ALL THE STARS IN THE SKY, by Art Coulson, Winona Nelson, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, Sept. 16, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
A boy learns that we are better when we shine together in All the Stars in the Sky, written by Art Coulson and illustrated by Winona Nelson.
In All the Stars in the Sky, Clay learns the Cherokee lesson of gadugi—how working together and helping each other makes the whole community stronger.
When eager Clay asks his elisi (grandmother) for help to be named star of the week at school, he’s surprised by her answer: No one person is more important than his family and his community. But is Clay still important at all?
This contemplative exploration of community, individualism, and responsibility—accentuated with traditional beadwork in the art—is a moving invitation to consider an indigenous perspective of one’s place in the world and how we all light up our sky, together. —Synopsis provided by Simon & Schuster for Young Readers
All the Stars in the Sky is a lovely look at community and the role each of us play within it. Generally, society lauds stars, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but this book asks little ones to consider how their work and talents contribute to the whole. It’s a beautiful concept that tings true.
Author Art Coulson’s text is bright and accessible. And Winona Nelson’s pencil, watercolor and glass beads illustrations are full of color and movement. Her beadwork is stunning, and she’s incorporated a bead that’s the “wrong” color in every piece (“a reminder to keep us humans humble”) that adds an interactive element to the read.
All the Stars in the Sky is a beautiful read that kids and their parents will enjoy.
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