Way to the Stars

Description: "Joe is starstruck, determined to find his way up, up, up to the magical lights in the night sky. "In your dreams!" his pals say. But when Joe and his dad put their heads and hearts together, there's no stopping them. Together they climb ladders, construct towers, and launch rockets in a tireless quest to reach the unreachable. Airy and playful, Gill Smith's dynamic illustrations perfectly complement David Almond's ebullient tale of sky-high courage--and the power of the imagination to pilot a dream--in a picture book adventure for stargazers and sidekicks of all ages."--

Review Quotes: A loving father supports his son's desire to soar among the stars. . . . Almond's trim text--with enough repetition and simplicity to engage emerging readers--leaves space for Smith's narrative contributions. . . . An uplifting story featuring a child with big dreams and playful, responsive parenting.
--Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Smith's mixedmedia illustrations capture the story's drama and the occasional madness of their attempted flights as well as the story's joyful conclusion. . . Almond has written a captivating picture book for young children. Kids will revel in the spirit of adventure and creativity that Joe and his father share. A satisfying narrative for stargazers who have wondered, 'What if . . .'
--Booklist (starred review)

In this gentle picture book from Almond, a young boy dreams of finding a way to the stars. . . . Words and images take on equal parts in conveying story and emotion. . . . Almond's pared-back, rhythmical text adeptly enacts the musicality of everyday language, making the book perfect for reading aloud. A paean to resourcefulness, creativity and collaboration, this quietly jubilant picture book is ideal for parents and children to share.
--School Library Journal