Friends Are Like Stars

In a meaningful and emotionally aware story by Swemba and Walker-Parker, the night sky provides a link for “be-there-for-you-always” friends separated by a relocation. After “Vera and Grace’s close friendship moved galaxies away,” Vera longs for her “wishing-on-stars” pal. Each night, Vera finds her own favorite star and whispers a hope for Grace’s return, but when the season changes and the star itself goes missing, she’s bereft. A trip to the library yields astronomical answers, a new friendship, and a plan to share her sky with her old friend via a homemade star map. Crisp, on-theme narration astutely observes the protagonist’s emotional growth (“Vera found herself in a new galaxy”). Loosely detailed with fine lines, digital illustrations draw on emerald and sapphire tones and use a spray effect to add dazzle to the sky. The result is an aptly illuminating look at stargazing’s ability to comfort and unite. An endnote and activity conclude. Ages 4–8. (May)