The Life of a Star
What’s inside...
The Life of a Star is a children's illustration book created by Delaney Greaves. It started as a short comic in 2016, exploring the sun's purpose in the solar system and the meaningful creation of all life. Delaney, a self-published artist with a BFA in animation, shares her journey through art, from craft markets to caricature careers. The book contrasts the original drawings from Delaney's high school and early college years with the finished product. Support her work at https://deevtoons.carrd.co.
Age
3-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to be a star in the sky?
How do you think stars help us here on Earth?
Can you imagine how a star is born and how it changes over time?
Why do you think the star in the story felt happy when it lit up the night sky?
How do you think the story would change if the star had friends in the sky?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story with open-ended questions.
Relate the life cycle of a star to everyday life experiences to make it more understandable and relatable.
Discuss the importance of individual roles and how everyone, like stars, has a unique part to play in the universe.
Use illustrations in the book to spark conversations about the science and beauty of stars.
After reading, stargaze together to connect the story to the real world, enhancing the learning experience.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist in 'The Life of a Star' faces numerous challenges as she grows from a small star to a dazzling supernova, demonstrating the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply the concept of perseverance to their daily activities such as completing school assignments or learning new skills, understanding that persistence leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: 'The Life of a Star' highlights how stars often exist in clusters or galaxies, working together to create a beautiful night sky, teaching kids the value of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in team-based activities, whether in sports, school projects, or family tasks, emphasizing the benefits of working collectively.
Example Lesson: Change and Transformation
Explanation: The life cycle of a star, from its formation to its end as a supernova or black hole, provides a narrative on the inevitability and beauty of change.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to transitions in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a sibling, helping them embrace change positively.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The story's exploration of cosmic phenomena sparks curiosity about astronomy and science.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to explore scientific subjects, engage in stargazing, or visit planetariums, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Importance of Dreams
Explanation: The star in the book dreams of becoming the brightest in the sky, symbolizing the importance of having dreams and aspirations.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to dream big and set goals for themselves, understanding that with hard work and determination, they can achieve great things.