Stellaluna

I chose this story to review as a way to honor one of my favorite picture books from my childhood. Stellaluna, is a heart warming tale written by Janell Cannon, about how every family is different, and how those differences are special to the individuals in the family. When a baby bat is separated from her mother, she is adopted by a family of birds. As the odd bunch grows, they struggle with the differences and similarities in which birds and bats exist. In the end Stellaluna and her bird siblings learn that their differences are not strong enough to keep them from sharing their familial bond. This story is filled with rich illustrations that capture the reader's imagination and help enhance the story's whimsical feel. I have read this story a number of times to my four year old niece, and each time it seems she is filled with joy and notices more connections to the world around her in relation to the character's situation. I am proud to have this book for my nieces' enjoyment, and am excited to share it with more children in my future classrooms.