Shine

Starred review from February 15, 2024
A gentle look at fear, darkness, strength, and light. The tiny moth-child narrator (a tot with a paper-white human face and multiple appendages, along with antennae and wings) opens with ponderous thoughts: "This is a story about stars. No, it's a story about fear. Or maybe it's a story about me?" It is, in fact, all three. The young moth is afraid of the dark but also enchanted by the night sky. There must be a way to explore the stars without encountering any nighttime predators. Tucked between mushroom caps, the moth learns the art of camouflage. The moth also finds other nocturnal friends to flit around with in the dark. But sinister eyes peer up from the shadows. Suddenly, large, sticky tongues shoot out, putting the insects in danger. Our intrepid hero musters up the courage to unleash a surprising inner strength. On a triumphant double-page spread, the protagonist's confidence shines, wings spread wide. Valasse's textured natural world, filled with lush foliage in teal, rust, and mustard renderings, has a classic feel, while the spare story veers quietly through the moonlight. The work's apt title encompasses both the moth's journey of self-discovery and the luminous art. Truly shines. (Picture book. 3-7)

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April 1, 2024

PreS-Gr 2-A young anthropomorphized moth narrates its journey of gathering up the courage to explore the dark on its own. The unnamed winged protagonist-with a white human head but scaled to a relative moth size with wings-has not ventured out without family, fearful of what threats the night hides. Finally, the desire to see the stars up close overrides fear, and the moth ventures out solo. Using key moth survival tactics like hiding and camouflage, the moth has a fun-filled adventure; however, not all nighttime insects are so lucky, and some friends are eaten. The moth realizes bravery is needed and a theatrical display guides everyone to safety. Valasse's debut uses a limited palette, appropriately leaning towards bright oranges and yellows for light and murky greens and blacks for darkness. The slightly abstract screen-printed illustrations emphasize the unknown scary elements hiding in the dark. Although some facts about moths are conveyed, this is predominantly fiction. The focus is on overcoming fear, coming into one's strengths, and standing up for friends. These are all laudable narrative concepts, but their execution is lacking. The text is sparse and often visually overwhelmed by everything else on the page, reducing accessibility for those still learning to decode books. VERDICT This attractively illustrated picture book about bravery is a secondary purchase for most collections.-Jessica A. Bushore

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2024
Preschool-Grade 1 This comforting story about bravery and resilience in the dark offers mesmerizing depictions of frogs, owls, moths, and more in its spectacular illustrations. Narrating is a moth who doesn't like the dark but is fascinated by the sky full of stars. Eventually, he makes the brave journey outside, where he enjoys the company of like-minded friends. Unfortunately, they all soon discover that they are not alone, as nighttime predators eye them for midnight snacks! Though, at first, he hides, the moth shortly becomes determined to help his friends by spreading his wings and, as the title and gorgeous full-page spread might suggest, truly outshining their enemies. Valasse's expressive, whimsical illustrations employ a vintage palette of goldenrod, peacock blue, and vermilion, which cultivates a warm atmosphere and nicely emphasizes the contrast between light and darkness. The moth and his friends discover a new way to enjoy the dark in the satisfying conclusion. This encouraging story about conquering fear is likely to be a balm to little ones feeling nervous about the night.

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