"Let's go kayaking. I love kayaking,"
says Poobah.
"Me, too," says Ada. "But when will we
be able to look at the stars?"
"See that big rock over there?" says
Poobah. "That's how I tell time on the
island. Today, when it's completely
covered with water, it'll be dark
enough to see the stars."
Ada lives in New York where the city lights keep her from seeing the stars at night. She loves those stars: summer can't come soon enough for her. As soon as they can, Ada and her mom head for Maine and a visit with her Ama and Poobah. From their island in Maine, Ada can see all the stars she wants to see.
It's hard for her to wait until it is dark enough. Poobah promises they will see them when the time is right. In the meantime, the family visits the natural beauty of the island and its many sights. A kayak ride helps to pass the time. Ada's grandfather suggests a big rock will help them gauge the passage of that time. When it is covered with tidewater, the stars will be visible. Dinner time sees the sun setting, and the rock covered with water. It's time!
When no stars are seen, Ama tells Ada that fog has rolled in and they will have to wait until TOMORROW! Dear Me! Luckily, Poobah knows how to distract Ada. He shares a book about galaxies that inspires questions. Their conversation is light and entertaining, while also being informative for all.
"Because everything in the universe is
made out of the same stuff," says Poobah.
"It's all part of nature. Even things that
we can't see."
"Do galaxies have people?" asks Ada."
To their great surprise, when they step outside to check on the fairy house before bedtime, the fog has lifted. What wonder there is to see in the night sky!
Watercolor illustrations by Susanna Chapman are remarkable! They capture a beautiful Maine setting and all its natural surroundings. Ada's emotions - curiosity, fervor, impatience, abiding interest, pure joy - are front and center in artwork that chronicles the day spent with her cherished grandparents. Every spread invites readers to see, feel, smell, and wait in anticipation of the evening's light show. Ms. Chapman connects young readers to the beauty of the universe, and the delight felt when the whole family goes outside to bask in the starlight they have awaited.
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