Stories Aloud
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Publication date: 06 Sep 2018
ISBN: 9781788000697
Size: 290 x 230 mm
Length: 32 pages
Picture Books

Stardust

Quantity

Stardust, science and STEM subjects combine to create a touching picture book that’s perfect for bedtime.

One little girl dreams of being a star. But whether it’s finding Mum’s lost wedding ring or winning the fancy-dress prize, her big sister always shines brighter. Yet for her grandad she IS a star and, as he dries her eyes and they both gaze up at the night sky, he tells a story, the story of the beginning of the world. Everything and everyone is made of stardust, and we all shine in different ways. It’s a lesson this little girl will never forget . . . and one day her dream comes true, and she finally realises her ambition to become an astronaut and fly up, up, up into space.

A heartwarming family story from bestselling award-winning author, Jeanne Willis, that encourages girls to aim for the stars and achieve their dreams.

Stories Aloud

All of our paperback picture books come with a free Stories Aloud audio reading.

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“A gentle story of sisters and stars, this sweet narrative will make an especially perfect bedtime story for grandfathers and their granddaughters. The big bang information will intrigue older children, while younger readers can enjoy the magic of being made from stars… Perfect for a whole universe of children (and adults): sky-gazers, dreamers… in fact, anyone who’s ever wished upon a star.”

Booktrust

“Self-belief and following your dreams are at the heart of this big-hearted story about a little girl who lives in her big sister’s shadow. Smith is a real rising star; her detailed illustrations reflect the wonder of the text beautifully.”

Fiona Noble, The Bookseller Children’s Buyer’s Guide

“This picture book may appear at first glance to be about sibling rivalry but it’s really about gaining self-esteem as a girl is encouraged to believe in herself by her grandfather when her sister seems to be getting all the plaudits and consistently called a ‘star’… Each of the delightful spreads is like a world in itself whether it’s depicting life under the sea or in the rainforest or the interior of the girl’s bedroom as she dreams of the future with stars in her eyes. A particularly pleasing picture shows a diverse range of pairs of sisters engaged in activities on a section of the globe.”

CLPE

“The words used by the author, Jeanne Willis, in Stardust are simple and profound. They create heart-warming ripples that captured me, I wanted to know what happened next. The story assists readers realising that while they are different from their siblings, that they shine in their own way… The illustrator, Briony May Smith has created delightful and detailed illustrations that illuminate the scenes… They convey the breath of emotions found within Stardust’s covers; peace, hurt, happiness, disappointment, love, wonder, joy and dreamy. Where the illustrations include lots of children they are culturally diverse. I hope that Stardust touches readers like the waves from the big bang of the universe’s creation and that you reach for your own star.”

Kids Book Review (US)

“Such wise words; words that the little girl never forgets but equally, words that every child needs telling, sometimes over and over. Briony May-Smith’s stunningly beautiful illustrations really do celebrate connectedness, diversity and individuality; they’re every bit as empowering as Jeanne Willis’ text. Strongly recommended for families and early years settings to share and discuss.”

Jill Bennet, Red Reading Hub

“It is powerful stuff, and it’s perfect for anyone who feels a little wobbly with life. Adult, child, dog, cat, whatever, whoever. This is generous, powerful work and it’s hard to not be moved by it.”

– LH Johnson, ‘Did you ever stop to think?’ blog

“This is an instant pleasure. Briony May Smith’s characters are as wide-eyed and joyous as always, and her landscapes have an other-worldly feel. Stardust is a twinkly trip into the magic of being human and unique. What I love best about Stardust is its celebration of the role grandparents take in little ones’ lives.”

– Helen Liston, ‘My Book Corner’ blog

“Warm and light.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“A super story about self-belief and following your dreams.”

Get Kids into Books (blog)

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Chinese simplified , Chinese traditional , Estonian , French , German , Greek , Italy , Japanese , Korean , Russian , Turkish , Ukrainian, US English

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