The Star in the Forest

Helen Kellock

A remarkable debut that tells the story of two sisters with very different personalities who set out to find a star in a forest.

One evening in the fall, sisters Pip and Maisie are sitting in their grandparents’ cozy cottage on the edge of a forest. Maisie is restless and longs for adventure, but life at the cottage is always slow. When a bright light suddenly falls from the sky into the forest next door, Maisie can’t believe her luck—finally an adventure has come her way! She has boots on and flashlight in hand before Pip has even put down her book.

Maisie is desperate to discover the special something as quickly as she can. As the two sisters journey through the dark forest toward the mysterious light, her imagination runs wild—perhaps it’s space treasure, gold dust, or maybe even a creature from a different planet! Pip, meanwhile, takes in the dark shapes and strange sounds around her, tentatively adjusting to the forest and its wild inhabitants.

When Maisie finally reaches the source of the light, she is bitterly disappointed—the special something is no more than a lump of rock. But thanks to Pip’s careful observations, they realize it is in fact a star!

With enchanted illustrations, this delightful debut picture book is sure to enchant children and parents alike.

Reviews

Readers will wonder what the girls will find and also what excitement awaits them on the second day of their vacation.

— Booklist

A charming, gorgeously illustrated ode to sisterhood, adventure, and mindfulness.

— Kirkus Reviews

Contributors

Helen Kellock

Author

Helen Kellock is an illustrator and artist based in Glasgow with a master’s in illustration from the Glasgow School of Art. Her first book, The Star in the Forest, won the Batsford Prize for children’s illustration in 2018 and she was named Picture Hooks Illustrator of the Year in 2019.