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Hello, Star
When a young girl learns that a bright light in the sky is coming from a dying star, she promises to keep it company until the light goes out. Every night the girl reassures her friend that she is still there.
As the years pass, the girl learns everything she can about planets, space, and the universe, inspired by her dimming friend—until she realizes she needs to do something more.
This touching tribute to stars, space, and science celebrates how a small act of compassion can flourish into a life full of meaning and wonder.
As the years pass, the girl learns everything she can about planets, space, and the universe, inspired by her dimming friend—until she realizes she needs to do something more.
This touching tribute to stars, space, and science celebrates how a small act of compassion can flourish into a life full of meaning and wonder.
Unknown Binding
First published September 28, 2021
3 people are currently reading
336 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic
11 books98 followersStephanie has done a few things in life. She has sold women shoes and frozen yogurt as well as smelly, expensive body lotion and smellier, even more expensive cheese. She has worked on a Jacques Pepin cooking show and been a cookbook editor. She has written about books, food, parenting, TV, vampire dating habits, cocktail trivia, and picky eating.
She has lived in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, England, Boston, and San Francisco.
She has attended a swank ball at University of Cambridge with Prince Charles (not that he was her date or anything just that he was also invited) and rebuilt trails with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Now she writes children's books surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. She loves reading books and watching television shows in equal numbers and thinks everyone should try pairing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with bourbon.
She has lived in Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Ann Arbor, England, Boston, and San Francisco.
She has attended a swank ball at University of Cambridge with Prince Charles (not that he was her date or anything just that he was also invited) and rebuilt trails with the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
Now she writes children's books surrounded by a few kids, a few cats, and one husband. She loves reading books and watching television shows in equal numbers and thinks everyone should try pairing Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups with bourbon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 18, 2021
Watching a dying star and keeping it company, a young girl develops a beautiful empathy for a celestial object and also a lifetime of curiosity.
Something I loved is how this book read like children’s literature. The author used textures to describe things like the night sky and the clouds. Those details really helped her unique voice to shine through. Together with the illustrations, the book goes way beyond the scope of most children’s books to show a girl’s life of wonderment and scientific exploration. It spoke to me as a mother of two daughters. What do they see when they look up at the night sky? How can I encourage them to follow that curiosity themselves?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ste...
Something I loved is how this book read like children’s literature. The author used textures to describe things like the night sky and the clouds. Those details really helped her unique voice to shine through. Together with the illustrations, the book goes way beyond the scope of most children’s books to show a girl’s life of wonderment and scientific exploration. It spoke to me as a mother of two daughters. What do they see when they look up at the night sky? How can I encourage them to follow that curiosity themselves?
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at: https://zibbyowens.com/transcript/ste...
November 18, 2021
I'll be giving Hello, Star by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic to my friends with kids aged 4-9. It's a story about a young girl who spots a blue giant star in the sky and is inspired to learn all she can about it until she eventually becomes an astronaut. The illustrations by Vashti Harrison perfectly capture the beauty and wonder experienced by the girl as she looks to the sky and eventually travels to space. I know it will be a big hit with the aerospace engineers in my life.
April 7, 2022
This was a nice book about the journey a young girl took with the star she adored as a little girl and into her womanhood. This book may lose your young listener's interest as it is more detailed and wordy.
September 29, 2022
This picture book is absolutely stunning. Because it deals with the theme of death, I'm not going to read it for storytime, but the illustrations are luminous, and the writing is exceptional. This is incredibly unique and meaningful, and I would highly recommend this to kids and adults.
January 19, 2022
A young girl spots a bright star in the night sky. She finds out that it's a supernova. This seemingly innocuous incident sparks a lifelong passion in the girl and pushes her to achieve her big dreams as she grows into a woman.
What a lovely book! It's a realistic story but the illustrator captured the girl's excitement in touches of whimsy throughout. The soft focus of the artwork gives the book the feel of a dream, even while the girl/woman is working hard to do real things. One spread near the end gives me goosebumps.
I especially love that the girl is fascinated by science. By leaving her unnamed, the author invites her young readers to see themselves in the story. I hope this beautiful book inspires young dreamers to reach for their own stars, whatever they may be.
What a lovely book! It's a realistic story but the illustrator captured the girl's excitement in touches of whimsy throughout. The soft focus of the artwork gives the book the feel of a dream, even while the girl/woman is working hard to do real things. One spread near the end gives me goosebumps.
I especially love that the girl is fascinated by science. By leaving her unnamed, the author invites her young readers to see themselves in the story. I hope this beautiful book inspires young dreamers to reach for their own stars, whatever they may be.
February 5, 2022
Beautifully written. I had a tear in my eye at the end, it's not often a book for young children makes me that emotional 💜
April 26, 2022
“Did you know stars die? Isn’t that sad?” That question from the mouth of Stephanie Lucianovic’s six year old son, Henry, was the inspiration for the book I am sharing today. Sometimes our children ask questions that touch our hearts and give us pause, “Do worms snuggle to keep warm in the winter?” (They do!) or make observations so simple and yet so profound “I think the trees are telling each other a storm is coming” (they do talk to each other!). But perhaps we should all try to let these questions and thoughts inspire us - inspire us to wonder at nature, but also to teach us to live better with the natural and one another. It seems that Lucianovic has done just that with this moving story inspired but the empathy of a six year old boy who showed compassion for a ball of gas far away.
“Hello, Star”
✍️: Stephanie V.W, Lucianovic (@grubreport)
🎨: the one and only Vashti Harrison (@vashtiharrison)
“Hello, Star” is the story of a young girl who looks up at the night sky and sees a brightly glowing star and is saddened when her mother tells her that it is a dying supernova. How sad it is that the star is dying alone out there in space without comfort or witness. This connection to and empathy for her star are a catalyst for the young to learn about space as she grows and realizes just to know about her star is not enough - she needs to visit and vows to her star that she will find a way. A beautiful and loving story, the touching narrative is rivaled only by the stunning artwork created by Vashti Harrison (honestly anything with Harrison’s name on it can find a home on our bookshelves as she is perhaps one of the most thoughtful and skilled contemporary illustrators I have come across.) Even the inside covers are a tribute to great minds in space exploration with a special emphasis on Black women - the poster of Mae Jemison and the doll of Nichelle Nichols (of Star Trek fame who was the first Black woman to play a lead role on television made me squeal with delight). This book is a gift - a celebration of space, but also our humanity. Add it to your list for your next library run or just go ahead and buy it, you won’t regret it! (Find it in my bookshop ✨)
“Hello, Star”
✍️: Stephanie V.W, Lucianovic (@grubreport)
🎨: the one and only Vashti Harrison (@vashtiharrison)
“Hello, Star” is the story of a young girl who looks up at the night sky and sees a brightly glowing star and is saddened when her mother tells her that it is a dying supernova. How sad it is that the star is dying alone out there in space without comfort or witness. This connection to and empathy for her star are a catalyst for the young to learn about space as she grows and realizes just to know about her star is not enough - she needs to visit and vows to her star that she will find a way. A beautiful and loving story, the touching narrative is rivaled only by the stunning artwork created by Vashti Harrison (honestly anything with Harrison’s name on it can find a home on our bookshelves as she is perhaps one of the most thoughtful and skilled contemporary illustrators I have come across.) Even the inside covers are a tribute to great minds in space exploration with a special emphasis on Black women - the poster of Mae Jemison and the doll of Nichelle Nichols (of Star Trek fame who was the first Black woman to play a lead role on television made me squeal with delight). This book is a gift - a celebration of space, but also our humanity. Add it to your list for your next library run or just go ahead and buy it, you won’t regret it! (Find it in my bookshop ✨)
October 21, 2021
This book made me cry literally twice in the span of one night. The intelligent way the text by Lucianovic blends with Harrison's stunning colored pencil pastels makes this a captivating read for adults and children alike. I cannot get over the illustration spread when the girl, now grown up, looks up to the sky on one page while her younger self does the same as a mirror image on the other page. It's gorgeous, heartfelt, and so, so beautiful.
At its core, this is a story about a young child who learns a star is dying and not only commits to keeping it company but also to learning more about space. As she ages, this takes the form of reading her own books on the subject, studying astronomy in college, and becoming an astronaut. There's a bit of fabulism in the pages with her traveling to the moon to get a closer view of her dying star, and that too fits so perfectly into the narrative. An author's note at the end complements this lovely story with some space facts and breaks down the story's origin.
You honestly can't go wrong with this book and it's worth owning a copy of your own so you can return to the beautiful words and illustrations whenever you want. This is also a fabulous holiday gift option. Supply chain issues mean we unfortunately can't know how reliable stores' current stock is so consider ordering early. This is a beautiful book that I highly recommend for any collection.
At its core, this is a story about a young child who learns a star is dying and not only commits to keeping it company but also to learning more about space. As she ages, this takes the form of reading her own books on the subject, studying astronomy in college, and becoming an astronaut. There's a bit of fabulism in the pages with her traveling to the moon to get a closer view of her dying star, and that too fits so perfectly into the narrative. An author's note at the end complements this lovely story with some space facts and breaks down the story's origin.
You honestly can't go wrong with this book and it's worth owning a copy of your own so you can return to the beautiful words and illustrations whenever you want. This is also a fabulous holiday gift option. Supply chain issues mean we unfortunately can't know how reliable stores' current stock is so consider ordering early. This is a beautiful book that I highly recommend for any collection.
June 14, 2024
The narrator of this highly emotional story is a little girl who gives herself a project that seems noble and important. Personally, I wish that this character talked more with her mother, who is an active character in this book, and appears to be understanding.
Understanding -- and also, reasonably in touch with reality.
BASICALLY, HERE'S THE DEAL
From her mother, the girl learns that a very big star in the sky is a supernova. It will shine brightly for a long time until it "finally fades away."
The girl has a very emotional response to this news, and takes it upon herself to "comfort" the star.
Personally, I find this book to be sentimental and kind of annoying. Still, how do I rate books here on Goodreads?
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy, Goodreaders, is to rate books based on the likely reactions of the intended readership. For this title, I'm sure there are many young readers who are lonely or socially isolated, or who live in a family where there are distressing problems, like alcoholism.
Such kids might find welcome consolation in this book. Seems to me, it's designed to help readers to feel noble... while they have a good cry.
FIVE STARS, then.
Understanding -- and also, reasonably in touch with reality.
BASICALLY, HERE'S THE DEAL
From her mother, the girl learns that a very big star in the sky is a supernova. It will shine brightly for a long time until it "finally fades away."
The girl has a very emotional response to this news, and takes it upon herself to "comfort" the star.
Personally, I find this book to be sentimental and kind of annoying. Still, how do I rate books here on Goodreads?
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy, Goodreaders, is to rate books based on the likely reactions of the intended readership. For this title, I'm sure there are many young readers who are lonely or socially isolated, or who live in a family where there are distressing problems, like alcoholism.
Such kids might find welcome consolation in this book. Seems to me, it's designed to help readers to feel noble... while they have a good cry.
FIVE STARS, then.
December 5, 2023
First, I'd like to thank Hachette Book Group Canada for sending me a copy in exchange for a review.
Since we're getting into the holiday season, no better time than to start looking for some awesome children's books! Hello, Star is definitely a book you'll want to add to your gift ideas, whether they're for yourself or for someone who has littles!
Honestly there's not much to discuss as it is a children's book so it's a short and quick read. I would recommend it either be a group read along like in a classroom, or one on one with your little as it's a great book that talks about not only a girl with a fascination for the stars and planets, but to also how you can be there for someone and show compassion. There's definitely different levels to the book that you could totally extend on learning with!
Overall, this is a book you'll want to have on hand or gift to others. A quick read that's great for teaching as well as inspiring even for adults. I really loved that the young girl loved to learn about space and the universe even as she got older, as that's something that can happen with kids is their loves will change, but some things remain.
Since we're getting into the holiday season, no better time than to start looking for some awesome children's books! Hello, Star is definitely a book you'll want to add to your gift ideas, whether they're for yourself or for someone who has littles!
Honestly there's not much to discuss as it is a children's book so it's a short and quick read. I would recommend it either be a group read along like in a classroom, or one on one with your little as it's a great book that talks about not only a girl with a fascination for the stars and planets, but to also how you can be there for someone and show compassion. There's definitely different levels to the book that you could totally extend on learning with!
Overall, this is a book you'll want to have on hand or gift to others. A quick read that's great for teaching as well as inspiring even for adults. I really loved that the young girl loved to learn about space and the universe even as she got older, as that's something that can happen with kids is their loves will change, but some things remain.
February 22, 2022
This beautiful book by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and illustrator Vashti Harrison bring to life the perspective that we all have the ability and do transform over time.
My 10 year old daughter is very captivated by space and the story line here about the star dying and transforming gave us much to talk and wonder about.
So much is possible and seeing a young girl turn women and become an astronaut shows my daughter that girls are capable of so much . Dream big!
The story is touching and inspiring and the art is well “ out of this world” ,capturing the wondrous mood the words create.
The book opened many new doors that my daughter and I now will look forward to learning more about .
@lynhannsbookad1
#momdaughterfavbooks
My 10 year old daughter is very captivated by space and the story line here about the star dying and transforming gave us much to talk and wonder about.
So much is possible and seeing a young girl turn women and become an astronaut shows my daughter that girls are capable of so much . Dream big!
The story is touching and inspiring and the art is well “ out of this world” ,capturing the wondrous mood the words create.
The book opened many new doors that my daughter and I now will look forward to learning more about .
@lynhannsbookad1
#momdaughterfavbooks
October 9, 2021
While this book is technically information fiction, that seems like a very dry and cold term to apply to this heartwarming story that both teaches concepts empathy along with astronomy. Stephanie Lucianovic’s spare and poetic text weaves a beautiful tale of connection between a little girl and a star outside of our solar system. I’m such a big fan of the author’s understated writing style that packs big emotional punches (see also her subversively endearing THE END OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL). Paired with stunning illustrations by Vashti Harrison, this picture book is, in my opinion, a must-have for every home and school/public library.
November 7, 2021
“The girl felt her heart pinch at the idea of the star slowly losing its light all the way out there on its own.”
A young girl observes a SuperNova in the sky and becomes fascinated with the idea of reaching that star. “Hello, Star. I know you’re scared, but you’re not alone.” She begins to question and read everything she can about the stars. She becomes determined to find a way to get to her star. So, she becomes an astronaut. “Every moment brought her closer to the long trip she would take, and the woman felt a spark of excitement and hope in her heart.”
Beautiful.
A young girl observes a SuperNova in the sky and becomes fascinated with the idea of reaching that star. “Hello, Star. I know you’re scared, but you’re not alone.” She begins to question and read everything she can about the stars. She becomes determined to find a way to get to her star. So, she becomes an astronaut. “Every moment brought her closer to the long trip she would take, and the woman felt a spark of excitement and hope in her heart.”
Beautiful.
November 21, 2021
A young girl is fascinated by a particular star and her interest in this star (that is dying) grows as she continues to learn more. Her interest and dedication lead her into a career as a scientist, and she goes to space to visit the star. As I was reading, I was waiting for the name of this "girl" to be revealed, and I admit that I was a bit disappointed to learn that this was indeed a fiction story. Perhaps it will motivate someone to follow this career path in reality. Favorite line: "...so she went to the library and carried home slipping stacks of books to read with her parents."
January 10, 2022
I loved the heartfelt connection between the young girl and the struggling supernova and the girl's persistence to learn more and strengthen that relationship. She supported the star, but the star supported her dreams of exploring science and the universe. The spread with contrasting pictures of the girl and her adult astronaut self is stunning. The idea of a moon walk is great and it does mean the girl is now closer to the supernova, but the conclusion was not satisfying for me. Maybe the star knew the girl pushed her limits to get to the moon and that was enough?
June 3, 2022
Sweet. Really nice art and nice text. This is one of those idea books that mostly pull its idea off. Where does one get the inspiration for what to do with ones life. In this book we get to see the making of an astronomer, the making of an astronaut. The progression is clear and it is earned. And it is kind of beautiful. It might could have given us even more of a view of the girl, I did feel her journey as much as I wanted to. But really good, and it would be great to see more of this sort of thing. Also a pretty good afterword.
July 17, 2022
Hello Star helps children to see a connectedness between themselves & the universe beyond.
When she finds out that the wonderfully bright star is actually dying, she whispers, "Hello, Star. I know you're scared, but you're not alone." Such compassion comes from the heart. What a tender story about a little girl who grows up to be an astronaut who travels into outer space to say, "Hello, Sta. I'm here."
Beautiful illustrations match beautiful text.
Thumbs up for a wonderful fictional picture book to pair with nonfiction.
When she finds out that the wonderfully bright star is actually dying, she whispers, "Hello, Star. I know you're scared, but you're not alone." Such compassion comes from the heart. What a tender story about a little girl who grows up to be an astronaut who travels into outer space to say, "Hello, Sta. I'm here."
Beautiful illustrations match beautiful text.
Thumbs up for a wonderful fictional picture book to pair with nonfiction.
October 30, 2022
Well, did this story pack quite an emotional punch! The artwork was simply stunning, with so many beautiful cool colors adding to the spectacle of space. A neat way to watch the journey of a child interested in stars, the creation of a recent supernova, and use that curiosity to get involved in STEM projects and eventually become as astronaut. And on another emotional level, the story of the dying star waiting for someone to come meet her was just a completely unexpected “human” side to the scientific journey that the human character underwent. Perfectly paired! Highly recommend!
June 20, 2021
Wow, what a breathtaking book! The girl's curiosity and compassion for the dying star is relatable to readers young and old, and it's inspiring how she turns her passion into a journey to the stars as she grows up. With the lyrical text and stunning illustrations, this story is sure to ignite readers' curiosity about stars and space. I got to read this as a digital ARC, and highly recommend this beautiful story!
October 15, 2021
A dying star awakens one curious girl's lifelong love of the cosmos. This book is absolutely breathtaking, with achingly poignant text by Stephanie Lucianovic and gorgeous illustrations by Vashti Harrison. The girl's earnest devotion to her favorite star is more than a paean to the wonders of astronomy - it's a heartwarming affirmation that nothing in this universe is truly alone. Destined to be a favorite of explorers, dreamers, and anyone who loves beautiful stories.
November 20, 2021
Stunning illustrations support this story of a young girl's journey to space. She sees a bright star in the sky and learns all she can about it. She adopts this supernova and talks to it nightly. Readers see her grow up and continue to learn all she can about stars and space. The final scenes are touching as she makes it to the moon and the star responds after hanging on for all the years until she got there.
September 7, 2021
HELLO, STAR by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic and Vashti Harrison is breathtaking in every way. Every word. Every moment. Every spread. The combination of art and text from the opening to the back matter is truly magical. This picture book delivers such a beautiful message to young readers:
“Every day, ask yourself: ‘What will I do with my star stuff today?’ Then go out and shine.”
“Every day, ask yourself: ‘What will I do with my star stuff today?’ Then go out and shine.”
October 24, 2021
When curiosity and empathy for the universe wiggle their way into a child’s heart, it can launch endless possibilities. This book beautifully shows how one star inspired a girl’s entire STEM career. It would be a great launching point to talk about passions, curiosities, and the wonders of our world. Vashti Harrison’s exquisite illustrations paint the universe in an unforgettable way.
January 13, 2022
Very pretty illustrations, with clear images but a nice dreamy set up that lends well to space. The story is set up so like a picture book biography that I expected the whole way through to be intruduced to the scientist the book was about. There isn't one, the story is fictional, but realistic until the walking on the moon part, which hasn't happened for a very long time.
March 3, 2022
4.5- A must-read for space lovers. So cute. I can't wait for my students to call out, "hey! we learned about this!" Great space vocab, great illustrations, great message. I appreciate the book shows the main character growing up; it happens quickly over the course of the book, but she feels relatable the entire time and it doesn't feel rushed.
April 18, 2022
Hello Star is a super sweet book about a girl who becomes obsessed with stars and outer space after she learns that stars die and feels connected to a star she knows is dying. Over years, the girl learns more and more an eventually becomes an astronaut. Vashti Harrison's illustrations are as gorgeous as ever. It's a precious little story that's well worth the read.
April 29, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this as an adult. However, I think it might be too word for children and the vocabulary a little too advance. Overall, I really enjoyed the journey that the little girl took from a child into adulthood. (Trying not to give spoilers). I think this could be a great conversation starter for young people to be the change that they want and our world needs.
February 1, 2023
Breathtakingly written and illustrated book about supernovas, grief, perseverance, and dreams. This is
a book to linger over, taking in more and more detail, beauty, and meaning with each reading. Perfect for young space enthusiasts and anyone who wants to read something that makes their soul feel alive.
a book to linger over, taking in more and more detail, beauty, and meaning with each reading. Perfect for young space enthusiasts and anyone who wants to read something that makes their soul feel alive.
May 12, 2023
A gorgeous book about the power of inspiration from the universe. This book follows the journey of a young girl through her point of wonder to her fulfilling her passion and searching for answers to her questions - its such an inspiring book for girls and curious minds about our galaxy. Beautiful illustrations colourless the beautiful text! Highly recommend!
July 27, 2025
A lovely book about stars, space, and working for a dream. My husband liked this book too, and appreciated that the author acknowledged some of the cute story elements were not factually correct, but also did some research and presented other aspects of stars and space well.
Illustrations are well done and fit the story well.
Illustrations are well done and fit the story well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews