“TOUCH THE BRIGHTEST STAR,” by Christie Matheson, Greenwillow Books, May 26, 2015, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 4-8)
When the sun goes down, magic happens. Wave goodbye to the sun as fireflies light up the sky. Stars come out and owls call to each other.
At first, the description of “Touch the Brightest Star” sounds like that of any other bedtime book, but when you open it, magic truly does happen.
“Touch the Brightest Star” is an interactive look at the nighttime sky and is a great companion to Christie Matheson’s “Tap the Magic Tree.” Young readers are asked to do something on one page, and the result is revealed on the following: “Gently press the firefly. Oh! Press again to light up the sky.”
My daughter is a bit young for this book right now, but I can picture her face lighting up with delight as the story plays out. The illustrations are beautiful and the text/story is perfect for inquiring little minds.
The publisher’s recommended age for “Touch the Brightest Star” is 4-8, but I have a hard time picturing an 8-year-old getting excited about this. It’s much too simple. I recommend ages 3-6, and perhaps a little younger for more advanced toddlers.
