The Star in the Forest

By Author / Illustrator

Helen Kellock

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Thames & Hudson Ltd

ISBN

9780500652343

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

06-05-2021

Synopsis

One Saturday evening, sisters Pip and Maisie are sitting in the warm snug of their grandparent's cottage on the edge of a forest in Scotland. Maisie is restless and longs for adventure, but life at the cottage is always slow. When a bright light suddenly falls from the sky into the forest next door, Maisie can't believe her luck - finally an adventure has come her way! She has boots on and torch in hand before Pip has even put down her hot chocolate.

Maisie is desperate to discover the special something as quickly as she can. As the two sisters journey through the dark forest towards the gradually receding light, her imagination runs riot - perhaps it's space treasure, gold dust, or maybe even a creature from outer space! Pip, meanwhile, takes in the dark shapes and strange sounds around her, tentatively adjusting to the forest and its wild inhabitants. When Maisie finally reaches the source of the light, she is bitterly disappointed - the special something is no more than a lump of rock. But thanks to Pip's careful observations, they realize it is in fact a star!

Highly atmospheric and magical in quality, this delightful debut picture book is sure to enchant children and parents alike. "The book absolutely shimmers with light. The sisters, the forest, the star - all seem to glow on the page. There is a star in this beautiful book!" - Jessica Love, creator of Julian is a Mermaid

Reviews

This Star in the Forest is a beautiful book which calls for as much time unpicking the illustrations as it does the text.

Maisie and Pip are sisters who spot a falling star and go on a night time walk through the forest to find it. Pip is more cautious and worries about the potential dangers in the dark but Maisie rushes headlong through the trees, not seeing any of the magic the night time forest holds. When they find their star, they both realise different things; Pip sees the value of being brave and going on an adventure and Maisie learns that slowing down and enjoying the sights and sounds of the journey is just as good as the discovery at the end.

The illustrations range from simple, insubstantial pencil outlines to detailed, coloured pictures and the use of dark and light, shadow and shade makes for an immersive story.

Perfect for restless little adventurers who constantly demand to know 'are we there yet?' to show that slowing down and enjoying the experience of getting there is just as fun. Equally good for those who need to be a tiny bit braver and understand that shining a light on your fears usually sorts them out, and may even reveal the odd nice surprise or two!

A lovely bedtime read to return to again and again.

Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly