Draw Me a Star by Eric Carle is often not read in classrooms simply because of a depiction of a naked man and woman. It’s not what most parents expect to find in an Eric Carle book but it is very fitting in this beautiful and really touching book. The story although very similar to a biblical creation story isn’t necessarily reflective only of a Christian viewpoint, rather as I read it is was the author’s own creation. It begins and ends with a star, and hits all the right points in between.
Comets by Melanie Chrismer surprised me. This little book was not only full of facts about comets but it also kept my son’s attention from cover to cover. The facts are simple and presented in small bits with illustrations. The straightforward approach was perfect to support an introductory activity about comets.
How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers is a sweet story about a little boy who wants a star of his own. I loved the bright and simplistic illustrations and the message about holding on to your dreams, working for them, and figuring out that sometimes things come to you in packages you don’t expect! Great book!
The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers is a moving story about a boy, a martian, and the moon they were both stuck on. Together they figure out a way to get back home even though they are so sad to say goodbye to each other. I love this author, I love his illustrations as well, they are so unique and the emotion he manages to convey is amazing. There is an illustration of the boy and martian standing awkwardly before they have to say goodbye and it embodies the emotion. Grab anything written by this author and you will be happy!
Hush, Little Alien by Daniel Kirk is a quirky updated version of the classic lullaby. So many bedtime books are super sugary but this one is funky and bright! I love the space theme and the illustrations are great! The rhymes are funny and kept my son interested in the lullaby much longer than the traditional one which he deems a “baby song”.
Our Stars by Anne Rockwell is another wonderful nonfiction book from this author-illustrator. The book shares the most basic facts about stars with the reader as well as more complicated facts about constellations, comets and meteors. I love that the facts are shared pretty independently on each page, so if something is above your toddler’s head you can simply skip that page until they are. The illustrations are fun enough to grab attention but detailed enough to help explain the facts being presented.
Adrian says
Thanks for these suggestions. We’re having a space themed birthday party for my son in November (I start planning early. . . ha!) and I always like to have books on hand along the same subject. These will be a hit!
Cathy West says
I also love “Roaring Rockets” in the series by Tony Mitten and Ant Parker – rhythmical and informative as well – my son just loves the whole series and knows them off by heart :O)
admin says
Yes we love that series too – it’s a rare day when I don’t read one of the set.
Here is my original review of it : https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2008/05/1-2-3-blast-off.html
Kendra says
Thank you for these suggestions. I think a trip to the library is in order!
.-= Kendra´s last blog ..Mixing it up with homemade play clay- er- dough =-.
Angie says
Hi, I happened to have borrowed an autographed copy of Eric Carle’s Draw me a Star and if you’re interested in what he has to say about his inspiration for the book, feel free to hop over to my blog at http://simply-mommie.blogspot.com/2010/07/eric-carle-draw-me-star.html
.-= Angie´s last blog ..Review of Eric Carles Draw me a star =-.