Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Stella Princess of the Sky
Picture Book Series
For ages 4 and up
Groundwood (Canada), 2004 ISBN: 978-0888996015
As the day comes to an end Stella is outside looking at the view when her brother Sam asks her why the sky is on fire. Stella goes on to explain that the sun is going to sleep and the redness is from the sun?s pajamas. This delightful explanation is just the beginning, for there is the whole night ahead of them.
The two children decide to spend the night outdoors and thus it is that Sam gets to see all sorts of amazing things. Stella tells her little brother about the moon, the stars, fireflies, bats, owls, and many other treasures of the night and the sky. There is so much to appreciate and to talk about, and the wonders of the natural world are brought into the spotlight at Sam makes his discoveries.
This book is not only perfect for reading out loud to young children but it also serves as a reminder to adults about how wonderful the mind of a child can be. The descriptions that children come up with to explain the wonders that they see in their world are not only delightfully funny, but they are also refreshing in their innocence and creativity. Marie-Louise Gay?s artwork will also appeal to older readers because of its luminous beauty. The obvious appreciation that the author has for the natural world comes through very clearly.
