Star

Star by Artelle Lenthall and Margaret Dewar (Little Pink Dog Books) PB HB RRP $24.99 ISBN 978 048964001

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Star is small and nobody wishes upon her. There is nothing special about her. At Christmas time, Star sees a young woman on a donkey, she is about to have a baby. Star feels compassion and suddenly she becomes bigger and stronger. She lights the way for the woman and man to find a safe place for the women to give birth. Star helps by shining brightly upon the baby lying in a manger. Then she continues to shine her light for them to find a way to safety. From that day forth Star was part of the Christmas story.

 

Artelle Lenthall has created such a heartfelt voice for Star. Her unique way of telling the Christmas story is beautifully done. Star questions why she was made so small and what her purpose is in the universe. The voice of an angel tells Star that one day she’ll discover how special she is. Lenthall uses dialogue at the start of the story to entice the reader to page turn. The story flows well and easily covers long periods of time. The growth in Star as a character at the end links well to the start as Star remembers the angel’s word. The story could have easily finished here but there is one last surprise at the end that takes the reader’s breath away. Star disappears. The unique characters and voice in this story make it a lovely read.

 

Margaret Dewar’s illustrations depict Star with a childlike face that is endearing. The angel is soft and gentle and wise. The vast night sky is blue with an array of white stars that pop on spreads. Perspective is shown well with the night sky and stars hugging the town. The double page of the angel and little star is stunning.  The wonder of the people captivated by the night sky captures the moment beautifully. Dewar zooms in and out with page spreads to bring the story elements into focus. The dominant use of blue and white suits the story well as does the starry endpapers.

 

Star is a picture book for 3-8 years encourages compassion and understanding. Although it is a Christmas story, it can be shared all year round due to its unique message. Star is a small hero who shines love and compassion out into the world. It really does make you want to wish upon a star.

 

Star

Star by Artelle Lenthall, illustrated by Margaret Dewar (Little Pink Dog Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780648964001

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Star is sad because it is small and does not twinkle like the other stars in the sky. ‘No one will ever notice me, let alone make a wish on me,’ it sighs to an angel, while looking down at the little town below. One cold night, Star sees a pregnant woman and her husband searching for shelter. Star’s heart begins to burn with love and compassion, transforming it into ‘the biggest and brightest star in the heavens’. Star’s joyous light shines on the mother and her newborn, and leads shepherds and kings to the holy infant. Its crucial job done, Star twinkles happily just once and then disappears.

Artelle Lenthall’s inspired retelling of the nativity story from the point of view of the Star of Bethlehem adds a thoughtful new dimension to this well-known Biblical tale. Many kids aged six to eight will empathise with the tiny star that is desperate to be noticed among its sparkling peers. Artelle weaves her themes through the text with great sensitivity, gently guiding youngsters towards the importance of helping others, and conveying hope to those who long to find their own unique place in the world.

Tasked with bringing the character of a star to life, Margaret Dewar has succeeded brilliantly. Sorrowful Star is awash with grey tones, which lighten to luminous white when sympathy for a shivering Mary fills its heart. Children will adore Star’s illuminating facial expressions, as they visually build on the emotional thread that runs through the story. Perhaps the most eye-catching image, though, is the angel who comforts Star early in the book – the celestial visage is beautiful, and the detail in the wings is stunning.

With its universal themes and scintillating protagonist, Star is sure to be enjoyed not only at Christmas but also throughout the whole year. And with each reading, the main message will glow brighter: even the smallest person can make a difference to the lives of others.

Elizabeth Rose on Parade

Elizabeth Rose on Parade by Jaquelyn Muller, illustrated by Kathryn Zammit (Jaquelyn Muller Books)

HC RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780646921266

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Following I Love You 5 Lollipops, Elizabeth Rose and her extraordinary and talented family are back again with more circus entertainment on parade. The delicate watercolour illustrations, superb cover and end pages by Kathryn Zammit, add to the elegance that is this ensemble’s trademark. There are also additional exciting and daring performers introduced to readers.

In clever rhyming verse we are introduced to the talents of the clown, dog, showgirl, strongman, stilt walker, and the hoop-throwing Gypsy. But none of those, or the elephants, cannon man, lion, high walker, fire blower or the acrobats can ‘excite or amaze like Elizabeth Rose.’ She is the star that shines around and above all the other circus performers, regardless of their abilities.

This delicious publication is as soft as fairy floss, as gentle as love, and as refreshing as a cool icy-pole on a hot day. Delightfully presented, it promises to be the main feature on any young girl’s book case due to its attractive and sparkling characters. It is an ideal book to be shared and examined together with an adult at bedtime, for the 6 months to 6 year age group.

Star

 Star by Catherine Bateson (Omnibus)
PB RRP $16.99
ISBN 978-1-86291-981-5
Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

Star has much to deal with in her young life. Her father is dead, her school friend has dumped her and her Mum now spends much of her time listening to the problems of her friend Charlie. Worse still, Charlie’s ex-wife often drops of his whinging children and Star is expected to look after them. Star wants a horse and a new best friend, not two unpleasant step siblings.

But Star’s biggest problem is that no-one will listen to her. How can she make her Mum take notice of her problems so Star can start to turn her life around?

I really liked Star. I loved how she approached her problems and the people in her life. She wasn’t overly dramatic or whiney. She chased her own dreams, no matter how insurmountable they seemed. When Mum kept saying no to a horse, Star started a catfish breeding business to earn money for horse riding lessons. When Mum and Charlie wouldn’t listen to how unhappy she was, she sought out Mum’s friend Cara and spoke to her.

I think many young readers will easily identify with Star and the isolation she feels at school and to a certain extent, at home. Her problems are common ones for children, social problems at school, change happening in the home, and blended families. The author deals with these issues in a gentle but realistic way.

The adults in this story are rounded characters too. The mother is selfish, but she is very wrapped up in her world with Charlie who is battling depression. They are both artists have ‘typical’ artists temperaments to match, self absorbed one minute, then passionate and hugely generous the next. The other two adults in Star’s life, Mum’s friend Cara and Stuart from the aquarium balance them out beautifully with their strength, security and dependability.

I did love that it was Charlie who helped Star to overcome her problem with friends in the end. It was a very satisfying ending.

This story was a realistic portrayal of families, relationships, childhood anxieties and change, told in an entertaining, light and moving way. It was filled with characters I really cared about. Star’s haiku poetry (complete with strikeouts and corrections) at the beginning of each chapter was delightful to read and offered an extra insight into her personality and state of mind.

This is a fabulous read for all children aged 9 to 12 but will particularly appeal to girls with its delicately attractive, pink blossom cover.