Owl and Star

By Helen Milroy

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Helen is a descendant of the Palyku people of the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Her  previous books include  Backyard Beasties also reviewed in StoryLinks. Here she has written and illustrated in her inimitable and easily recognisable style a story about a time when anything is possible, that time between day and night, sleep and waking.

It is a time when Owl loves to wait for his favourite star to appear and greet him with its sparkle. One time he greets the stars but his favourite is missing. He searches far and wide over the earth, using up all of his strength and might when he should have been hunting for food. When he finds Little Star it is almost too late, its spark is almost gone. With an almighty effort and with the help of Sun and Moon Owl manages to restore Little Star back in the heavens and is rewarded by the universe.

On one level this is a story explaining how stars retain their sparkle, on another it can be read as an example of how helping and staying strong and determined can achieve desired results. It shows the power of friendship, persistence and teamwork.

Children will enjoy the rich colours and patterns of Helen’s illustrations which so vividly bring Owl and Star’s world to life.

Teaching Notes

Fremantle Press 2022