Bravo! Book 2, I’m there!
September 17, 2023
Do I read children's books from time to time to somehow heal my inner child? Maybe.
Art is absolutely stunning. I'd give it already 5 stars just for that but the explanation of stress for kids is the icing on the cake. Where were these kinds of books when I was a kid? 🥲
It almost feels criminal I got this for free on Kindle when it was on sale.
Art is absolutely stunning. I'd give it already 5 stars just for that but the explanation of stress for kids is the icing on the cake. Where were these kinds of books when I was a kid? 🥲
It almost feels criminal I got this for free on Kindle when it was on sale.
August 17, 2023
Sweet heart warming story for kids about dealing with stress
Luna's greatest desire was to explore space. And she along with her friends get an opportunity to go and explore new places where magic can come alive.
However one of her friends Squeaks has a problem.
Can Luna and her friends help Squeaks?
The story deals with a variety of topics starting from curiosity, determination, friendship and finally even stress.
The illustrations were unique and imaginative.
Enjoyable both for kids and adults alike.
Luna's greatest desire was to explore space. And she along with her friends get an opportunity to go and explore new places where magic can come alive.
However one of her friends Squeaks has a problem.
Can Luna and her friends help Squeaks?
The story deals with a variety of topics starting from curiosity, determination, friendship and finally even stress.
The illustrations were unique and imaginative.
Enjoyable both for kids and adults alike.
August 16, 2023
but those illustrations!
Luna dreams of seeing the stars, and one day, she meets the crew of a spaceship and goes soaring across the galaxy. She finds several adventures there and learns how to help a new friend deal with stress.
I love so many things about this book. Obviously, the illustrations are amazing. I want these as posters. They were made with a lot of skill and attention to color, lighting, and detail. Just splendid, all. Luna is a sweet character, and the story is fun.
Why such a low rating, though? I’m tempted to write “glee” and stop there, but I can see that the author is really trying to create something amazing, and I’d love to see books that balance these beautiful illustrations and important topics with excellent writing. The poetry isn’t working. It falls into the trap that many inexperienced writers fall into in that it relies heavily on easy rhymes and doesn’t pay enough attention to how the words sound as long as they mostly make sense. This is deviating so far from the whole point of a poem that it makes my heart ache. The rhythm is barely there, and the plot doesn’t have any sense of foreshadowing or resolution. I would love to edit this book and help it become the brilliant thing it deserves.
Luna dreams of seeing the stars, and one day, she meets the crew of a spaceship and goes soaring across the galaxy. She finds several adventures there and learns how to help a new friend deal with stress.
I love so many things about this book. Obviously, the illustrations are amazing. I want these as posters. They were made with a lot of skill and attention to color, lighting, and detail. Just splendid, all. Luna is a sweet character, and the story is fun.
Why such a low rating, though? I’m tempted to write “glee” and stop there, but I can see that the author is really trying to create something amazing, and I’d love to see books that balance these beautiful illustrations and important topics with excellent writing. The poetry isn’t working. It falls into the trap that many inexperienced writers fall into in that it relies heavily on easy rhymes and doesn’t pay enough attention to how the words sound as long as they mostly make sense. This is deviating so far from the whole point of a poem that it makes my heart ache. The rhythm is barely there, and the plot doesn’t have any sense of foreshadowing or resolution. I would love to edit this book and help it become the brilliant thing it deserves.
January 10, 2024
Note: this is one of my less positive 3 star reviews, but it ultimately comes down to preferences and the individual needs & reading level of the children in question. Just because this book wouldn't have been a good fit for younger me doesn't mean I'm discouraging anyone from reading or purchasing it.
This is just my opinion as a reader & former child with anxiety.
Luna Heartstrong and the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is a sweet children's book about anxiety and stress. As an adult who still struggles with mental health & difficult emotions, I'm always interested in books that seek to generate empathy, understanding, and self-acceptance in younger audiences who might also be struggling.
This book… listen. I'm a pretentious ass about children's books. I don't usually review ARCs of them because I like to review books that i think I'll enjoy thoroughly, and my goal is never to be harsh. But the illustrations in this one won me over, okay? They're GORGEOUS.
The Good:
☆You can tell that stress and mental health is a subject the author is passionate & knowledgeable about, and
☆The intended message of the book is good.
☆Lyra Brave is also an incredibly talented artist, as all the illustrations in the book are photographed works of 3D paper art.
☆The character designs are cute, evocative, and memorable for young readers
☆The discussion questions are really good, gentle, compassionate, and well thought out. TBH i kind of wish the whole book was a prose story, able to incorporate more of those ideas into the plot, instead of a narrative poem that struggles to address them well.
The Less-Good:
Unfortunately, the actual writing of the story falls flat when placed next to Brave's beautiful art. The rhymes come across as cheesy, lacking the much needed nuance of a complex subject like mental health. (And before anyone comes for me for nitpicking, yes. Kids absolutely do notice these things and they deserve better than oversimplified overviews of real issues— especially ones they may already be experiencing)
In terms of structure, the rhythm of the lines (i can't really call them couplets, as some are rhyming sets of four and some are single lines) is also disappointingly less-than-great, and the story spends more time on setup than the actual issue of stress & anxiety, making those themes feel rushed and unrelatable.
If the illustrations weren't so high quality, the whole thing might come across as unfortunately amateurish.
In conclusion:
Overall, the execution of this story wasn't my cup of tea, but I'll most likely check out the other books in the series in the hope that the writing improves.
Anyway, I received an advance review copy of this book through booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is just my opinion as a reader & former child with anxiety.
Luna Heartstrong and the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is a sweet children's book about anxiety and stress. As an adult who still struggles with mental health & difficult emotions, I'm always interested in books that seek to generate empathy, understanding, and self-acceptance in younger audiences who might also be struggling.
This book… listen. I'm a pretentious ass about children's books. I don't usually review ARCs of them because I like to review books that i think I'll enjoy thoroughly, and my goal is never to be harsh. But the illustrations in this one won me over, okay? They're GORGEOUS.
The Good:
☆You can tell that stress and mental health is a subject the author is passionate & knowledgeable about, and
☆The intended message of the book is good.
☆Lyra Brave is also an incredibly talented artist, as all the illustrations in the book are photographed works of 3D paper art.
☆The character designs are cute, evocative, and memorable for young readers
☆The discussion questions are really good, gentle, compassionate, and well thought out. TBH i kind of wish the whole book was a prose story, able to incorporate more of those ideas into the plot, instead of a narrative poem that struggles to address them well.
The Less-Good:
Unfortunately, the actual writing of the story falls flat when placed next to Brave's beautiful art. The rhymes come across as cheesy, lacking the much needed nuance of a complex subject like mental health. (And before anyone comes for me for nitpicking, yes. Kids absolutely do notice these things and they deserve better than oversimplified overviews of real issues— especially ones they may already be experiencing)
In terms of structure, the rhythm of the lines (i can't really call them couplets, as some are rhyming sets of four and some are single lines) is also disappointingly less-than-great, and the story spends more time on setup than the actual issue of stress & anxiety, making those themes feel rushed and unrelatable.
If the illustrations weren't so high quality, the whole thing might come across as unfortunately amateurish.
In conclusion:
Overall, the execution of this story wasn't my cup of tea, but I'll most likely check out the other books in the series in the hope that the writing improves.
Anyway, I received an advance review copy of this book through booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2023
Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space by Lyra Brave is a stellar children's fantasy adventure that takes young readers on an enchanting journey through the mysteries of deep space while imparting valuable lessons about emotions and teamwork.
Told in mesmerizing poetic prose, the story centers around Luna, a curious and adventurous girl living on a unique planet where night reigns over day. Luna's fascination with the stars as her closest friends and her desire to explore Deep Space set the stage for an exhilarating adventure. When she receives a coveted invitation to join a mission to The Unknown, a realm brimming with ancient wonders and magic, Luna's dreams come true.
Throughout the pages, young readers are introduced to a delightful cast of characters, from the inquisitive A.I. robot, N.O.V.A., to the resourceful engineer, Maya, and the endearing Squeaks, who communicates through a squeak language. As Luna and her newfound companions set out to explore Deep Space, they encounter thrilling challenges, including space pirates, and face the consequences of emotions and the impact they can have on themselves and others.
The heartwarming tale emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mastering one's emotions, providing valuable life lessons for children in an engaging and entertaining manner. As Luna and her fellow explorers unite to help Squeaks learn to control his special power responsibly, young readers learn the significance of understanding and managing their own emotions.
Lyra Brave's storytelling talent shines through every page, creating an immersive and captivating world that sparks the imagination of young minds. Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space not only ignites a sense of wonder about the cosmos but also imparts emotional intelligence and empathy, making it a truly enriching read for children.
In conclusion, Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is a beautifully crafted children's book that blends fantasy, adventure, and emotional growth seamlessly. With its engaging narrative, endearing characters, and valuable life lessons, this book is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf. Lyra Brave's debut work promises to inspire young readers to embark on their own adventures of self-discovery, curiosity, and compassion.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Told in mesmerizing poetic prose, the story centers around Luna, a curious and adventurous girl living on a unique planet where night reigns over day. Luna's fascination with the stars as her closest friends and her desire to explore Deep Space set the stage for an exhilarating adventure. When she receives a coveted invitation to join a mission to The Unknown, a realm brimming with ancient wonders and magic, Luna's dreams come true.
Throughout the pages, young readers are introduced to a delightful cast of characters, from the inquisitive A.I. robot, N.O.V.A., to the resourceful engineer, Maya, and the endearing Squeaks, who communicates through a squeak language. As Luna and her newfound companions set out to explore Deep Space, they encounter thrilling challenges, including space pirates, and face the consequences of emotions and the impact they can have on themselves and others.
The heartwarming tale emphasizes the importance of teamwork and mastering one's emotions, providing valuable life lessons for children in an engaging and entertaining manner. As Luna and her fellow explorers unite to help Squeaks learn to control his special power responsibly, young readers learn the significance of understanding and managing their own emotions.
Lyra Brave's storytelling talent shines through every page, creating an immersive and captivating world that sparks the imagination of young minds. Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space not only ignites a sense of wonder about the cosmos but also imparts emotional intelligence and empathy, making it a truly enriching read for children.
In conclusion, Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is a beautifully crafted children's book that blends fantasy, adventure, and emotional growth seamlessly. With its engaging narrative, endearing characters, and valuable life lessons, this book is a must-have addition to any child's bookshelf. Lyra Brave's debut work promises to inspire young readers to embark on their own adventures of self-discovery, curiosity, and compassion.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2023
Luna Heartstrong, a girl from a small planet far out in the Milky Way, has always had a heart full of dreams. She would often gaze up at the stars and wonder about the vastness of the universe beyond her home. Despite being from a small planet, Luna's aspirations were anything but small. Her heart was full of dreams that would take her on an adventure beyond her wildest imagination. Imagine a world where your deepest desires are not only heard but also fulfilled. A world where you can embark on exciting adventures. She received a mysterious invitation to join a team of fearless adventurers and explore the unknown. She meets the other crew member, NOVA, the ship’s AI, Maya, the engineer, and a blue alien, Squeak. Together they set off on a thrilling adventure.
Luna and her crew face a dangerous situation when their spaceship gets attacked by space pirates. But as Luna knows, being brave doesn't mean that you don't feel fear. It's about staying calm and focused in the face of danger. Through their teamwork, Luna and her crew were able to not only defeat the pirates but also continue their journey into deep space. But, Squeak suddenly feels stressed and feels he is not ready for this mission. He suddenly felt overwhelmed and stressed. But instead of giving up, Squeak decided to seek help from his friends. As they talked it out, they stumbled upon a helpful technique - deep breaths.
With magnificent quilling art illustrations on each page, this book takes readers on a journey through the complex world of anxiety and stress. It provides detailed insights into the causes of these conditions, as well as practical tips and techniques for managing them. This book is definitely worth checking out as this book talks about big emotions in kids and there is also a Q&A page added by the author at the end of the book.
I received the book's digital copy to review; all words are my own.
Luna and her crew face a dangerous situation when their spaceship gets attacked by space pirates. But as Luna knows, being brave doesn't mean that you don't feel fear. It's about staying calm and focused in the face of danger. Through their teamwork, Luna and her crew were able to not only defeat the pirates but also continue their journey into deep space. But, Squeak suddenly feels stressed and feels he is not ready for this mission. He suddenly felt overwhelmed and stressed. But instead of giving up, Squeak decided to seek help from his friends. As they talked it out, they stumbled upon a helpful technique - deep breaths.
With magnificent quilling art illustrations on each page, this book takes readers on a journey through the complex world of anxiety and stress. It provides detailed insights into the causes of these conditions, as well as practical tips and techniques for managing them. This book is definitely worth checking out as this book talks about big emotions in kids and there is also a Q&A page added by the author at the end of the book.
I received the book's digital copy to review; all words are my own.
June 4, 2023
Blast off for high adventure and intrigue in outer space with Lyra Brave’s entertaining and engaging ‘Luna Heartstrong & the Anti-Gravity Menace.'
Luna and her crew are flying through space when they receive a distress signal. A space station is under attack. Luna and her crew change course and head to the station to help. But then they suddenly lose contact with the station. Why?
Landing on the planet where the distress call originated, Luna and her crew have plenty of questions. When the crew suddenly finds themselves upside down in a low-gravity state, they have even more.
Supplied with low-gravity boots, the crew continues walking to the source of the distress call. They meet a small creature named Jax and team up with Jax to enter the space station and search for clues.
What they find threatens the world. Can they stop it before it’s too late?
The title character, Luna Heartstrong, sums up the message and appeal of this story. Set in outer space, Luna Heartstrong is about “strong hearts.” It gently helps children explore strong emotions like worry and fear in an easy, engaging manner. It also teaches problem-solving skills, focusing on one thing at a time, and teamwork.
The illustrations are top-notch! They’re bright and dynamic, with plenty of color and a sense of motion. The evil Lord Vexx is especially good!
Gently rhyming text moves the story along briskly and is reinforced by dialogue that’s snappy and crisp. This story not only entertains, it also educates and inspires. Besides. It’s just plain fun!
Young readers and those who love them will certainly enjoy this entertaining and fast-moving read!
Luna and her crew are flying through space when they receive a distress signal. A space station is under attack. Luna and her crew change course and head to the station to help. But then they suddenly lose contact with the station. Why?
Landing on the planet where the distress call originated, Luna and her crew have plenty of questions. When the crew suddenly finds themselves upside down in a low-gravity state, they have even more.
Supplied with low-gravity boots, the crew continues walking to the source of the distress call. They meet a small creature named Jax and team up with Jax to enter the space station and search for clues.
What they find threatens the world. Can they stop it before it’s too late?
The title character, Luna Heartstrong, sums up the message and appeal of this story. Set in outer space, Luna Heartstrong is about “strong hearts.” It gently helps children explore strong emotions like worry and fear in an easy, engaging manner. It also teaches problem-solving skills, focusing on one thing at a time, and teamwork.
The illustrations are top-notch! They’re bright and dynamic, with plenty of color and a sense of motion. The evil Lord Vexx is especially good!
Gently rhyming text moves the story along briskly and is reinforced by dialogue that’s snappy and crisp. This story not only entertains, it also educates and inspires. Besides. It’s just plain fun!
Young readers and those who love them will certainly enjoy this entertaining and fast-moving read!
February 28, 2024
AI Generated??!
I don't normally find myself finishing an arc that I suspect I will rate this lowly but I feel that this review is important
Immediately on beginning this picture book, I realised that the artwork was likely AI generated. The backgrounds are uncanny, with a lot of visual nonsense that you don't see in human created artwork. If you generate an image or two yourself, you will see what I mean. Branches that come from nowhere or are beside where they should be, lots of artistic globs, machinery with wiring that doesn't go anywhere/ melts into the wall or each other, etc.
I doubted myself so I attempted to contact the author (on recommendation of Booksirens) but having not received a reply, I researched Lyra Brave and found her selling possible AI artwork, based on this book, on Pixels.com
I also noticed that she appeared out of nowhere and I cannot find any work of hers, prior to 2023.
I fundamentally disagree with selling AI art, let alone as your own illustrations. However, it's important to note that I read this book in it's entirety and would have given it a very low rating anyway as the images are repetitive and several are visually uninteresting. I cant see this book being of much interest to the target age group past the first few pages. The writing is also poor.
The designs of the actual characters are very visually appealing, though I suspect they may be AI generated too, however, many of them appear to be reused and simply copy/pasted onto different backgrounds of paper-craft style.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I don't normally find myself finishing an arc that I suspect I will rate this lowly but I feel that this review is important
Immediately on beginning this picture book, I realised that the artwork was likely AI generated. The backgrounds are uncanny, with a lot of visual nonsense that you don't see in human created artwork. If you generate an image or two yourself, you will see what I mean. Branches that come from nowhere or are beside where they should be, lots of artistic globs, machinery with wiring that doesn't go anywhere/ melts into the wall or each other, etc.
I doubted myself so I attempted to contact the author (on recommendation of Booksirens) but having not received a reply, I researched Lyra Brave and found her selling possible AI artwork, based on this book, on Pixels.com
I also noticed that she appeared out of nowhere and I cannot find any work of hers, prior to 2023.
I fundamentally disagree with selling AI art, let alone as your own illustrations. However, it's important to note that I read this book in it's entirety and would have given it a very low rating anyway as the images are repetitive and several are visually uninteresting. I cant see this book being of much interest to the target age group past the first few pages. The writing is also poor.
The designs of the actual characters are very visually appealing, though I suspect they may be AI generated too, however, many of them appear to be reused and simply copy/pasted onto different backgrounds of paper-craft style.
I received an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 21, 2023
Luna Heartstrong is a girl from a small planet far out in the Milky Way. 'Her heart was full of dreams.' She wants to travel far into the universe to study where the galaxies and the darkness in between are coming from. Her heart's desires are heard, and she is invited to join a group of brave explorers to travel into the Unknown. But being brave doesn’t mean the absence of fear. And so when their spaceship gets attacked by space pirates, Luna and the crew must clear their heads, stay calm, and make smart choices. It’s not always easy to do these things in a stressful situation. But Luna and the others help each other find ways to defeat the pirates and continue to travel into deep space.
Stress is a feeling that every human, young and old, experiences almost daily. Identifying when you are stressed and learning techniques to handle stressful situations is something that should be taught at an early age.
I always love picture books that teach emotional intelligence in a fantastic setting and which create a space to start a conversation with children about their feelings. The Luna Heartstrong series is a magnificent picture book with marvellous illustrations. I looked at every page with awe because they weren't just painted but created with rolled paper art. Absolutely stunning. The story is rhymed, which is always good for little brains to soak in. And for someone who has a child that wanted to travel into space since they could talk, this is definitely the perfect story.
Stress is a feeling that every human, young and old, experiences almost daily. Identifying when you are stressed and learning techniques to handle stressful situations is something that should be taught at an early age.
I always love picture books that teach emotional intelligence in a fantastic setting and which create a space to start a conversation with children about their feelings. The Luna Heartstrong series is a magnificent picture book with marvellous illustrations. I looked at every page with awe because they weren't just painted but created with rolled paper art. Absolutely stunning. The story is rhymed, which is always good for little brains to soak in. And for someone who has a child that wanted to travel into space since they could talk, this is definitely the perfect story.
May 8, 2023
A beautiful picture book to raise important issues for young children
Lyra Brave has produced some wonderful artwork to illustrate this picture book. Using a paper collage style, the artist creates a stunning three-dimensional look. A young girl, Luna Heartstrong, has a desire to explore the universe and fulfill her dreams. She is invited to join a secret mission to explore unknown regions of space and she meets the other crew member, NOVA, the ship’s AI, Maya, the engineer, and a blue alien, Squeak. Together they set off, but soon face dangers.
The book deals with dreams, anxiety, and stress, and as such I feel is suited for middle to upper-primary-age children. As an educator for most of my life, this is the type of book suited for class discussion and would be particularly useful in big-book format. Lyra Brave has created a useful way of introducing some important topics. My only feeling is that the author doesn’t really take the story to a satisfying conclusion, but rather leads into the next book in the series.
Lyra Brave has produced some wonderful artwork to illustrate this picture book. Using a paper collage style, the artist creates a stunning three-dimensional look. A young girl, Luna Heartstrong, has a desire to explore the universe and fulfill her dreams. She is invited to join a secret mission to explore unknown regions of space and she meets the other crew member, NOVA, the ship’s AI, Maya, the engineer, and a blue alien, Squeak. Together they set off, but soon face dangers.
The book deals with dreams, anxiety, and stress, and as such I feel is suited for middle to upper-primary-age children. As an educator for most of my life, this is the type of book suited for class discussion and would be particularly useful in big-book format. Lyra Brave has created a useful way of introducing some important topics. My only feeling is that the author doesn’t really take the story to a satisfying conclusion, but rather leads into the next book in the series.
June 4, 2023
The theme of this book is handling stress. During her journey into space, Luna discovers that her friend friend is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Luna helps her friend find a way to manage stress. The author includes some discussion questions at the end of the book to help parents and kids talk about stress.
What drew me to this series are the gorgeous illustrations. The author did her own illustrations for the book. The artwork is multi media and looks like a combination of quilling and clay work. If you want artwork from the book, the author sells prints on her site.
My junior high school librarian introduced me to quilling. I love it, but it requires patience and fine motor skills. Quilling might be a good side activity to do with older children after reading this book. You can buy quilling kits online.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What drew me to this series are the gorgeous illustrations. The author did her own illustrations for the book. The artwork is multi media and looks like a combination of quilling and clay work. If you want artwork from the book, the author sells prints on her site.
My junior high school librarian introduced me to quilling. I love it, but it requires patience and fine motor skills. Quilling might be a good side activity to do with older children after reading this book. You can buy quilling kits online.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2024
In this enchanting children's book, Luna, a young girl from a small planet in a not so far from here galaxy, embarks on an adventure to explore space and unravel the secrets of the stars she loves.
Delightfully narrated in rhyme, the tale unfolds amidst illustrations that almost steal the spotlight. The narrative not only encourages youngsters to chase their dreams and embrace friendship but also subtly imparts a lesson on handling stress.
While the author provides insightful notes at the story's conclusion, my only recommendation would be a slightly deeper exploration of stress-relief strategies (appropriate for the reader level) within the storyline, since it was mentioned that was part of the theme.
This aspect however doesn't diminish the joy children will derive from this charming tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Delightfully narrated in rhyme, the tale unfolds amidst illustrations that almost steal the spotlight. The narrative not only encourages youngsters to chase their dreams and embrace friendship but also subtly imparts a lesson on handling stress.
While the author provides insightful notes at the story's conclusion, my only recommendation would be a slightly deeper exploration of stress-relief strategies (appropriate for the reader level) within the storyline, since it was mentioned that was part of the theme.
This aspect however doesn't diminish the joy children will derive from this charming tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 30, 2024
Amazing Artwork!
What a beautifully illustrated book! For the artwork alone, it's worth having! The author/illustrator perfectly created double-spread pages that look like a combination of paper quill art, paintings, and 3-d animation. The way she captures light on every page is astounding!
The story is written in poem form, so there's a stability to the format for the reader. There is also emotional intelligence and love interwoven into the storyline, teaching in a simple yet sweet way how to deal with stress, or even a panic attack.
I think the best part is at the end of the book there is a question and answer section for adults to help children who feel the same feelings as the characters in the story. Children could even read this (unillustrated) section and understand the simple concepts taught there themselves.
This is a great, beautiful, helpful series, and I am drawn to read the other books just by reading this one.
What a beautifully illustrated book! For the artwork alone, it's worth having! The author/illustrator perfectly created double-spread pages that look like a combination of paper quill art, paintings, and 3-d animation. The way she captures light on every page is astounding!
The story is written in poem form, so there's a stability to the format for the reader. There is also emotional intelligence and love interwoven into the storyline, teaching in a simple yet sweet way how to deal with stress, or even a panic attack.
I think the best part is at the end of the book there is a question and answer section for adults to help children who feel the same feelings as the characters in the story. Children could even read this (unillustrated) section and understand the simple concepts taught there themselves.
This is a great, beautiful, helpful series, and I am drawn to read the other books just by reading this one.
May 31, 2023
This is an absolutely stunning picture book for young children. The artwork is extraordinarily beautiful. It has a very 3-D feel to it. The colours, the illustrations, the dynamic use of paper folding techniques (? I don't even know the technical term for this, you'll have to see it to understand what I'm trying to convey) all combine together to make this an extraordinary picture book that adults can enjoy with their children.
The author/illustrator has crafted not just a stunning picture book (the ship!) but also written a simple story that a young child can follow. There is a message that speaks to the nervous or anxious child through one of the characters (a robot; the story has a sci-fi setting). This is a book that teachers as well as parents can use to open up a conversation with children about their daily anxieties.
The author/illustrator has crafted not just a stunning picture book (the ship!) but also written a simple story that a young child can follow. There is a message that speaks to the nervous or anxious child through one of the characters (a robot; the story has a sci-fi setting). This is a book that teachers as well as parents can use to open up a conversation with children about their daily anxieties.
February 2, 2024
𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸.
First, let’s talk about the illustrations. They were very detailed, very colorful, and absolutely gorgeous. If I were rating this book just based on the illustrations, I would still give it five stars. That’s how pretty the illustrations were.
The characters were also very cute and very likeable.
The story was fun to read. It’s pretty much smooth sailing in the beginning, but as the story goes on there is a little conflict. I think the experience of reading the book was elevated by the rhyme scheme. The book was also well-paced and not super short like other children’s books tend to be, which my little sister was happy about. Reading it was just such a fun time.
There are also some things to learn from this book, like sometimes the reward is worth the risk, because exploring the unknown gives you a much wider idea of the universe and causes you to meet new people along the way who will support you. There was also a character who talked a little bit about how he struggles in dealing with stress, which I think might’ve been the author’s way of speaking about anxiety. Whether or not she was talking about anxiety or just normal stress, I think it was a very good way to include that in there.
Overall, the visuals were amazing, the story was enjoyable, and there are lessons you can take from this book. My sister would’ve liked a little more conflict and action, but we both enjoyed this book a lot. So if you’re thinking about reading this book, I’d say it’s worth it.
First, let’s talk about the illustrations. They were very detailed, very colorful, and absolutely gorgeous. If I were rating this book just based on the illustrations, I would still give it five stars. That’s how pretty the illustrations were.
The characters were also very cute and very likeable.
The story was fun to read. It’s pretty much smooth sailing in the beginning, but as the story goes on there is a little conflict. I think the experience of reading the book was elevated by the rhyme scheme. The book was also well-paced and not super short like other children’s books tend to be, which my little sister was happy about. Reading it was just such a fun time.
There are also some things to learn from this book, like sometimes the reward is worth the risk, because exploring the unknown gives you a much wider idea of the universe and causes you to meet new people along the way who will support you. There was also a character who talked a little bit about how he struggles in dealing with stress, which I think might’ve been the author’s way of speaking about anxiety. Whether or not she was talking about anxiety or just normal stress, I think it was a very good way to include that in there.
Overall, the visuals were amazing, the story was enjoyable, and there are lessons you can take from this book. My sister would’ve liked a little more conflict and action, but we both enjoyed this book a lot. So if you’re thinking about reading this book, I’d say it’s worth it.
May 31, 2023
Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space
3.5 Stars
I selected this book for the unique 3-D looking paper illustrations; I love the layers, texture, and fine detail. So, it should come as no surprise I enjoyed this story without text. These illustrations definitely spark my creativity. In my opinion, the detailed artwork and long storyline are competing, instead of complimenting each other.
Overall, I didn't enjoy reading this book the traditional way. The text font/size was very difficult to read. Plus, the author was very wordy. So they decreased the font size to "fit" the space allotted. As the book went on and on, I found myself bored, and the story lackluster. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 Stars
I selected this book for the unique 3-D looking paper illustrations; I love the layers, texture, and fine detail. So, it should come as no surprise I enjoyed this story without text. These illustrations definitely spark my creativity. In my opinion, the detailed artwork and long storyline are competing, instead of complimenting each other.
Overall, I didn't enjoy reading this book the traditional way. The text font/size was very difficult to read. Plus, the author was very wordy. So they decreased the font size to "fit" the space allotted. As the book went on and on, I found myself bored, and the story lackluster. I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 1, 2023
Excellent series! Great bedtime story for 6-8yo children
Kindle Unlimited review. This cute story is the first of three books in the Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space series. Follow Luna Heartstring and her cosmic crew (N.O.V.A. Squeaks, and Maya) on a mission to uncharted space. Will space pirates interfere with their mission? Will stress overwhelm the crew? Will Luna successfully lead her crew? Find out in this space epic targeted for 6-8 year-olds written and illustrated by By Lyra Brave.
Bonus content: There are 7 story specific and 10 questions specific questions about stress at the end. Each question has thoughtful answers to assist parents while discussing the story’s lessons with their children.
Kindle Unlimited review. This cute story is the first of three books in the Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space series. Follow Luna Heartstring and her cosmic crew (N.O.V.A. Squeaks, and Maya) on a mission to uncharted space. Will space pirates interfere with their mission? Will stress overwhelm the crew? Will Luna successfully lead her crew? Find out in this space epic targeted for 6-8 year-olds written and illustrated by By Lyra Brave.
Bonus content: There are 7 story specific and 10 questions specific questions about stress at the end. Each question has thoughtful answers to assist parents while discussing the story’s lessons with their children.
July 4, 2023
This book is beyond beautiful and its parental support at the end is excellent. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a children’s book so breathtaking.
Setting the book in space creates room for out of the world adventures.
I think that the book is too long, much longer than the typical 32 pages you would find in a children’s picture book. I also think that having the story rhyme means that the author has limited her word choices, which could have been more impactful. The message is important, however I feel that it is a little lost in the telling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Setting the book in space creates room for out of the world adventures.
I think that the book is too long, much longer than the typical 32 pages you would find in a children’s picture book. I also think that having the story rhyme means that the author has limited her word choices, which could have been more impactful. The message is important, however I feel that it is a little lost in the telling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 22, 2023
Really Cool!
"Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space" takes young readers on a heartwarming journey through the cosmos of emotion. With Luna and her trusty A.I. companion N.O.V.A., along with friends Maya and Squeaks, children explore the mysteries of Deep Space while discovering the power of friendship and the joy of embracing emotions. This beautifully illustrated story not only ignites imagination but also instills valuable lessons about teamwork and facing challenges. Perfect for space enthusiasts, the book empowers children to overcome fears and chase their dreams.
"Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space" takes young readers on a heartwarming journey through the cosmos of emotion. With Luna and her trusty A.I. companion N.O.V.A., along with friends Maya and Squeaks, children explore the mysteries of Deep Space while discovering the power of friendship and the joy of embracing emotions. This beautifully illustrated story not only ignites imagination but also instills valuable lessons about teamwork and facing challenges. Perfect for space enthusiasts, the book empowers children to overcome fears and chase their dreams.
January 24, 2024
The illustrations are beautiful! They're done in a unique style that flows so well with the story. Speaking of the story, this book is about a brave little girl who sets out to follow her dream of space exploration. Along the way she makes some new friends and faces hardships. The book deals with the emotion of stress a lot. One of the characters learns to cope with stress by learning some ways to relax. In the back of the book are some questions and answers about stress and ways to help. This makes it an even better book for kids to learn to deal with this emotion because it also teaches the parents what they need to know to help their children.
August 5, 2023
Luna Heartstrong and the Brave Explorers of Deep Space is more than just a thrilling adventure tale; it's also a rousing call to arms for kids to face their feelings head-on and persevere. When Luna and her friends face adversity, they pull together to find a solution. Children ages 4-8 who enjoy stories that encourage them to face their fears and go after their dreams will enjoy this book because of the themes of worry and stress it tackles. This lesson on working together and supporting one another is invaluable for young readers. This is a fantastic book, beautifully written.
August 7, 2023
This was the most beautiful book cover and story I have read in a long time .
The illustrations are so cutely done out of spirally paper and just fantastic how they did that .
I loved the story , quite poetic as you read it . its inspiring and about stress and adventures and remembering you have friends to talk too , when you need too .
I was so happy reading this book . And I will re read it over and over again .
this was definitely a 5 * read . and I would recommend it to anyone what ever the age .
awesome book just absolutely beautiful
The illustrations are so cutely done out of spirally paper and just fantastic how they did that .
I loved the story , quite poetic as you read it . its inspiring and about stress and adventures and remembering you have friends to talk too , when you need too .
I was so happy reading this book . And I will re read it over and over again .
this was definitely a 5 * read . and I would recommend it to anyone what ever the age .
awesome book just absolutely beautiful
August 9, 2023
I liked it.
The artwork is unique, but the text is small. I can still see it, but it would be beneficial to make the words bigger in later books. I am fond of the poet's rhyming skills - it adds a layer of intrigue into this book. It's cool how there is an A.I. in this book, and I dig how the author defined what kind of robot N.O.V.A. is, while progressing the story.
It's a plus that the author is also the illustrator. She even offers a Q&A about stress. This is a good story that children will enjoy. I recommend!
The artwork is unique, but the text is small. I can still see it, but it would be beneficial to make the words bigger in later books. I am fond of the poet's rhyming skills - it adds a layer of intrigue into this book. It's cool how there is an A.I. in this book, and I dig how the author defined what kind of robot N.O.V.A. is, while progressing the story.
It's a plus that the author is also the illustrator. She even offers a Q&A about stress. This is a good story that children will enjoy. I recommend!
December 3, 2024
The story was simple, but for children it's good. The main show were the illustrations, they were beautiful. Detailed and laced with gold colouring, I found them very beautiful and so very fun to look at.
I read the book on a big screen, it was very aesthetically pleasing to see the illustrations cover my whole screen.
The story is short but impactful, it teaches collaboration، friendship and dreaming big.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I read the book on a big screen, it was very aesthetically pleasing to see the illustrations cover my whole screen.
The story is short but impactful, it teaches collaboration، friendship and dreaming big.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2026
AI unnecessary
I appreciate this story showing kids how to deal with stress, that it's something everyone experiences, that it is not a bad thing. However the inclusion of AI was not necessary and has me questioning how much of the book was truly written by the author. As well as questioning whether the artwork throughout was human made or not. So in spite of the cute story, fun characters, and gorgeous artwork I do not like the book, I will not be reading it with my kids, nor recommending it to anyone.
I appreciate this story showing kids how to deal with stress, that it's something everyone experiences, that it is not a bad thing. However the inclusion of AI was not necessary and has me questioning how much of the book was truly written by the author. As well as questioning whether the artwork throughout was human made or not. So in spite of the cute story, fun characters, and gorgeous artwork I do not like the book, I will not be reading it with my kids, nor recommending it to anyone.
March 15, 2024
First of all, I've never seen artwork quite like this!! As an artist myself, I was WOWed! This is so captivating to look at!!
But also, the story really touched on such important things for a young soul. Well actually, ANY of us! It really brought the child in me to life, and I know my grandchildren would love this.
I really loved the discussion questions at the end. What a beautiful opportunity to dive into the deeper things as a little human. I am so impressed. I recommend this!
But also, the story really touched on such important things for a young soul. Well actually, ANY of us! It really brought the child in me to life, and I know my grandchildren would love this.
I really loved the discussion questions at the end. What a beautiful opportunity to dive into the deeper things as a little human. I am so impressed. I recommend this!
June 23, 2023
A MASTERPIECE.
This was so and I mean SO beautifully illustrated, I can't help but genuinely recommend to adults and children alike.
The narrative is so unique with a story written in a simple yet surprisingly well put prose, that keeps the reader feeling wonderment with every turning page. Simply marvellous and absolutely recommended.
This was so and I mean SO beautifully illustrated, I can't help but genuinely recommend to adults and children alike.
The narrative is so unique with a story written in a simple yet surprisingly well put prose, that keeps the reader feeling wonderment with every turning page. Simply marvellous and absolutely recommended.
June 23, 2023
Awe-Inspiring Space Adventure!
In truly unique colourful fashion, this quest in space brings action and drama in a transitional read for a child approaching young adult life. Themes of courage, friendship, and emotional control address many concerns we all face growing up. Rhymes make the tale even more enjoyable. Helpful Q&A at the end.
In truly unique colourful fashion, this quest in space brings action and drama in a transitional read for a child approaching young adult life. Themes of courage, friendship, and emotional control address many concerns we all face growing up. Rhymes make the tale even more enjoyable. Helpful Q&A at the end.
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