The Secret Stars by Joseph Slate Illustrated by Felipe Davalos
Summary
In this fantasy book, it tells of two children and their grandmother who await the arrival of Three Kings Day. The story starts with the children lying with their grandmother in bed. When all of a sudden, the children and their grandmother fly through the sky to see how they know the three kings are about to arrive. The children and grandmother return to bed to wait for the arrival of the three kings. In the end, the children awake to find that the three kings have left them treats and toys.
Reaction
The author uses similes to make the story more vivid. Sila and Pepe are two dynamic characters while grandmother is static. The stories illustrations complement the text. The adjectives used in the story make it easy to imagine what is happening on and being seen. Vivid verbs also help to bring the action to life.
Extension Ideas
1. Have children look up Three King’s day.
2. Have children imagine what they would like to see if they were flying in a blanket.
3. Ask children to write what they would ask the Three Kings for.
4. Ask children to identify similes used.
5. I would have children describe what they do with their grandparents.
6. I would have children fill out story summary with setting, characters, sites seen, and conclusion. ( )