Seeing Stars: The Secret Life of Starfish

Chronicling the everyday life of starfish, Seeing Stars: The Secret Life of Starfish provides the reader with a funny and heartwarming inside view. Starfish of various colours and shapes are depicted photographically, set in different poses, with realistic and humourous backgrounds. The text begins in story form but quickly changes to one-line ocean-related quips, such as “pier pressure” and “dinner by candlelight can only happen at low tide”. Other pages contain very detailed scenes, such as one depicting an aquatic farmers’ market. The starfish are given a cool, relaxed vibe with their beachy attitudes and colourful sunglasses. A reminder for readers to respect natural areas is portrayed in the final scene. The ending pages contain “fun” starfish facts, highlighting how unique and interesting this type of animal truly is, and a note with lengthy text on the photography process – emphasizing animal care – undertaken by the author. It is made clear, both at the beginning and in these final pages that the starfish appearing in the pages of this book “have been handled minimally and with the greatest of care”.

These incredibly detailed photographic scenes capture a whimsical side of starfish likely not seen before. From one pushing a miniature shopping cart to one wearing five black ties, these pictures will be sure to send young readers into fits of laughter. Colourful, witty, and sharp, Seeing Stars: The Secret Life of Starfish is a must-have for all children’s collections.