FICTION

On the Night of the Shooting Star

by Amy Hest
illus. by Jenni Desmond. 32p. Candlewick. Sept. 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780763691547.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—A simple, soft, and endearing story of friendship about neighbors who live on opposites sides of a white picket fence. Bunny drinks lots of cocoa, plants carrots, and peeks at Dog, while Dog eats biscuits, plays with his ball, and wonders about Bunny. Seasons come and seasons go, but the neighbors never say hello to each other. Until, on one sleepless night, both Bunny and Dog simultaneously witness a shooting star, and a new friendship ignites. Hest's narrative line is concise and clear and possesses a magical quality matched by Desmond's airy, muted watercolor and mixed-media illustrations. The characters are dynamic, and full-page images and small vignettes alike are playfully imagined with charming details that readers will enjoy viewing again and again.
VERDICT Enchantingly fresh, this lighthearted tale of friendship deserves a place in every picture book collection. Pair with Beth Ferry's Stick and Stone or Cynthia Rylant's "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series for stories that inspire kindness and neighborliness and that value the warm comfort of finding a friend.
Reviewed by Brianne Colombo, Fairfield Free Public Library, NJ
This lovely story of two loners who finally connect will reassure children who are anxious about making friends. Bunny and Dog live next to each other but keep to themselves until a shared sighting of a shooting star brings them together. The soothing color palette and quiet text make this an appealing offering.
 , Aug 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Noisy Christmas: My First Touch and Feel Sound Book
by Cox, Hettie
BOOKS

Five Sparkling Snowmen: A Rhyming Count Down Christmas Board Book
by Edwards, Nicola
BOOKS

A Magical Christmas: A Padded Christmas Story Book
by Freedman, Claire
BOOKS

Night Night, Sleepy Elves: A Lift-the-Flap Bedtime Christmas Book
by Wood, Selina
BOOKS

Love Is My Favorite Color
by Laden, Nina
BOOKS

Harriet’s Reflections
by Kadi, Marion
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?