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Shine
A lyrical and dramatic picture book about a moth who is afraid of the dark and embraces his authentic self. For fans of Little Tree and It Fell From the Sky .
A little moth hides from the dark, and doesn't want to leave his bright and cozy home. But here's a he loves watching the stars. They only come out at night, though . . . when it's dark outside.
One night, the stars give the moth the courage to go outside into the night. There, he makes friends with other creatures who are also afraid of the dark, and they play and sparkle under the stars. But will a dangerous encounter with a group of hungry frogs drive the moth back inside? Or will it encourage him to create his own light in the darkness?
Inspired by the author's own childhood memories of being afraid of the dark but drawn to the beauty of the night sky, Shine is a gorgeous debut picture book which will encourage readers to be their authentic selves . . . and glow!
A little moth hides from the dark, and doesn't want to leave his bright and cozy home. But here's a he loves watching the stars. They only come out at night, though . . . when it's dark outside.
One night, the stars give the moth the courage to go outside into the night. There, he makes friends with other creatures who are also afraid of the dark, and they play and sparkle under the stars. But will a dangerous encounter with a group of hungry frogs drive the moth back inside? Or will it encourage him to create his own light in the darkness?
Inspired by the author's own childhood memories of being afraid of the dark but drawn to the beauty of the night sky, Shine is a gorgeous debut picture book which will encourage readers to be their authentic selves . . . and glow!
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 30, 2024
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 22, 2024
This is a surprising little book. From the reduced but contrasting palette, which makes the illustrations striking and memorable, to how the topic of being afraid of the night is presented --as an allegory to other fears, even grown-ups fears-- this is a book I would think about often.
A little boy, a moth-boy, is afraid of the dark. Nothing is as dark as a moonless night, so the night, and all the unknowns it contains are at the center of the boy’s fears. But does he have a reason to be afraid? Well, yes. Bad things happen in the darkness. Our friends get lost. Or worse.
But in facing our fears, and losses, that’s where we find our strength. That’s where we get to shine.
Author and illustrator Bruno Valasse does a great job at recapturing those early fears to create a story that shows children how not to be afraid.
A lovely book with a deep heart and warm soul. I can see this one quickly become a favorite among my nephews and nieces, particularly as every illustration offers so many details to explore, tons of meaning in each of them
A little boy, a moth-boy, is afraid of the dark. Nothing is as dark as a moonless night, so the night, and all the unknowns it contains are at the center of the boy’s fears. But does he have a reason to be afraid? Well, yes. Bad things happen in the darkness. Our friends get lost. Or worse.
But in facing our fears, and losses, that’s where we find our strength. That’s where we get to shine.
Author and illustrator Bruno Valasse does a great job at recapturing those early fears to create a story that shows children how not to be afraid.
A lovely book with a deep heart and warm soul. I can see this one quickly become a favorite among my nephews and nieces, particularly as every illustration offers so many details to explore, tons of meaning in each of them
May 1, 2024
3.5 stars
The art was stunning and moved the rating up for me.
The art was stunning and moved the rating up for me.
August 30, 2024
Beautiful artwork but the plot line is confusing….🫤
August 30, 2023
"Once the danger passes, we find a new home. And we discover... that together, we can always be light in the darkness."
Shine was a very beautiful and moving picture book. This is geared towards kids but I think adults will love this just as much. The illustrations were gorgeous. I found myself immersed in the beautifulness of those illustrations. The story was so touching that it brought some joy to this black-hearted one.
Sometimes all we need to do is face our fears head-on and it's even better if we have friends in our corner.
Shine was a very beautiful and moving picture book. This is geared towards kids but I think adults will love this just as much. The illustrations were gorgeous. I found myself immersed in the beautifulness of those illustrations. The story was so touching that it brought some joy to this black-hearted one.
Sometimes all we need to do is face our fears head-on and it's even better if we have friends in our corner.
May 1, 2024
A beautiful moth is afraid of the dark, but the beautiful moth ALSO loves stars [and the friends he has when it is dark], so the beautiful moth faces it's fears and goes and plays with it's friends in the dark and learns how to both face it's fears AND help it's lovely, sparkling friends.
The author/illustrator of this book does an excellent job at communicating those early fears many of us have [of the dark, of those things we cannot see etc] and creating a story that shows children how to both NOT be afraid and how to work with others to help everyone around them. It is brilliantly done and I loved this so much. It was so gorgeously illustrated and those illustrations truly add to the overall feel of the story.
Just spectacular! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bruno Valasse, and Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author/illustrator of this book does an excellent job at communicating those early fears many of us have [of the dark, of those things we cannot see etc] and creating a story that shows children how to both NOT be afraid and how to work with others to help everyone around them. It is brilliantly done and I loved this so much. It was so gorgeously illustrated and those illustrations truly add to the overall feel of the story.
Just spectacular! I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bruno Valasse, and Penguin Random House Canada/Tundra Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
Inspired by the author's own fear of the dark it is the story of a moth who wants to look at the stars. It was a little short storywise, but cute and I really enjoyed the art.
3 stars
3 stars
June 12, 2024
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This is a picture book whose illustrations make you stop and take a second look to really appreciate the details. The story is simple but powerful about a moth that’s afraid of the dark. He learns to blend in and hide, but also enjoys spending time with fireflies who help light his way. One of the more powerful illustrations that made me take a second look is when they are playing but don’t realize there are frogs waiting to attack. When the little moth can’t save them, he realizes he can make himself big and scare the frogs off with his wings. There’s many great discussion points that can come from this story, from discussing fear, being brave and standing up for your friends. Highly recommended.
This is a picture book whose illustrations make you stop and take a second look to really appreciate the details. The story is simple but powerful about a moth that’s afraid of the dark. He learns to blend in and hide, but also enjoys spending time with fireflies who help light his way. One of the more powerful illustrations that made me take a second look is when they are playing but don’t realize there are frogs waiting to attack. When the little moth can’t save them, he realizes he can make himself big and scare the frogs off with his wings. There’s many great discussion points that can come from this story, from discussing fear, being brave and standing up for your friends. Highly recommended.
August 1, 2024
‘Shine’ with story and art by Bruno Valasse is a picture book about the power of embracing one's unique qualities.
The story follows a small moth who fears the dark. The moth would rather stay at home, warm and cozy. The only problem is that the moth loves the night sky and the twinkling stars. Can the moth overcome it's fear of the dark and find new wonders while flying around the night sky?
Told with beautiful illustrations, this is a really nice story about the night sky and the creatures who live there. I enjoyed this story. Especially the unusual illustrations.
The story follows a small moth who fears the dark. The moth would rather stay at home, warm and cozy. The only problem is that the moth loves the night sky and the twinkling stars. Can the moth overcome it's fear of the dark and find new wonders while flying around the night sky?
Told with beautiful illustrations, this is a really nice story about the night sky and the creatures who live there. I enjoyed this story. Especially the unusual illustrations.
September 25, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley and Tundra books for letting me read this book early!
This is a super sweet picture book about fears, and friendship. I really loved the art and the colour palette and can’t wait to see it in person.
This is a super sweet picture book about fears, and friendship. I really loved the art and the colour palette and can’t wait to see it in person.
June 11, 2024
I really liked this book and so did my kids! The illustrations were amazing and the story line was very beautiful. The only complaint that me and my kids both had was that we wanted the book to be longer!
January 3, 2024
Enchanting illustrations, entrancing literary story. Shine is a book about so many things, from the first line the prose draws the reader into a world of curiosity and philosophy. What is fear? What are the stars? What is beauty and home? A wonderful tale of not only exploring and finding your place, but also about real moths and biophilic design where mirroring nature moves our friend closer to their goals. Without having any spoilers, the turn from exploration to survival was unexpected, and could prove a little triggering for readers who struggle with depicted fear and distress of animals/nature. Throughout every page is a wonderful sense of majesty and the grand-wide world we live in, where enchanting communities are all around us, and each of us is a beautiful part of our community light. The classic handmade-feel throughout of the drawings and print illustrations joins with a modern aesthetic of mushrooms, insects, owls and the stars to make for a wonderful imaginative journey. This book will make a great addition to our studio library for writers and illustrators of all ages.
Note: This book was reviewed from an advance digital reading copy from the publisher. Art and story text may change when final version published from reviewed content.
Note: This book was reviewed from an advance digital reading copy from the publisher. Art and story text may change when final version published from reviewed content.
August 10, 2023
This is a very short picturebook with a very simple story. The illustrations are gorgeous, full page spreads in a beautiful limited color palette of red, green, black and tan. A little moth boy is afraid of the dark but loves looking at the stars. He makes friends with other bugs and they go out to play at night, but then a group of frogs eats a bunch of the bugs. The moth boy somehow shines to scare the frogs away and he and all his bug friends leave the forest to go live by the ocean and play in the light of the light house. As an adult, the story does not make much sense to me, but when I think of the children I read to at storytime, I think that wouldn't matter to them as much. The illustrations really carry the book and it's beautiful enough to enjoy reading, even if the story lacked cohesion.
#NetGalley #Shine
#NetGalley #Shine
August 22, 2023
This book is perfect for any little ones that may be demonstrating some anxieties or newfound fears. The moral is so powerful and so sweet- we all have a light within us and as we face our fears and let our shine, we’ll light the way for others, too. I thought it was so clever to make the main character of the story a moth- a creature that fears the dark and wants to be where it’s bright and lit. The 3 star rating is due to the fact that I felt like the book jumped to the end too quickly. I like short children's books but it almost seems like this one could use an extra few pages in the middle to make the message even more compelling. Nevertheless, it's the cutest concept and I’ll absolutely be looking for more from this author.
Thank you to the author and net galley for allowing me to read and review this adorable book.
Thank you to the author and net galley for allowing me to read and review this adorable book.
January 9, 2024
I wanted to love this book. I wanted this to be a book that would be great in an elementary school classroom, but sadly it was not. This book is about a boy from a family of butterflies, the family is scared of the dark. The boy is tired of being afraid of the dark so he goes out and decides to be brave. Once he is out he does not return to his family. While I think it is important to teach kids to be brave, this book does not discuss the reasons he becomes brave, does not discuss the things he is afraid of and what they mean. The book just shows him growing into his wings and flying off to be bright for others. No explanation, no story to guide the realization.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced e-reader copy of this book. Sadly this will not be a book that will make it into our classroom library.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an advanced e-reader copy of this book. Sadly this will not be a book that will make it into our classroom library.
February 20, 2024
Sweet, succinct delight.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of Shine, a beautiful new children's book. It is the perfect length and has a lovely little tale. The illustrations are an interesting slightly different color scheme than what you often see and I liked that it lends itself so well to the story.
Slightly inspirational, as the best children's books are, touches on home, family, safety etc. I felt it could have been a little more clear plotwise but it is more of a folk-tale variety it seems and doesn't go into much depth due to the age group for which it seems intended.
All in all a sweet story with interesting artsy folkish graphics/pictures. Pick up a copy for the child in your life when it releases this April!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books and NetGalley for allowing me to read an e-arc of Shine, a beautiful new children's book. It is the perfect length and has a lovely little tale. The illustrations are an interesting slightly different color scheme than what you often see and I liked that it lends itself so well to the story.
Slightly inspirational, as the best children's books are, touches on home, family, safety etc. I felt it could have been a little more clear plotwise but it is more of a folk-tale variety it seems and doesn't go into much depth due to the age group for which it seems intended.
All in all a sweet story with interesting artsy folkish graphics/pictures. Pick up a copy for the child in your life when it releases this April!
March 16, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
A picture book with clever illustrations and a striking palette, it follows a moth who is afraid of the dark but entranced by the stars. He ventures into the night and makes friends, but they all fall victim to frogs waiting in the dark. The team of insects moves on to find a lighthouse and enjoy the night. The end is punctuated with the moth being, “a light in the darkness,” and he and his friends are safe in their nighttime trek.
I like this book; the artwork is alluring, but I can’t help but feel that once you get into the story, it is too short and it feels like it leaves out a few details. Still, It is a dually thematic, encouraging readers to both overcome their fears and to be themselves. The artwork is super fun and the kids will enjoy it for storytime, the text heartening the readers to “shine” in the darkness.
A picture book with clever illustrations and a striking palette, it follows a moth who is afraid of the dark but entranced by the stars. He ventures into the night and makes friends, but they all fall victim to frogs waiting in the dark. The team of insects moves on to find a lighthouse and enjoy the night. The end is punctuated with the moth being, “a light in the darkness,” and he and his friends are safe in their nighttime trek.
I like this book; the artwork is alluring, but I can’t help but feel that once you get into the story, it is too short and it feels like it leaves out a few details. Still, It is a dually thematic, encouraging readers to both overcome their fears and to be themselves. The artwork is super fun and the kids will enjoy it for storytime, the text heartening the readers to “shine” in the darkness.
August 1, 2023
What happens when a moth is afraid of the dark? Shine is about a moth who does not like the darkness. In this story for young readers we get a vivid approach to being anxious of the dark and how to be their true selves.
First I want to point out how much I absolutely loved the art style in this book. It made me want to read more, and I did! Two more times! The art style suited the story wonderfully. I also liked how on point it is to portray being afraid of the dark but getting help from others making it less scary. Hopefully, young readers will enjoy this a lot and take comfort that they are not alone in being scared of the dark.
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
First I want to point out how much I absolutely loved the art style in this book. It made me want to read more, and I did! Two more times! The art style suited the story wonderfully. I also liked how on point it is to portray being afraid of the dark but getting help from others making it less scary. Hopefully, young readers will enjoy this a lot and take comfort that they are not alone in being scared of the dark.
Happy reading!♥️
I got this book for free from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2024
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This picture book has layers in just a few words. It also has a sense of wonder. It's amazing what authors can do with such spare verse and give you a warm, loving feeling. At one point, I was saying, "Oh no! That can't happen." Which just proves I was vested in this tiny, shiny story.
Here are some of my musings after reading:
What does it mean to shine?
How do you shine?
What happens to fears when you shine?
How does the world change when you shine?
The illustrations are also engaging, and I loved the loose style.
I think this book has great re-readability. And I highly recommend it!
Happy (shining) reading!
This picture book has layers in just a few words. It also has a sense of wonder. It's amazing what authors can do with such spare verse and give you a warm, loving feeling. At one point, I was saying, "Oh no! That can't happen." Which just proves I was vested in this tiny, shiny story.
Here are some of my musings after reading:
What does it mean to shine?
How do you shine?
What happens to fears when you shine?
How does the world change when you shine?
The illustrations are also engaging, and I loved the loose style.
I think this book has great re-readability. And I highly recommend it!
Happy (shining) reading!
February 2, 2024
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
This picture book has layers in just a few words. It also has a sense of wonder. It's amazing what authors can do with such spare verse and give you a warm, loving feeling. At one point, I was saying, "Oh no! That can't happen." Which just proves I was vested in this tiny, shiny story.
Here are some of my musings after reading:
What does it mean to shine?
How do you shine?
What happens to fears when you shine?
How does the world change when you shine?
The illustrations are also engaging, and I loved the loose style.
I think this book has great re-readability. And I highly recommend it!
Happy (shining) reading!
This picture book has layers in just a few words. It also has a sense of wonder. It's amazing what authors can do with such spare verse and give you a warm, loving feeling. At one point, I was saying, "Oh no! That can't happen." Which just proves I was vested in this tiny, shiny story.
Here are some of my musings after reading:
What does it mean to shine?
How do you shine?
What happens to fears when you shine?
How does the world change when you shine?
The illustrations are also engaging, and I loved the loose style.
I think this book has great re-readability. And I highly recommend it!
Happy (shining) reading!
March 8, 2024
I received an electronic ARC from Penguin Random House Canada through NetGalley.
Sweet story of a moth who finds their courage to venture out in the dark. Readers meet this small moth as they share their story of being happy inside in the light. But, they also like the moon and the stars so they find friends who are scared too and venture out together. All is well until they remember predators are always there. Moth finds his boldness, spreads his wings and flies/shines to save his friends. The artwork is detailed and readers will love looking for the various animals included. The story allows readers to see how shy and nervous the main character is until they tap inner strength to save others.
Sweet story of a moth who finds their courage to venture out in the dark. Readers meet this small moth as they share their story of being happy inside in the light. But, they also like the moon and the stars so they find friends who are scared too and venture out together. All is well until they remember predators are always there. Moth finds his boldness, spreads his wings and flies/shines to save his friends. The artwork is detailed and readers will love looking for the various animals included. The story allows readers to see how shy and nervous the main character is until they tap inner strength to save others.
April 29, 2024
If every children’s book has a message, you won’t find one more on the nose than in Shine by Bruno Valasse. Or maybe I should say “on the wing”? In this sweet short story, a moth wants to explore the dark but is afraid of what it might encounter. It takes courage and self-belief for the moth to shine in a dark world.
Spelling-binding illustrations captivate readers’ attention, bringing them into this whimsical nighttime world of insects. Shine is great validation for kids who are growing healthy fears about the world around them, and for just about anyone who remembers the days of fighting monsters at bedtime.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for providing this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Spelling-binding illustrations captivate readers’ attention, bringing them into this whimsical nighttime world of insects. Shine is great validation for kids who are growing healthy fears about the world around them, and for just about anyone who remembers the days of fighting monsters at bedtime.
Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley for providing this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
September 3, 2023
I was charmed from start to finish with this simple story of a lightning bug learning to face his fears - notably that of the dark! The illustrations by Mexican artist Bruno Valasse truly elevate the narrative. The color palate is vibrant but minimal - limited to gold, teal, and rust along with black and white. The first person narrative keeps the universal personal and is full of heart. The opening lines capture it all, " This is a story about stars. No, it's a story about fear. Or maybe it's a story about me? Actually, this is a story about all of those things."
Many thanks to NetGalley for access to this early-release digital edition.
Many thanks to NetGalley for access to this early-release digital edition.
October 21, 2023
thank you netgalley for the ARC!
oh my god you guys, this picture book is just toooooooo cute. the art is INCREDIBLE — seriously, the use of color is just absolutely exceptional, and the art style (like the designs of the little moth people) is precious. I could look at this forever.
the story is very short and sweet, a great read for parents with very little kids. the message is one of empowerment and overcoming your fears, so it's a great choice for shy kids who need a reminder that everyone shines.
an easy five stars from me especially for the art style, which is just stunning. seriously. I want framed prints of this little moth guy. SO CUTE
oh my god you guys, this picture book is just toooooooo cute. the art is INCREDIBLE — seriously, the use of color is just absolutely exceptional, and the art style (like the designs of the little moth people) is precious. I could look at this forever.
the story is very short and sweet, a great read for parents with very little kids. the message is one of empowerment and overcoming your fears, so it's a great choice for shy kids who need a reminder that everyone shines.
an easy five stars from me especially for the art style, which is just stunning. seriously. I want framed prints of this little moth guy. SO CUTE
May 3, 2024
wow. the tension in this debut picture book about fears, friendship, and becoming is...breathtaking. the illustrative style is charming and enough to almost distract you from the subtle menace. I mean, just look at that cover, really look..that frog, lurking--delicious. delightful.
also the words; paced and accompanied well for the most dramatic and hard-won affect. I love our hero has to both recognize their potential and the risk in demonstrating. the book offers an inspiring message, but grounds it in harsher realities, and neither the acknowledge realities and the empowering message undermines the overall whimsical nature of the tale: which is charming and entertaining.
also the words; paced and accompanied well for the most dramatic and hard-won affect. I love our hero has to both recognize their potential and the risk in demonstrating. the book offers an inspiring message, but grounds it in harsher realities, and neither the acknowledge realities and the empowering message undermines the overall whimsical nature of the tale: which is charming and entertaining.
August 16, 2023
This is a beautifully illustrated book that does a wonderful job of showing just how strong and capable we are of facing our fears when we allow ourselves to truly shine. The limited color pallete and whimsical, textured artwork really evoke the almost magical quality of night - how something so deep and still can also be brimming with life and light. The message is sweet, simple, and stays with you after the last page is read.
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the eARC of this very enjoyable book!
Thank you to the author and to NetGalley for the eARC of this very enjoyable book!
August 30, 2023
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow a little moth boy as he wanders in the darkness outside. The full moon tempts him to go out, and he does, but something sinister lurks there, too. He plays around with other fireflies, who all venture toward the open sea and lighthouse. It's a quick and straightforward read for youngsters who enjoy things at night. "Shine" shows that no matter how dark it is, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. A fascinating read.
Follow a little moth boy as he wanders in the darkness outside. The full moon tempts him to go out, and he does, but something sinister lurks there, too. He plays around with other fireflies, who all venture toward the open sea and lighthouse. It's a quick and straightforward read for youngsters who enjoy things at night. "Shine" shows that no matter how dark it is, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. A fascinating read.
September 5, 2023
Shine follows a moth who is afraid of the dark but loves the stars. I love the message of doing things even when one is afraid and how it highlights the importance of community. The color palate is showcased on the cover and the following illustrations are complex which pairs nicely with the simple, lyrical text.
I’m excited to share this book with my friends who teach little ones!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I’m excited to share this book with my friends who teach little ones!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
October 15, 2023
Stunningly illustrated children’s book about fears and coming together.
I really enjoyed the artwork throughout this book. It did a great job at capturing the twinkle and shine of the stars. Overall, I felt this book was a bit lacking in the length of the story - I think it would have benefited from a bit more plot or reflection. However, it was a beautiful quick read about overcoming fear with other by your side to experience the beauty you’d otherwise miss out on
Thanks NetGalley and Tundra Books for the ARC of this book.
I really enjoyed the artwork throughout this book. It did a great job at capturing the twinkle and shine of the stars. Overall, I felt this book was a bit lacking in the length of the story - I think it would have benefited from a bit more plot or reflection. However, it was a beautiful quick read about overcoming fear with other by your side to experience the beauty you’d otherwise miss out on
Thanks NetGalley and Tundra Books for the ARC of this book.
November 20, 2023
A beautiful picture book about a moth and friends, who are afraid of the dark, but find light as they face their fears. The illustrations are amazing, and the big stand out of this book. There is so much to see and discover in each picture. It's a feast for your eyes and imagination. This story also has a lovely message about getting out of your comfort zone and discovering new things as moth faces down their fears and realizing that they are stronger than they thought. A wonderful story for the whole family.
May 31, 2024
“Shine” follows a moth going out into the night. He hides and blends in with the world around him. He has to protect some friends from an animal that blended in very well too. Since this is just a moth and not a firefly I am not really sure why it’s called shine. I don’t like the way the moths look like humans and other insects don’t. The final page where the moth and his friends (who all look like bugs) are supposed to be in a safe place; look like they are in a bug zapper to me. That ruins the warm fuzzy feeling readers should be getting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews