Shine! is a gentle, beautifully illustrated picture book about a little sea star named Hoshi who longs to sparkle in the sky. While she dreams of joining the distant stars above, she overlooks the colourful underwater world that surrounds her.
With the help of old and new ocean friends, Hoshi slowly discovers that real brightness does not come from faraway places, but from the light she already carries inside. Young readers are invited to notice the beauty in their own world and to recognize their own quiet strengths.
Naoko Stoop’s artwork, created on textured plywood, brings the sea to life with warm, layered colours and flowing wave-like patterns. The art and simple text together create a calm, reassuring atmosphere that is ideal for shared reading.
Themes and features
- Celebrates inner beauty, self-worth, and confidence
- Set in a rich, imaginative underwater world
- Encourages gratitude for the wonders around us
- Soft, painterly illustrations with unique natural textures
- Ideal for reading aloud with young children
Shine! offers a comforting story about finding your own way to glow, perfect for bedtime or quiet moments together.
