Reach for the Stars

by Emily Calandrelli, Honee Jang (Illustrator)

Overview

From Emmy-nominated science TV star and host of Netflix’s hit series Emily’s Wonder Lab Emily Calandrelli comes an inspirational message of love and positivity.

From the moment we are born, we reach out. We reach out for our loved ones, for new knowledge and experiences, and for our dreams!

Whether celebrating life’s joyous milestones, sharing words of encouragement, or observing the wonder of the world around us, this uplifting book will inspire readers of every age. A celebration of love and shared discovery, this book will encourage readers to reach for the stars!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250797346
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	04/05/2022
Pages:	40
Sales rank:	288,480
Product dimensions:	9.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD540L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Emily Calandrelli is an MIT-educated engineer turned Emmy-nominated science TV host. She is the host of her own Netflix show, Emily's Wonder Lab, and was a correspondent on Bill Nye Saves the World, as well as the host of FOX's Xploration Outer Space. Emily is on a mission to make science accessible for everyone, no matter their educational background. She is the author of the Ada Lace Adventures chapter book series.

Honee Jang is a Korean American illustrator and designer for children’s books based in London. Her passion lies in evoking curiosity in young readers to understand their emotions and surroundings better. When she is not making art, Honee spends her time reading books, writing letters, and planning where to travel next.

Editorial Reviews

05/09/2022

A dark-haired, light-skinned parent writes an ode to their pale, honey-haired infant in this rhyming picture book by TV personality Calandrelli, host of Emily’s Wonder Lab. Using a light refrain of “The more you reach, the more you learn./ There’s so much here to see,” couplets encourage the maturing child to seek knowledge and experiences, as their parent wonders about future milestones including college and beyond, musing at what they’ll teach when the time comes: “You’ll reach for your boogie board/ and catch a wave or two.// I’ll teach you how the lunar pull/ made those tides for you.” Vintage-style digital illustrations by Jang supplement additional details as the child ages: alongside “I’ll teach you words like ‘universe’/ as you begin to talk,” the parent is shown explaining a solar system model to their toddler, who sits rapt with hands folded atop the sun. A gentle affirmation for science-inclined kids and their parents. Ages 4–8. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

03/01/2022

Gr 1–4—Calandrelli spins a story that will inspire girls to be whatever they want to be—an important message for the young. Even better, the story is told from the perspective of the child's mother. "The more you reach, the more you learn./ There's so much here to see./ The world has wonders waiting/ for your curiosity." This mother, whose features suggest that she is Asian, alongside her partner (the girl's father), who is white, is always encouraging her daughter to reach for the stars and experience all she can as she grows up. Whether it's about space, outdoor activities, or becoming president, she inspires her daughter through activities in the family. As the daughter grows older, the mother encourages her to ask her for assistance, be a team player, and help others. Eventually, the mother sends out a hope that when she can no longer teach her daughter things, they will still talk. VERDICT A timeless story of a family of strong intelligent women, this is a solid additional purchase for the shelves.—David Roberts

School Library Journal