You Are a Star!

Through image-filled prose, Australian author Parker gently introduces the idea of Earth's beginnings via the Big Bang by cradling the story inside a fantasy about a girl who takes a trip from her bedroom into the night sky. In whimsical but informative prose, the narrator simultaneously speaks to the girl and child readers: "You are a star. Not a movie star. Or a sports star. You are a star from way, way up in the sky." Like Peter Pan, the girl travels "up into the ink of the night" and explores the universe of stars. "A long, long time ago," one star grew so hot it exploded ("Are you okay? Yes? Good"), and bits of star eventually coalesced into Earth after "flying across space for millions and billions of years." Rossell (Oliver) also walks the tightrope between reality and story, creating some truly breathtaking starscapes for the girl to traverse. By drawing connections between the vastness of the universe and the intimacy of a child's bedroom, Parker and Rossell replace the frightfulness and loneliness that can accompany night with comfort and connection. Ages 4%E2%80%938. (Sept.)