Amy Hest

Although they were next-door neighbors, Bunny and Dog never spoke to one another, pursuing their separate interests and activities in a close proximity that never seemed to lead to any sort of exchange or friendship. They noticed one another, of course, and even thought from time to time that the other needed a friend, but it wasn't until the night of the shooting star that they felt impelled to actually reach out...

On the Night of the Shooting Star is a lovely picture-book, one which pairs show more a gentle, contemplative story about social isolation, and how two lonely souls eventually found one another, with sweet illustrations that capture the mystery of night-time vistas and the joy of daytime ones. I appreciated author Amy Hest's delicate storytelling touch here, as she depicts her two characters as solitary individuals, rather than unfriendly ones, and demonstrates how sometimes it takes something extraordinary - like a shooting star - to bring such people (or animals) together. I also appreciated illustrator Jenni Desmond's artwork, with its beautifully varied palette, and charming animal figures. Recommended to anyone looking for engaging new children's stories about finding friendship. show less

First sentence: I'm the one who found her. A real, live baby girl and I saw her first. I saw the basket. Right over there, on the steps of the new children's library. A tiny little baby! All by herself in that basket! She was so brave, though. She wasn't even crying. I just wanted to hold her awhile. I didn't mean to take the baby.

Premise/plot: This children's book is set during the Second World War. It opens on a summer day--August 31. Three children (Julie and Martha Sweet, and their show more neighbor, Bruno Ben-Eli) find a baby in a basket on the steps of the [new] children's library. Each chapter features narration by all three--Julie, Martha, Bruno. Each chapter reveals details fleshing out their story. Everything leads to the big day--August 31. As you might have guessed, this one is not a linear or chronological story. Readers learn about the characters, the story, the setting--slowly but surely.

My thoughts: I really loved this one! I did. There were a few [subtle] moments of sadness. But nothing overwhelming or heavy. Observant readers can read behind the lines as to how the characters might be feeling. It has a great premise--children finding an 'abandoned' baby on the steps to the public library. It has dimensional characters--I really loved getting to know all three protagonists. I loved the complex relationships. Readers learn relatively early on that Bruno and Julie have fallen out; they were friends once, but no more. I love how human all these characters are. I felt empathy for all three. show less

Simple, super sweet, and perfect for a bedtime read.

It's time for Sam to go to bed, despite the storm brewing outside. When Mrs. Bear asks if he's ready, he tells her he's waiting...which is her cue to read him a book and snuggle him into bed. But when she asks again if he's ready, his response doesn't change. Soon, she's mentally going through the list of what she might have forgotten.

I got my hands on the hard copy of this little board book, although I do understand that there is a 'puffy' show more board book and an audio form on this one, too. This book has been around for a few years, and after reading it, I know why it's stood the test of time. It's simple, hits a very familiar situation, has a tinsy-bit of tension due to the storm and, most importantly, is packed with love.

There is a bit more text than in many board books (not too much, though). This makes it ideal for a bedtime read, since it gives listeners just a tiny bit more time to sink into the scene and let their minds drift. Especially ages 2 to 5 will enjoy this one, and it has a great size for their hands. As a board book, it's also more robust and can be tugged into bed without worries of pages crinkling and such.

The illustrations are detailed and allow Sam and his mother to come across as a loving bear family. I did enjoy gazing at each one, and especially appreciate the artistic flair.

For those looking for bedtime reads, this is definitely one to pick up, especially if you don't mind giving a kiss...or two...or even more before you say 'good night'. I received a complimentary copy and find this to be a great, 'good night' read. show less

One summer morning on their way to the opening of a new children's library, two sisters stumble upon a baby in a basket. As they start to trek across the beach towards the nearby military fort to tell adults about the baby, each sister is lost in her thoughts. They are followed by a neighbor around their age who is trying to catch up to them with a note that fell out of the basket.

This was an interesting read for the most part. The concept was somewhat unusual with this mysterious baby show more appearing, although I guessed long before the characters whose baby it was and also found the reasoning for said baby to be alone quite the weak sauce. The book is told in alternating chapters from the point of view of each of the main characters and goes back and forth between the present and earlier in the summer. The voices were well done and distinct.

After finishing the book though, I had a hard time figuring out the audience for it. I think it almost appeals more to adults like myself than to the target audience of children. The children's perspectives felt like they were meant more to charm those older than them instead of being relatable to those their own age. Having some historical knowledge of the time period was pretty much crucial to understanding the book, but the war is more of a background piece so this isn't necessarily for the WWII buff. I could see a young child who liked reading the adventures of Molly (the American Girl doll on the homefront during WWII) and wanting to read something slightly more advanced enjoying this book, but that seems like a pretty slim audience. show less