Nana Star Book: (With CD)

"Once upon a time in a land of swaying green grass and wildflowers, there was a little girl." With this soothingly familiar opening sentence, readers of all ages are swept into the sweetly idyllic world of a little girl with a love-filled heart who takes on the role of guiding a lost star back to the heavens. Nana Star is the first in a series of collectible picture books for children which trace the journey of Nana Star, her little lost star-friend, and the characters who help them along the way. The Nana Star series is a family-oriented project inspired by the original stories of Elizabeth Owens as told to her grandson Vance. Owen's granddaughters - Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice -- have brought her stories to the printed page, while her daughter Linda Saker provided the illustrations. Designed as a continuous series, each picture book shares a brief portion of Nana Star's story. Be prepared to buy the first two titles together -- Nana Star and Nana Star and the Moonman -- or your little ones are likely to be disappointed by being left at the beginning of a grand adventure at the end of the first book. Nana Star only introduces us to the two main characters and familiarizes readers with the whimsical world they inhabit, while Nana Star and the Moonman moves the pair along and introduces them to the comforting, ever-present Moonman. After we read the first title my six-year-old daughter protested, "Mommy, it's too short, and it doesn't make sense." By the time we'd read the second title though she said, "Oh Mommy, I really like these books, can we get the next one?" The third installment, Nana Star and the Blue Wolf, is expected to release sometime this summer. Unlike most picture books for young children there were some pivotal plot turnings that weren't explained within the text. The reason for the little girl becoming Nana Star weren't clear to my daughter, nor was the reason the stars shimmered in the Moonman's presence. I made some spontaneous suggestions, but I always prefer my child's natural questions to be expected by the author and then answered in the text itself. Each lovely hardcover is accompanied by a CD which contains the Nana Star theme song and a recording of the story. When the gently lilting song and flowing reading are combined with the idyllic watercolour illustrations, an innocent, peaceful feeling results. My three-year-old would have the stories and songs on repeat all day long if the decision were hers. Each title also features its own plush toy. Nana Star is a poseable plush doll with long legs, and all the removable accoutrements we find her with in the stories: a blue dress with a pocket (with bonus pantaloons), a star, a tree branch, a handkerchief, mittens, and slippers - encouraging young fans to play out her story. Moonman is now one of our family's favourite bedtime toys. When the star on his stomach is pressed his big, round moon-head glows gently and he plays an instrumental version of the Nana Star

Simply put, this is a children's book with everything a reader could want. A wonderful story that all can relate to, distinctively beautiful illustrations and many virtuous lessons for all. The storyline involves a little girl who finds a lost baby star and takes it upon herself to help him find his way home. This book also contains a cd with the audio book as well as the song Nana Star; quite an impressive addition. Throughout the book, there are many descriptive phrases and simplistic descriptions that bring to mind innocent, carefree moments cherished by children and adults alike. In the midst of the story, the little girl hears a distressed voice and sets off to eventually find a lost baby star. The fear and uncertainty of the baby star, together with the compassion and comfort from the little girl, pull at the reader's heartstrings. We have all felt afraid at one time or other. When the little girl becomes Nana Star, she shows the empathy and compassion we hope for from ourselves and our children. Using words like "big job" and "counted on", encouragement and integrity shine through. Nana Star is determined to help the baby star, simply because it's the right thing to do. The little star feels the friendship and love and his fear dissipates. With a story written as well as this, the authors have begun a classic series that is timeless. I hope to see the "beginning of Nana Star" continued with another book very soon.

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (12/06) "Nana Star" is beautifully written by Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice with illustrations by Linda Saker. This is a story for 3 to5 year olds. Nana Star finds a lost baby star that needs help. This story teaches helping other because it's the right thing to do, not because you will receive a reward. It's refreshing to find a book of this caliber with a story about helping others. The story behind the story impressed me. As a grandmother I want to create that special bond with my grandchildren that Elizabeth Owens created with her grandson Vance. Linda Saker, the illustrator, is the daughter of Nana Star; the authors Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice are the granddaughters of the original Nana Star. The great-grandchildren are also contributors. This is a talented family. "Nana Star" is a beautiful picture book that you and your children will cherish for years to come. I intend to share this one with my granddaughter. It is with honor that I highly recommend this book to grandparents and parents of your children.

Collaboratively written by Elizabeth and Elena for children ages 3 and older, and featuring unusual "stick figure" style drawings combined with detailed artwork (especially the flowers) by Linda Saker, and accompanied by an audio CD reading of the original tale, Nana Star is the picturebook story of a little girl who discovers a lost baby star. The poor baby star needs help to reach the heavens where it belongs! Illustrated in a very distinctive style, portraying Nana Star in her blue dress with line-thin arms and legs and a smiling face amid flowers, trees, and clouds, Nana Star is a charming story about doing a good deed because it is the right thing to do. An accompanying audio CD offers read-aloud narration and the catchy Nana Star Song. A delightful and upbeat picturebook especially for young girls.

The book itself is one that you may want to display and protect from becoming worn and soiled, but because of the story and illustrations I don't think your children will let you. Children never want and end to the story.