'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Friday 19 July 2024

Review: The Book Star

Written by Bec Nanayakkara and illustrated by Joanna Bartel, The Book Star is a story which will resonate with many children and parents. 

Grace has lots of books about her favourite subject, space. She can tell you all about planets, stars, and the solar system. She'd love to travel into space, too.

When it's time for Book Week, and everyone is asked to come to the school party dressed as something bookish, Grace is inspired.

All those space-themed books mean lots of ideas. She could be the moon or the milky way, or even an entire solar system.

The trouble is, none of Grace's friends or classmates understand why she loves space, and think it's weird, ugly and boring. The other children have their own costume ideas. Like princesses and tigers and spies. 

However, Grace's parents remind her it's important to be yourself. Her little brother is a big support and thinks space is great, too. So Grace sets to work creating the best space costume ever. When she appears for Book Week dressed as a sparkling star, Grace shines.

Illustrations in The Book Star are colourful and relatable. Children will be able to see themselves on the pages, in the words and pictures, the experiences and emotions.

The Book Star celebrates individuality and creativity, with a reminder about acceptance and kindness. 

This is a book with strong links to Children's Book Week and women in STEM. It would make a great classroom resource, and an addition to home libraries.

Title: The Book Star
Author: Bec Nanayakkara
Illustrator: Joanna Bartel
Publisher: Affirm Press, $ 22.99
Publication Date: June 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781922863843
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book