Star in the Jar

Hay carefully keeps an even tone, never letting the whimsy descend into treacle and always maintaining a sense of wonder. Massini's lively and imaginative illustrations beautifully complement and enhance the text, providing additional insights into the children's activities and emotions... Tender and loving.

PreS-Gr 1--What happens when a star falls from the sky? Could it be lost? Kept like a pet in a jar? The answers to these questions are sought by a young boy who has found a special treasure, one not claimed by anyone he knows--not the sheriff, the fairies, the wizards, or even the lunch lady. Told by the boy's older sister, the narrative follows his attempts to return a small, very unhappy star back to its home. The siblings try to teach it to fly or bounce it back to the sky, but eventually find a solution to free the little star to return "gently back up to the sky" with a light-filled, loving escort. The treasure is now a new friend, a nightly reflection of a good deed. While varied fonts and font sizes accentuate text, detailed softly painted images highlight expressions with simply drawn faces, shadow, and light. This reassuring tale features an unseen reward for honesty, perseverance, and ingenuity while emphasizing the value of friendship and the close, loving relationship of siblings. VERDICT A suggested first purchase for all libraries, this selection holds strong appeal for young readers. A perfect choice for bedtime and small group sharing.--Mary Elam, Learning Media Services, Plano ISD, TX

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