How the Stars Came to Be
on Goodreads (287)
What’s inside...
The Fisherman’s Daughter loved to dance in the sunlight and bathe in the moon's glow. When the moon disappeared for a few nights each month, she worried about her father finding his way home from sea in the dark. One night, the sun saw her sobbing and shattered one of his rays to create stars. He tasked the girl with placing the stars in the night sky, giving us a new folk tale and a new way to look up at the night sky.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about how the stars were created in the story?
How do you feel when you look at the stars at night?
Can you imagine your own story of how the stars came to be?
Why do you think the girl in the book wanted to fill the sky with light?
How do the illustrations make you feel about the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the stars and the night sky. This can deepen their connection to the story.
Ask your child to draw their version of the night sky or to create a story about the origins of stars, enhancing their creativity and understanding of the book's themes.
Discuss the cultural significance of stars in various stories and myths. This can expand their knowledge and appreciation for different perspectives.
Relate the story to personal experiences, such as a family stargazing trip or a night-time event, making the reading experience more relatable and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: The story illustrates how the fish generously give up their scales to create stars and light up the sky.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share with others and understand that acts of generosity can bring joy and beauty to the world.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: The transformation of fish scales into stars fuels the narrative, showcasing creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to use their imagination to solve problems and create positive change in their environment.
Example Lesson: Interconnectedness of nature
Explanation: The book highlights the relationship between the ocean and the sky, and how both elements work together to balance nature.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of caring for the environment and observing how different elements of nature are interdependent.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: The daughter's determination to solve the problem of the dark night sky exemplifies persistence.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of staying dedicated to their goals, despite challenges, to achieve a worthwhile outcome.