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Superluminous
Nour loves the luminous glow she was born with, but it’s only when it starts to dim that she discovers the true power of her brilliant light.
Nour has a superpower: she glows. Her light shines so bright, she feels like a star in the night sky. But when kids at school notice her glow, they’re not impressed. If she had a real superpower, they say, she could fly or turn invisible. So Nour stops feeling special. And as her light dims, her world darkens . . . until a nighttime cry from her baby sister shows her how powerful her glow can be.
Ian De Haes’s heartfelt story and radiant illustrations highlight themes of self-confidence, bravery, empathy, and the imaginative power of a strong female protagonist—whose name means light in Arabic.
Nour has a superpower: she glows. Her light shines so bright, she feels like a star in the night sky. But when kids at school notice her glow, they’re not impressed. If she had a real superpower, they say, she could fly or turn invisible. So Nour stops feeling special. And as her light dims, her world darkens . . . until a nighttime cry from her baby sister shows her how powerful her glow can be.
Ian De Haes’s heartfelt story and radiant illustrations highlight themes of self-confidence, bravery, empathy, and the imaginative power of a strong female protagonist—whose name means light in Arabic.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2018
91 people want to read
About the author
Ian De Haes
31 books7 followersIan De Haes is a former bookseller and graphic designer. He started creating picture books with his wife, who writes many of the stories he illustrates. He lives in Brussels, Belgium.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 9, 2019
On the surface, this is a story about a little girl who literally glows... until her confidence is shaken by the unkind words of others. Really, though, it's not about a kid who glows like a superhero; it's the story of someone learning to rediscover a valuable part of themselves.
The story is simple, but written well. The illustrations are the real star here, though. Heavy on turquoise and gold, the scenes with Nour practically glow. The whole book is pleasant to look at. I appreciate the diversity shown, both at school and within Nour's own family; her Arabic name also ties in nicely with the plot.
I would definitely recommend this one. It's a cute story with a good message about being brave enough to own our strengths, and being able to use them when someone needs our help.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for providing a digital ARC.
The story is simple, but written well. The illustrations are the real star here, though. Heavy on turquoise and gold, the scenes with Nour practically glow. The whole book is pleasant to look at. I appreciate the diversity shown, both at school and within Nour's own family; her Arabic name also ties in nicely with the plot.
I would definitely recommend this one. It's a cute story with a good message about being brave enough to own our strengths, and being able to use them when someone needs our help.
Thank you to NetGalley and Annick Press for providing a digital ARC.
March 14, 2020
BEAUTIFUL. When Nour goes to school and realizes that others think her glowing powers are weird, she struggles with coming to terms with the way that she was born. But as she works through it, she finds a small but very important reason to be proud of herself and her glowing skin. With incredible illustrations and a fantastic perspective on light and perspective, Superlumineuse makes for one of the most interesting and beautiful books I've read in a very long time. It's perfect for helping children to be more confident, and great for black history month. And, y'know, the rest of the year, too. It's just...wow, this one totally blew me away. Impactful and illuminating.
Review cross-listed here!
Review cross-listed here!
November 11, 2018
Ce qu'il est chou ce livre !
Une petite fille est superlumineuse et se demande si c'est un don ou une malédiction. A travers cet album tout simple on pose des questions essentielles sur ses facultés, comment on décide de les utiliser, sa place dans la vie etc. C'est tellement chou que l'on se sent unique à la fin de notre lecture, unique et en même temps, on sent la facilité de changer les choses autour de nous.
Un peu façon Amélie Poulain.
Je pense que je vais l'offrir souvent celui-ci !
Une petite fille est superlumineuse et se demande si c'est un don ou une malédiction. A travers cet album tout simple on pose des questions essentielles sur ses facultés, comment on décide de les utiliser, sa place dans la vie etc. C'est tellement chou que l'on se sent unique à la fin de notre lecture, unique et en même temps, on sent la facilité de changer les choses autour de nous.
Un peu façon Amélie Poulain.
Je pense que je vais l'offrir souvent celui-ci !
January 7, 2020
This appears to be a story about a little girl that glows and shines. She is happy with her glow and refers to it as her superpower. When the kids at school start to question her glow and inform her that it is nothing special, she begins to dim until her glow all but disappears. Of course this is a euphemism for any skill, characteristic or individual gift that a person may have that is belittled by others. It takes courage to ignore the comments of others and let yourself shine. I really like this little story. The little girl is beautiful and the illustrations demonstrate this. As she doubts herself, she loses her light and eventually learns to let her light shine and to share it with others, especially her sister. My grandchildren loved this little story. My grandson loved that she shone and was sad when her glow went out. He was very happy that she got it back. I am not sure if got the full message of letting your true personality and self shine, but I think he will eventually. One that I think should be in any school or public library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.
December 5, 2019
This is a beautifully illustrated book with an equally beautiful theme. A little girl glows and loves her glow until she starts to doubt herself and decides to hide it. She ultimately learns to not only embrace her beautiful gift but share it with others. The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, the little girl is lovely inside and out, and the message is wonderful. Highly recommended.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
October 24, 2020
"Nour was born luminous.
She glows.
She sparkles.
As though a little sun was
shining right inside of her."
Some of the kids at school don't respect her ability to glow. Some even cut it down. Her ability to glow comforts her little sister at night, though, and the next day, Nour learns that her glow can be shared with others.
She glows.
She sparkles.
As though a little sun was
shining right inside of her."
Some of the kids at school don't respect her ability to glow. Some even cut it down. Her ability to glow comforts her little sister at night, though, and the next day, Nour learns that her glow can be shared with others.
February 11, 2020
This was super cute.
August 7, 2020
I like the illustrations. I like the message. It's a little overly obvious, so it feels slightly preachy, but it works. I would like to read more by this author/illustrator.
February 25, 2020
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* This was a really cute book! I really love the art style too, too cute!
April 3, 2020
Superluminous by Ian De Haes. PICTURE BOOK. Annick Press, March 2020. $19. 9781773213804
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Nour was born with a glowing light within her. She skips and sings through her day. When school starts, however, the other children have harsh words about Nour and her light. Nour feels sad and does what she can to hide her light, until one late night her little sister needs her.
DeHaes’s illustrations are luminous and expressive. The story is almost perfect – I just wish it had included a final scene at school to bring it back full circle. Use this as a conversation starter about ways that we get jealous and attack others who are different from we are. In fact, you could pair this with We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Nour was born with a glowing light within her. She skips and sings through her day. When school starts, however, the other children have harsh words about Nour and her light. Nour feels sad and does what she can to hide her light, until one late night her little sister needs her.
DeHaes’s illustrations are luminous and expressive. The story is almost perfect – I just wish it had included a final scene at school to bring it back full circle. Use this as a conversation starter about ways that we get jealous and attack others who are different from we are. In fact, you could pair this with We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan Higgins.
Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
May 18, 2020
This is a book that has a charming cover and an interesting name, which may be hard for some younger readers to pronounce or understand without an adult to explain it.
The actual story is tender and sweet while exploring the concept of a little introverted girl who was born different as any other child but in a way that was quite recognizable. When she was alone she had emotions that set her apart but she was also able to embrace her powers. But that would all change when she finally went to school.
Superluminous explores what it means to be different, to ask the question what makes a superhero, to learn how to accept yourself and how to pass your gifts onto others. It is a story that everyone has felt at one point or another or even in some cases more than once.
The pictures are gorgeous and very detailed with a nice golden glow for Nour. But at the same time there are vague outlines to everything else that also tells their own stories so for those who are reading this book to children you may ask them what they think that other story is.
Definitely a beautiful story to be shared to little ones who are starting to wonder what makes them important and/or what constitutes a superhero.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
The actual story is tender and sweet while exploring the concept of a little introverted girl who was born different as any other child but in a way that was quite recognizable. When she was alone she had emotions that set her apart but she was also able to embrace her powers. But that would all change when she finally went to school.
Superluminous explores what it means to be different, to ask the question what makes a superhero, to learn how to accept yourself and how to pass your gifts onto others. It is a story that everyone has felt at one point or another or even in some cases more than once.
The pictures are gorgeous and very detailed with a nice golden glow for Nour. But at the same time there are vague outlines to everything else that also tells their own stories so for those who are reading this book to children you may ask them what they think that other story is.
Definitely a beautiful story to be shared to little ones who are starting to wonder what makes them important and/or what constitutes a superhero.
***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
July 12, 2020
Nour is luminous.
.
How beautiful a first line is that? It's quite beautiful in Ian de Haes' children's book, "Superluminous."
.
Not only is Nour luminous, she also glows and sparkles. Without effort, she illuminates dark places and glows in the light until the first day of school where she leaves feeling like an old lightbulb. Although, she had hoped to be more like a superhero.
"For the rest of the week, Nour wears thick heavy clothes that don't let her light get through." Haes writes. She makes herself so unremarkable and completely invisible. Her glow begins to leave.
It returns when she helps her sister.
"Superluminous" shows a young girl who chose to be less than who she truly was, and it caused sadness, while being herself and fully allowing her light to be shared helped push away fears...like a superhero.
Great story to share for children doubting the beauty of their own light. 3.5star
Pair it with freshly squeezed lemon and key limeade for a bittersweet treat.
#jozefbookandbrew
#netgalleyreview
#readersgonnaread
#superluminous
.
How beautiful a first line is that? It's quite beautiful in Ian de Haes' children's book, "Superluminous."
.
Not only is Nour luminous, she also glows and sparkles. Without effort, she illuminates dark places and glows in the light until the first day of school where she leaves feeling like an old lightbulb. Although, she had hoped to be more like a superhero.
"For the rest of the week, Nour wears thick heavy clothes that don't let her light get through." Haes writes. She makes herself so unremarkable and completely invisible. Her glow begins to leave.
It returns when she helps her sister.
"Superluminous" shows a young girl who chose to be less than who she truly was, and it caused sadness, while being herself and fully allowing her light to be shared helped push away fears...like a superhero.
Great story to share for children doubting the beauty of their own light. 3.5star
Pair it with freshly squeezed lemon and key limeade for a bittersweet treat.
#jozefbookandbrew
#netgalleyreview
#readersgonnaread
#superluminous
October 23, 2020
I received a copy of the book from Annick Press in exchange for an honest review.
Superluminous is a story about Nour, a young girl who was born shining brightly. When she starts school, she is excited to share her superpower with her new classmates but all their probing questions makes her doubt whether her glow is actually that special after all. She decided that perhaps it is better to hide it but on a dark night, she finds that perhaps her light is exactly what this world - and her young sister - needs. By touching the lives of others in positive ways, Nour is able to share her glow and light with others.
Superluminous is such a fun and inspiring story about the power of positivity and the light we can bring to the lives of those around us. The story is told in such a powerful way paired with all its gorgeous illustrations that readers will be absolutely taken with the book. Nour truly seems to shine from the book and readers will definitely fall in love with Nour as I have. Thank you to Annick Press for the gifted copy.
Superluminous is a story about Nour, a young girl who was born shining brightly. When she starts school, she is excited to share her superpower with her new classmates but all their probing questions makes her doubt whether her glow is actually that special after all. She decided that perhaps it is better to hide it but on a dark night, she finds that perhaps her light is exactly what this world - and her young sister - needs. By touching the lives of others in positive ways, Nour is able to share her glow and light with others.
Superluminous is such a fun and inspiring story about the power of positivity and the light we can bring to the lives of those around us. The story is told in such a powerful way paired with all its gorgeous illustrations that readers will be absolutely taken with the book. Nour truly seems to shine from the book and readers will definitely fall in love with Nour as I have. Thank you to Annick Press for the gifted copy.
March 20, 2020
While reading, older readers and adults will be able to see how Nour’s glowing could be a metaphor for her sharing something uplifting with the world. I think it could be her warmth towards others or her joy and charm. Younger kids may understand it literally and believe it is about a glowing girl who discovers her superpower. Either way, the bright illustrations with the small details are a delight to the eyes and the ultimate message is positive. The scenes when Nour feels picked upon, unsure, and wants to be invisible could be opportunities for caring adults to talk with children about these feelings.
Thanks to the publisher for the e-galley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for the e-galley. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 16, 2021
Nour has a superpower--she can glow! When she first goes to school, the kids in her class make fun of her for her power. Slowly, she begins to find ways to hide her glow, until an encounter with her little sister (who is afraid of the dark) encourages her to shine her light again. Soon she realizes that her light also gives other people light.
While the tone of the book could be a bit trite, the metaphor does not hit the reader over the head, due to the straightforward nature of the storytelling. Ian De Haes illustrations are truly lovely, with Nour´s steady yellow glow contrasting with the muted shades of teal, gray, green and blue. A cute story with an easy read-aloud, and an important message about being true to oneself
While the tone of the book could be a bit trite, the metaphor does not hit the reader over the head, due to the straightforward nature of the storytelling. Ian De Haes illustrations are truly lovely, with Nour´s steady yellow glow contrasting with the muted shades of teal, gray, green and blue. A cute story with an easy read-aloud, and an important message about being true to oneself
November 13, 2019
What makes someone a super hero? Is is power? Strength? Or simply a special gift that we can freely give to others? Nour was born with a bright, beautiful light and she loves her special gift. Then it's time to start school and sadly, her classmates do not feel the same. Nour begins to feed sadness and even shame and she begins to hide her light. The light nearly goes completely out until her sister needs her. Only then does she realize what a powerful gift she has and needs to share it with others.
What a wonderful story about how impactful you can be with your simple gifts and also how damaging words can be. I would love to hear children's conversations after reading this book!
What a wonderful story about how impactful you can be with your simple gifts and also how damaging words can be. I would love to hear children's conversations after reading this book!
September 19, 2020
3.5 Be the light. The warmly colored illustrations are detailed and softly muted so it might be best to share this book through document camera/ebook($15) for a group share or 1-1 with a caregiver. Mom is presented as blond and white. Dad is brown skinned. Children are brown skinned with curly dark hair. Metaphor might be best appreciated by readers a bit older than the main character which lends it to a teacher read aloud K-5. Teachers looking for SEL will love this one- What makes you special? - most especially the first week of school (Nour is starting school). Older caregivers will struggle with small, mutely colored font. Get out your readers!
Read
October 4, 2020Nour literally glows. Its her special superpower. She has always glowed, and she has always loved her glow--until the kids at school tell her that her glow isn't a real superpower. It's weird. Nour believes them. As she grows sadder, her glow begins to fade until she finds a reason to share her light with the world again.
A good, layered story about identity, loving yourself, and sharing your joy with the world. Works well as a read-aloud between a child and caregiver with plenty of time to talk about the story afterward.
A good, layered story about identity, loving yourself, and sharing your joy with the world. Works well as a read-aloud between a child and caregiver with plenty of time to talk about the story afterward.
January 15, 2023
4 stars (I really liked it)
This is a suggested book in our curriculum for the text-to-text lesson so I decided to use it this year. It's paired with Angus All Aglow and they go great together.
Even though this book is somewhat magical realism (Nour glows), the glow is also symbolic and the message about not letting others diminish you shines through (see what I did there?)
This is a suggested book in our curriculum for the text-to-text lesson so I decided to use it this year. It's paired with Angus All Aglow and they go great together.
Even though this book is somewhat magical realism (Nour glows), the glow is also symbolic and the message about not letting others diminish you shines through (see what I did there?)
February 17, 2023
I *think* this book is an extended metaphor where the glow represents a person's humanity and goodness, and the message is loving who you are and what you have to offer the world. I found it a little confusing, though because I couldn't tell if the girl REALLY did glow, or if that glowing was just her humanity coming out as her positive existence in the world. The art is nice, though a little undefined, but the text is too wordy/tell-y for my taste. If I'm right about the intended message, it's a nice story in general.
March 6, 2020
I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Annick Press Ltd. in exchange for an honest review.
In this book Nour (which means light in Arabic - learned something new) has a special glow; when she starts going to school her classmates point out that her glow isn't that special and Nour starts to believe them. This is a beautiful book teaching kids to believe in themselves and to not let others hurtful comments bring you down.
#Superluminous #NetGalley
In this book Nour (which means light in Arabic - learned something new) has a special glow; when she starts going to school her classmates point out that her glow isn't that special and Nour starts to believe them. This is a beautiful book teaching kids to believe in themselves and to not let others hurtful comments bring you down.
#Superluminous #NetGalley
September 7, 2021
Nour a little girl who had a power of glowing is hurt when her classmates say some unkind things about her. She wants to disappear and hide her special ability. But is able to overcome what people say about her and glow stronger than ever. I really like the message in this book and shows kids it is okay to be different. You can still make a difference in this world even if you look or act different than everyone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2024
I loved this story! It has gorgeous illustrations and will be a great book for any child who is trying to navigate life and reach his/her potential amid so much pressure. The main character is a little girl who has a special gift but is soon made to feel like she is not special after all. So many kids need to read and receive the powerful, positive message of this book. Highly recommended for Grades K-5.
February 8, 2020
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the gorgeous pictures in this book. They were so bright and detailed. They really flowed with the story and made it come alive. The text flowed well and wasn't too much for little readers to listen to. The story about finding what makes you special and trying to good for others was well told. I recommend this book.
I loved the gorgeous pictures in this book. They were so bright and detailed. They really flowed with the story and made it come alive. The text flowed well and wasn't too much for little readers to listen to. The story about finding what makes you special and trying to good for others was well told. I recommend this book.
April 24, 2020
I absolutely love this book. The illustrations are great as well as the story. Sometimes people do not know how special the light inside of them is. Nour is luminous. She shines so brightly and feels incredibly special. The story follows Nour from before school to the first day of school. It explores how different is not always a bad thing especially when we share the light inside of us.
June 25, 2024
"Nour was born luminous. She glows. She sparkles. As though a little sun was shining right inside of her."
As much as I feel the power of this opening, I can't forgive that last fragment masquerading as a sentence - in a children's book. Other than that, I enjoyed the message of reclaiming one's inner light and sharing it with others.
July 16, 2020
Nour has sunshine bursting out her and she lights up the darkest corners. She loves herself and her special sparkle until she goes to school and begins to doubt how special she is. She shares her love and light with her baby sister and realizes she her light is special after all. A beautiful story.
October 20, 2020
We all come into this world with something special to share, but sometimes along the way we lose sight of who we are. This book is a great reminder to both kids and adults alike to embrace who we are and share that with the world no matter what. I love Nour and I loved this book!
May 21, 2022
Never mind the quality of the text, it is incredibly hard to READ the text. On some pages a few lines stand all along, but they are small, orange type. Book design does matter, and the design here distracts from the text, much of which is rather stilted. Nice idea, poor execution.
April 26, 2023
Truly, this is a beautiful story to share with a child who needs to hear how their special something really is worth sharing with others. It's well illustrated and well written...it lights up your insides :)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews