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Wednesday, December 22, 2021

the Tiny Star, written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Freya Blackwood. Alfred A.Knopf, Penguin Random House. 2019. $23.99 ages 4 and up

 


" ... it was all grown up. 

It was caring and kind, 
and loving and wise, 
and was loved and adored in return. 

It has family and friends, 
and hopes and dreams.
"

The narrator who tells this moving and joyous story comforts readers with the fact that tiny stars often fall to earth. This very special one becomes a baby. Imagine! The couple who finds it takes it home in a star-covered quilt. The baby is loved and admired by all who lay eyes on it. It grows rounder and taller with each passing year until it is fully grown. 

Honored by family and friends, and filled with hopeful dreams, it grows older and older. The longer the life, the more the love garnered. As the family circle grows wider, the care given is always attentive and gentle. Years pass; the body begins to diminish until it is as tiny as it was in the beginning. One day, it simply disappears, leaving only the starry quilt in its place. 

"No one could believe it.
They ran to each other
and clung to each other
to comfort each other 
and cry with each other.
"

But it was not gone; it had merely returned to its original place in the sky - to be there and celebrated for all time.  

 "Every heart was lightened. 
Every heart began to mend.” 

This wondrous multicultural community finds unconditional love in the company of that one person who brings joy to all, and whose life has great meaning for each one of them. Freya Blackwood's glorious art gives life to each of the book's many characters and cozy warmth to its setting. Her illustrations speak to the heart at every page turn. If you need a break from the world's mayhem, take time to sit, read, and wonder at the beauty to be found in these forty pages. It will be worth it, I promise. 

A keeper, in the best sense of the word. I love it! 

https://youtu.be/t9HwQ16qfT0                                                                                     

                                                                                

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