MY GRANDFATHER LOVED THE STARS Lawson, Julie Illustrated by Judy McLaren Victoria (B.C.), Beach Holme Publishers, 1992. 32pp, cloth, $14.95, ISBN 0-88878-304-3. CIP Grades 2 to 4/Ages 7 to 9 Reviewed by Norma Charles Volume 20 Number 5 1992 October This book reads like the reminiscences of the author sharing her memories of a much-loved but now departed parent or grandparent. Karen and her grandfather have a very close and loving relationship. He takes her camping, fishing and skating, and even, as a special birthday treat, by plane to the planetarium in the city, where they have a close look at the stars. Grandfather tells Karen stories about the stars, stories based on myths, Chinese, Greek and Native. He teaches her many things. Judy McLaren's full-colour illustrations of the night skies, the ocean and the islands evoke a dreamlike atmosphere for the text. The book is set on the beautiful islands off the south coast of British Columbia close to the homes of both author and illustrator. Many young readers, I feel, would not react favourably to the quite didactic tone of the text. However, adult readers who identify with the author may enjoy the book. I recommend it as an optional purchase. Norma Charles is a teacher-librarian at Henderson Annex School in Vancouver, British Columbia