The Sun, the Moon, and the Stars

by Rachel Montez Minor, Annie Won (Illustrator)

Celebrate the connections between parents, children, and the universe in this lyrical debut picture book from actress, dancer and singer Rachel Montez Minor, with enchanting illustrations by Annie Won.

In simple rhyme with a universal message, this book celebrates diverse children, their power to inspire all those around them, and the invisible bonds of family and humanity that can never be broken.

Readers are encouraged to shine their light and positivity on those around them and to always lift each other up. We are all one, living together on our planet, connected under the sun, the moon and the stars.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Space, Love, Family, Storytime

32 pages, Hardcover

Published November 9, 2021

Reviews

[Cyndee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations grabbed me from the beginning - kind of calm, soothing book. I put it in our Bedtime/Lullabies section. Would certainly be a sweet way to say good night to your "littles".

[Daniel Barrows · Rating 2 out of 5]

Most of the book just seems like a self-esteem / ego boost. "You're great and will do great things and bless everyone around you" (paraphrase). There's also this (exact quote) :
"Everything in the sky is connected to you....
You are the universe,
and the universe is you!"

I'm not sure what to make of this as an adult or what this might mean for a child.

People interested in this book will probably also want to read I Loved You First by Hager & Bush. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

[Opetoritse · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational speech given in the second-person, making the reader the subject of Minor's poetic encouragement. The upbeat, celebratory tone is reflected in Won's glossy illustrations, brimming with deep, bright colors and joyful imagery. The art style is a pleasant mix of realistic and cartoonish techniques, and features a diverse set of families acting as the avatars of the book's mantras. The mantras themselves are a bit commonplace, but this is part of what gives them such universal appeal.

[Sue H · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is sweet and could be nice for a baby/young kids. A good baby gift.
It is a lyrical and rhyming book abut how the children are special and like the sun, moon, and stars.
The illustrations are lovely. I think it would make a good board book (for durability based on the likely audience).

[Dina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are beautiful in this book - I like how different families are illustrated throughout the book. Simple text, with lines dedicated to the child reading the book. "Whether you're close, or whether you're far, your light keeps shining, wherever you are." Overall a good book.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated picture book. A touching rhyme of encouragement. The text will be relateable for adults but maybe too advanced for preschoolers.

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual jam but goodness this was lyrical and lovely. Very meta and affirming, good for a new baby gift.

[Alyssa Gudenburr · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very positive book from a parent to a child. The illustrations are breathtaking! This would make a great bedtime story.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

A rhyming tale of interpersonal relationships, and the interconnectivity of humanity and the universe.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shows 3 kids in 3 families and their families affirming them, showing them how special they are.

[Miss Pippi the Librarian · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about similarities between a parent's child and the sun, moon, and stars.
It ends with "you are the universe and the universe is you."

Reviewed from a library copy.

[Marcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story! Beautiful illustrations!

[Michael · Rating 1 out of 5]

A new age book written by a new ager. The blurb on the author makes it clear that they came to her "in a dream"

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations

[Audrey Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it’s about being anything you want to be. Making children build confidence in themselves.