I'm a bit late, today, but I didn't want the day to end without sharing another read. This one is very fitting for the evening hours, so maybe, this later posting is ideal.
Out here on the farm, it's even possible to see the Milky Way during certain times of the year. We do enjoy star-gazing, every now and then, and each time, it's amazing. Today's read heads right into the wonder of stars and should include friendship and a little imagination. I'm curious to see how to is. So let's open up that cover and find out!
SANTIAGO AND GREAT BEAR
A Friendship Written in the Stars
by Lisa Johnston Hancock
Free Spirit Publishing
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
COMING JUNE 30th!!!
Under the shifting phases of the moon, Santiago and Great Bear become friends.
In the city, Santiago was used to crowds of people and glowing lights. But when his family moves to the quiet countryside, with its vast, starry sky, he feels small and alone. Santiago makes a wish on the only constellation he knows. To his amazement, Great Bear falls from the sky to keep him company. But when the new moon arrives, Santiago must help his new friend return to the stars. Though saying goodbye is hard, Santiago discovers that every ending makes room for a new beginning—and maybe even a new friend close to home.
Blending lyrical storytelling with astronomy and themes of hope, friendship, and confidence Santiago and Great Bear sparks children’s creativity and offers comfort and inspiration to children navigating big changes. With additional information on constellations and phases of the moon at the back, the book engages children’s curiosity about the moon and stars and also fits well with STEM units focused on the night sky.
Santiago and Great Bear:
Tells a sweet and inspiring story of a boy who befriends Ursa Major
Portrays accurate constellations and moon phases
Offers comfort and hope to children moving to new places
Explores themes of friendship, kindness, and responsibility
Poetic, tender, and filled with wonder, Santiago and Great Bear invites children to look up at the night sky—and to being open to new opportunities in every change.
MY TIDBITS
A gentle story melds with the wonder of star-gazing and the night sky to create a magical read.
Santiago is lonely. His family has moved to a new town, far away from his friends, and he still hasn't met new ones. One night, he heads outside and see the stars above. Recognizing the only constellation he knows, he makes the wish to find a friend on the Great Bear stars. A few nights go by, and as the moon goes through its phases, Santiago sees less and less stars, but then, a wonder occurs.
This is a calming, gentle tale, which lures in with longing, a touch of magic, and star knowledge, too. The sadness at moving away from friends and not knowing any one new is something that many readers can easily identify with or, at least, understand. As Santiago gazes sadly at the stars, it's hard not to feel for him. When the magic hits, it carries a whimsical touch and switch the mood completely. The end rounds off with a message surrounding friendship to leave a wholesome atmosphere. Then, there are several pages, which dive into constellation facts, moon phases, and more. So, it's a well rounded read which invites readers to star gaze and pay closer attention to the changing, night sky.
The entire tale flows with lyrical grace but keeps the text short and lets the illustrations carry much of the tale too. The illustrations are lovely and draw in with each scene. Some carry longing, some smiles and giggles, and others open up the wonder of the night sky. It makes a nice read-aloud for group and individual settings. It also works nicely as a bedtime read or even as a step into a theme surrounding constellations and moon phases.
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