Shine Like the Stars

Shine Like the Stars is a truly beautiful book. The words and illustrations are stunning. The story begins from the Earth's perspective and we learn how it is home to all we know. We then meet the sun, the ocean, the seed, the sky, the moon and the stars. Each one of these natural phenomena tells a tale from their own view point, which the author then cleverly links to our human emotions.

My daughter and I read this book together and it left us with a feeling of calmness and peace. It highlights our close connection to nature and inspires us to aim for the stars! We highly recommend it. Young children will enjoy the gloriously detailed and diverse pictures, while older children may find it thought-provoking. My seven-year-old daughter was able to see the similarities in some of her emotions and those in the book. She said the book was "full of hope" and reassured her that "feelings come and go like the clouds change in the sky". I am sure we will return to this book over and over again.

Picture book / Reviewed by Jemma Jeffrey

Suggested Reading Age 5+

Shine Like the Stars is a wonderfully written picture book by Anna Wilson, with a beautiful illustration on every page by award-winning Harry Woodgate.

The message throughout this book is one of mental health. We are part of the world and we need to work together with it. It is so powerful to think about watching the sun rise and set, the waves going in and out, the clouds crossing the sky and the part that we can play in it.

The final pages of this book are filled with some fantastic information and detail the impact different aspects of our wonderful planet can make on us. This is one of the most influential picture books that I have read in a long time. This is certain to be a conversation starter as well as a much loved book for story time or to relax with at bedtime.

Picture book / Reviewed by Amanda Shipton, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+