Deserves to be a children's classic

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	• Stellaluna Janell Cannon Harcourt Children's Books, 1993 - 46 pages average customer review:based on 103 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A Unique, Beautiful Book

Well, I certainly don't know how it is possible that I have not read STELLALUNA, by Janell Cannon, until now. I recently purchased this very popular children's book for my three year old daughter, on the strong recommendation of a friend. STELLALUNA is a lovely, touching story, and both my daughter and I are enjoying it very much.

A young fruit bat named Stellaluna is separated from her mother and winds up in a nest of baby birds. The mother bird, finding another baby in her nest, feeds and raises Stellaluna along side her own babies, Flitter, Flap, and Pip. But mother bird doesn't know anything about being a bat, only a bird, so she teaches Stellaluna to be the best bird a bat can be. Stellaluna learns to eat bugs, sleep right side up, and fly during the day. She is not a graceful bird, and she doesn't like the bugs, but Stellaluna tries very hard to be like her nest mates. In the end, Stellaluna is reunited with her family and learns what it means to be a beautiful and graceful bat. But she remembers her bird family, and knows that she, Flitter, Flap, and Pip will always be friends.

This sweet little book is a new take on the story of the ugly duckling. While Stellaluna was a clumsy bird, she certainly is a graceful bat. Likewise, her bird friends can't do a lot of bat things, but they are perfect at being beautiful birds. STELLALUNA is a very simple story that teaches many great lessons. Be kind to others. Be yourself. Being different doesn't mean you can't be friends.

STELLALUNA's illustrations are quite lovely...they simply glow. The soft muted colors, the rich texture, and intricate details bring this story to life. The expressions on the faces of the bats and birds make it easy for young children to relate to these characters. "Look, Mommy," said my wee one, "look how happy Stellaluna is! She found her mommy!"

STELLALUNA is a charming tale that makes these little fruit bats seem cute and sweet, and a lot less icky. With 2 pages of bat notes at the end, this book tries to teach children (and adults!) the truth about bats and to dispel some of the negative feelings that have built up around them. Highly recommended.

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My favorite children's book

Note: My reviews are plagued by cyber stalkers who distort votes totals.

If I HAD to answer the question: What is your favorite children's book?, I would have to pick "Stellaluna." There, this children's librarian committed, but I think my students would know that. It's one of their favorites, too!!

What makes this book so special? E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G!! The story line, the embedded lessons, and the sweet, sweet illustrations. I don't know how well you can see the young bat's face on the cover. If you can, notice that darling tongue sticking out, like a puppy's. Notice her struggle, expressed with joy, to hold on to the limb. And we have not even opened the book yet!

This is the story of a young bat who is separated from her mother after an owl attacks them in flight. She falls into a tree, then into a bird's nest filled with three hungry babies who are already fully feathered. The mother bird adopts her but insists she eat bugs like her babies. Stellaluna is a fruit bat, but adopts the ways of birds, except for hanging by her feet to sleep. Her new siblings try it one day. Mother returns and expresses her dismay. The babies are hilariously portrayed with their bird feathers hanging down from their heads.

When they learn to fly, poor Stellaluna is so clumsy trying to land upright on a limb with feet equipped for hanging, not perching. At night her bat radar comes into play and she goes weird on them flying by radar. Eventually, her bat mother finds her and Stella's world is restored. She discovers she eats mangoes, not bugs. She is delighted!

And the second best part is that she remains friends with her bird friends.

Embedded lessons:
1. Bats are what they are; birds are what they are.
2. We can accept each other's differences and be enriched by the experience.
3. It's good to walk in another's shoes just a short time.
4. There are some artists with stories sweet and heartwarming without being saccharine.
5. The author furnishes "Bat Notes" on the last two pages for further educational value.

This book belongs in every child's personal library and on the shelf in every children's library. Highly recommended.

Other favorite books by Janell Cannon:
Pinduli
Verdi

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A Must for

Review by Sherry North, Author, Because You Are My Baby

This book is wonderful on so many levels:
-The story is engaging and suspenseful enough to hold young children's interest.
-The illustrations are stunning.
-The messages are positive without being preachy - most importantly, that it's OK for children to befriend those who are different.
-Interesting bat facts at the end are perfect for kids who want to know more.

One other reviewer commented that this book is not suitable for adopted children, because the mother bird threatens to kick Stellaluna out of the nest for breaking the rules. I have an adopted child as well, and think the book is just fine. In fact, it gives me an opportunity to discuss with my children that they should follow rules, but will never be "kicked out" for their transgressions.

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Deserves to be a children's classic

It took my years to get around to reading this charming little book. It's a tender story about a bat that makes friends with a family of birds, in spite of so many differences. The illustrations are bright and gorgeous.

reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Knocked from her mother?s safe embrace by an attacking owl, Stellaluna lands headfirst in a bird?s nest. This adorable baby fruit bat?s world is literally turned upside down when she is adopted by the occupants of the nest and adapts to their peculiar bird habits. Two pages of notes at the end of the story provide factual information about bats. ?Delightful and informative but never didactic; a splendid debut.?--Kirkus Reviews

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