Comet & Star

PreS-Gr 2--For a star, life within the vastness of the universe can be a lonely experience. After existing for years on its own, one particular star is surprised to see a comet speeding along a path that will connect the two entities for a brief moment. But because their time together is so limited, the star does not receive an immediate response to its request for friendship, which leads to another 76 years of silence and solitude. Once the comet is again brought into proximity of the star, however, their bond is strengthened, and they begin to look forward to the next time their paths will cross. This charming picture book imagines an anthropomorphic identity for a star and a comet in the night sky. The text uses brief phrases to effectively describe what is occurring in the minds of these celestial bodies. Because of the brevity of the narrative, the book is accessible to young readers and provides a convenient foundation from which to explain entities, such as Halley's Comet, that travel through the universe. Supporting the text are soft, detailed illustrations that offer readers myriad thoughts to consider as they read the story. Additionally, because there is not always a direct connection between the words and the images, readers can creatively interpret their meaning and intent. VERDICT Unique and utterly accessible, this sweet friendship story is a delightful addition to library collections for young readers.--Mary R. Lanni

This friendship story is out of this world. A lonely star in the sky just wants a companion. In the distance, it spies a comet with a tail that "sparkle[s] like a flame." The star is thrilled and cries out, "Will you be my friend?" But the comet flies by without stopping, and the star starts to cry. After 76 years, the comet passes by again, raising the star's hopes. The comet apologizes for its silence and enthusiastically answers that they can indeed be friends. Calling out, "Let's meet again in another 76 years," the comet races off. Their meeting, separation, and eventual union are chronicled in an amateur astronomer's notebook featuring drawings, photographs, and doodles of the sky throughout the years. Translated from Korean, this is a lovely tribute to the power of patience, the wonders of our universe, and friendship triumphing over loneliness. The spare text complements the soft, detailed illustrations, rendered in a warm palette of blue, orange, and yellow to express both the dismay the star feels at the missed connection and the joy of forging a bond in this vast universe. A concluding note briefly cites Halley's Comet and its multi-decade trajectory as inspiration for this beautifully told tale. The hands seen drawing in the notebook are tan-skinned. Heartfelt evidence that true connections exist in the cosmos and beyond. (Picture book. 4-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.