Description:
Starr and Sunny are best friends with a super-unbreakable bond--at least until Starr tells a little lie that spirals into a great big mess! Will the lie cost Starr her best friend?
Brief description: Mark Nathan Hurry studied art and design at Newcastle College, earning himself a diploma before going to university where he received his bachelor's degree in illustration. Mark is a collector of children's literature and has made picture books specially for his daughter who has sensory processing disorder. Residing in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, with his three beautiful girls, his wife, cat, and dog, it is life with them that inspires his work.
Review Quotes:
From The Golden Wizard Book Prize
"This book will be a BIG hit in every home and classroom with tweens! The author has created strong female characters who have realistic experiences, personalities, and relationships. The storyline is brilliant and one that will help children learn the importance of forgiveness and realising their own wrongdoings. It makes the consequences of actions clear by allowing them to see how it feels to be treated unfairly. It will help children learn to get along with others, as well as give them a sense of right and wrong that they can carry with them throughout life. In fact, I can see this book inspiring readers to form their own squads around a central theme of kindness too! The illustrations throughout are also so fun and engaging and another reason kids will stay interested in this super read. I loved everything about this book and can't wait to read more from the Super Squad. It's a bestselling series just waiting to happen!" -Louise Jane, CEO of The Golden Wizard Book Prize
From The Wishing Shelf
"I must say, I very much enjoyed this sweetly written story all about two young girls, Starr and Sunny, and everything they get up to. Skilfully plotted and filled with lots of fun, comic moments, the author works hard from the first page to pull young readers into the plot as Starr tells a big, fat fib! There are many elements of this book I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I would imagine most children would find the two protagonists, Starr and Sunny, instantly likable, and they would enjoy rooting for them all the way to the end. Secondly, I enjoyed the writing style. Written from the POV of Starr and Sunny, it has a 'childlike' feel to it; the author, it seems, remembers what it feels like to be a young girl - and she puts this over wonderfully. Thirdly, I like the sweetness of the plot. Yes, there's a problem the protagonists must overcome, but it's not horrible, and there's a strong message of 'letting go' which is perfect for this age group. I'm very happy to recommend this illustrated storybook to children who are not yet ready for big, thick fantasy novels. Grandparents, parents, and schools will like it too; they'll like the big font, the underlying message, and the innocence of it all." -Edward Trayer (pen names Billy Bob Buttons and Hickory Crowl), UK Peoples' Book Prize Winner and Founder of The Wishing Shelf
From Readers' Favorite
"Starr of the Show is a heartwarming tale about two friends, with a gentle message about forgiveness and letting go. Leigh Reagan Alley tells a sweet story filled with preteen drama, humor, and witty dialogue that entertains you from beginning to end. The characters are compelling and feel like real elementary school kids. Even the fight between Starr and Sunny is adorable, and their friendship is the story's heartbeat. Kids will find it easy to relate to either of them. The illustrations by Mark Nathan Hurry add a nice touch to bring the characters to life. This is the kind of book kids should read before aging up for Harry Potter. I loved every moment of it and will gladly recommend it for preteens." -Readers' Favorite