I've been able to review some books for myself via Mother Talk, but this time I had the opportunity to review a children's book with Kayla. We were sent Nana Star, Nana Star and the Moonman, Nana Star doll, and the Moonman.
Kayla was excited when the box arrived as I told her it was an early birthday present; she couldn't wait to open it. Nice sister that she is, she immediately gave Lucas the Moonman and he seemed to take a liking to it right away! He likes looking at the big, smiley, yellow face! When you press the star on the tummy the face glows and it plays a lullaby. My only suggestion is a volume control as the lullaby is a bit loud; other than that he's very cuddly!
Kayla carried Nana Star around with her all afternoon, and she shares her with Lucas too. Perfect for little hands to grasp on to! The doll has a little star and a tree limb on her arms, just like in the book.
The books themselves are a fun adventure to read. The little girl finds a lost baby star and is on a quest to return the star to the sky, thus she is called "Nana Star." The next book has Nana Star meeting the Moonman who helps to calm her fears when she feels scared and alone.
The first two stories in the character-building Nana Star series promote positive values in a simple, imaginative manner accessible to the littlest listeners. Each book introduces a new friend who helps Nana Star on her way by embodying a traditional virtue.
One of the unique aspects to these books that I really like is that each book has a purposefully misspelled word. All Nana Star stories feature a mistake because Nana Star believes that in life we all make mistakes, yet, even with those mistakes, we can still create something beautiful. She reminds us that only God can make all things perfect! What a wonderful way to get a positive message across to young kids! You can also send Nana Star a note correcting the mistake and become an honorary member of the Nana Star Little Twinkles Club.
For the story behind Nana Star: Elizabeth Owens created the stories behind Nana Star from the stories she told her grandchildren as a way to keep in touch with them.
Each book comes with a CD that has the story plus a song. A portion of the proceeds from sales is donated to the Nana Star Foundation, which benefits terminally ill children and under-resourced urban schools.
We're watching for the next book in the series so we can find out who Nana Star befriends next, and how she gets the little star back where he belongs!
