Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Review: Nana Star Books

Summary: Join a little girl's magical adventures as she promises to bring a lost baby star home where he belongs. It won't be easy–he lives high up in the heavens. -- e e publishing & production

I don't know who was more excited to read these books -- me or my kids? We started out by reading the first book in the series, NANA STAR by Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice. We all loved the story of a little girl who sets out on a journey to bring a lost baby star back to the heavens.

The illustrations, by Linda Saker, were absolutely beautiful. I loved all the bright colors, and I thought Nana Star was just adorable. The flowers and creatures were precious too. I think the illustrations were just perfect and absolutely complimented the story.

Even though the main character was a young girl, my four year old son still enjoyed the book. And while the book isn't geared to nine year olds, my daughter truly appreciated the book and story. I liked that we were all able to talk about the deeper meanings in the story after we finished it.

Every NANA STAR book deliberately includes a mistake because "Nana Star believes that in life we all made mistakes, yet, even with those mistakes, we can still create something beautiful!" My daughter and I had so much fun looking for the error in this book, although I have to admit that it took us a little longer than it should have!

I think NANA STAR is a wonderful book for any little girl in your life. The Nana Star character embodies so many positive traits and sends a wonderful message to young girls. NANA STAR is one of those books that you can read again and again; and I believe that little girls will see how generous and selfless Nana Star is and hopefully model their own behavior after her. I also think that the book will have different meanings depending on the age of the reader so the book has the potential to "grow" with the girl.

Not only do the hardcover books include a sing-a-long CD, but you can also purchase the companion Nana Star doll. My daughter just loves Nana Star and has been begging me to keep her! You can see for yourself how adorable she is:












Summary: The next inspiring story in the Nana Star series.
Nana Star is ready to bring the lost baby star back home where he belongs, but the world has gone to bed and she feels scared and alone. With help from a new friend, she learns that she is never alone, that the Moonman is always watching over and guiding her, even when she can't see him. -- e e publishing & production

The night after we read NANA STAR, my kids were anxious to read the next book in the series, NANA STAR AND THE MOONMAN. Once again, we all agreed that this book was terrific. The book picks up where NANA STAR left off -- Nana Star is helping the baby star return home. This book shows how compassionate and loving Nana Star is; however in this book, we see that Nana Star has some fears about traveling alone and in the dark.

Moonman enters the story and shows Nana Star that he is always with her even when she can't see him. This gives Nana Star the strength to continue on her journey. I thought this book had a beautiful message for children of all ages, and I love that it helps to build character and confidence.

Take a look at the adorable companion toy to this picture book. He even lights up!

If you're still on the fence after reading my reviews, you should also know that these books/toys have been given numerous awards including: Dr. Toy Winner - 100 Best Children's Products, Mom's Choice Awards -- The Just for Mom Foundation, and an iParenting Media Award. They truly are very special books, and they'd be perfect for the very special little girls in your life!

Another great reason to buy these books and toys is that a portion of all Nana Star proceeds goes to The Nana Star Foundation. In addition to donating thousands of picture books to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and other needy children , this foundation also helps terminally ill children and under-resourced inner-city schools. All of these products are available for purchase here.

3 comments:

Julie said...

I think I'm going to get these for my daughter for Valentine's Day. She's 3 1/2 so I think she'll grow into them. She loves her Fancy Nancy books right now.

Anonymous said...

My daughter is 9 years old. She's way past this series, but I hope I'll have another little girl to share them with one day.

DW Golden
Soar with Fairies in a new young adult novel: Purple Butterflies

Anna said...

I haven't heard of these books, but they look fun, especially the finding the error part. Great review!

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric