Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Shine shine little star!


I was drawn to the Nana Star books as the story was inspired by a grandmother's writing to her grandson. I know I had a very special relationship with my own grandfather and though he never wrote me a story, we had many of our own adventures burying treasures and coming up with new and weird contraptions to capture and study pretty much any wild animal we could get our hands on. He would have attempted to do almost anything I asked of him, seriously grandparents are the best.

Nana Star is a princess in a beautiful blue dress who finds a lost baby star and promises to help get him back to the night sky. Its really a story about what it feels like to feel alone and afraid but realizing that we are really never alone and sometimes helping a friend can really be one of the best gifts. Thats a storyline that really any parent can get behind.

The illustrations in each of the Nana Star books is based on the original hand drawn illustrations that the original creator of Nana Star drew on cards to her grandson, and they have sort a warm handmade feel to them, I think that helps kids really identify with the story and the characters. I could go on all day about the book but I thought it would be best to actually share it with you live on the blog. Click play below to watch Nana Star and the Moonman.



As well as watching Nana Star online, each of the books comes with its own narrated CD so you can listen to Nana Star anytime you are in the car, at bedtime, or just because.

This is actually the second book in the series and it comes by itself or you can purchase it directly from Nana Star as part of a gift set which includes one of the fabulous Nana Star plush at a discount for the combo. Though I really adore the Nana Star books, I have to secretly admit I love the plush even more.

Connor has a Moonman plush, which was the first stuffed friend he ever actually picked up and kissed right away. There is just something appealing about his big moon head. If you press his stomach he lights up and plays the melody heard in the background of the Nana Star narrations. I think Connor loves him a little too much though as he pushed his stomach so much in the first week that we ran out the batteries in no time. heh.

Head on over to Nana Star's website and check out the Moonman plush as well as the Nana Star plush! While your over there you can watch Nana Star's videos including a movie of the first and second book, and each of the books in sign language!

I'm excited, there are rumors of a third book due out soon as well as a new plush wolf! Connor will have a fit over that I'm absolutely sure of that.

You can buy Nana Star's books directly from Nana Star in their online store!

I have a copy of Nana Star and the Moonman to give away to one lucky reader!

To enter :
  • Leave a comment on this post. Check out Nana Star and watch the videos of the two books. Then come back here and tell me what part of the book or books was your favorite!
  • Make sure there is a way for me to contact you - if your email address is not on your profile or you are not a blogger you may leave it in your comment or email it to me directly (angelaandconnor at gmail dot com) We have had to disqualify a lot of potential winners as of late as many people do not have emails available in their profiles or leave anonymous posts without any way to contact you.
  • Please US entries only.
  • To get extra credit :
    • For an extra entry :
    • Bloggers - Blog about this contest and leave me the link on your comment, or add me to your sidebar and let me know its there.
    • Non Bloggers (or bloggers) subscribe to my mailing list/RSS feed and earn another entry!
    • One extra credit per person. Please post your extra credit in a separate post.
    • This contest will end August 31th at midnight!

67 Comments:

Anonymous said...

The entire site is absolutely gorgeous. What beautiful watercolor colors and the narrator has just the perfect voice!
Though I am most fond of Moonman, there was one thing she said in the Nana Star video that struck me. "She was a very pretty girl LIKE ALL GIRLS ARE". "Like all girls are" is a beautiful way to subliminally instill in our girls that they are beautiful too; beauty is not just for princesses in storybooks. Very approachable.
I am so impressed with these!

Anonymous said...

You are in my sidebar. :)

jenny said...

wow how cool i love them all i think the dolls are realy cute and well its realy fun when you have a book set as to with a toy that way you can ineract with the story . this is the kind of toys i realy like it also help childern learn too

windycindy said...

What adorable characters with remarkable friendships. I like when she falls asleep but is awakened by a faint call. Nana then finds the lost star quivering under a pile of leaves. Then, she and the star fall asleep after eating berries and it is very dark when they awake. The moon takes away their fear of the dark with his bright light! Please enter me in this contest. I think it is so fabulous. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

love the colors- this was interesting

Anonymous said...

angelina115@hotmail.com

I love it. My son loves Moonman. Great!

Anonymous said...

angelina115@hotmail.com
oh, and it's great that toys com with a story

i subscribe

Uniquely Yours said...

I love the illustrations! The watercolors make the book. My daughter would love to have a book and it's character to play with as she reads.

mverno said...

the dolls

agordon10 said...

love that you can interact with the story

Unknown said...

I like the original version.

Unknown said...

You are in my side bar also. Great prize - thanks for hosting another good giveaway

denyse said...

I love the colors and the simple easy reading!

Claire said...

I would love to have this, my daughter would love it!!!! She calls her Great Grandmother Nana! What a sweet story!!!!!
claireevans@my2.tupperware.com
or cle3479@yahoo.com

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

What fabulous stories. I love how the stories have bright illustrations and teach kids to work through fears (specifically the dark, being alone and scared).

Thanks for the great giveaway!

the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

Beth @ TheAngelForever said...

I also subscribe to your RSS feed :)

the_angel_forever at yahoo dot com

kristilb19 said...

I love how it's interactive!

kristilb19@yahoo.com

miriama said...

My favorite part is about the moon taking care of their fear of the dark....I collect stars and moons, even have a tattoo so my granddaughter and I spend a lot of time talking about them. Would love this for her.

janetfaye said...

This is a beautiful book and story.

In Nana Star video I like the part where she woke up to a sound and followed it, hearing someone calling her.
Then she fond a glow under the leaves and she found a star who is asking wheres my Nana.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

mogrill said...

I love the interactive aspect of it!

kygirl said...

I like that it has bright illustrations and teach kids to work through fears (specifically the dark, being alone and scared).

Belinda said...

I love the big, bright moon being a comfort in the dark - as a child, I remember the moon being a friendly presence on dark nights too!
belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda said...

I'm subscribed via email.
belinda_streak(at)hotmail(dot)com

jennem said...

I like Mimi the Butterfly.
jennifer, jennem22 at yahoo dot com

Sue Wintz said...

I love that the princess was described as having "a heart that loved to share." Very nice stories!

Millie said...

The amazing watercolors make the book just fantastic. I love the illustrations!My sons would love to have a book and it's character to play with as they read.

Millie said...

I am a subscriber as well as the button on my sidebar :) Thanks for the extra credit!

Anna said...

I like the fact it helps teach kids things like not being afraid. My niece could benefit from this as she is frightened and fearful very easily.

Mary512 said...

I like the beautiful images in the video with all the flowers and butterflies and insects. Great giveaway, thanks!

Mary512 said...

Blogged ya:

http://mommyland512.blogspot.com/2008/08/giveaways-over-at-seven-dogs-baby.html

Thanks again!

Michele said...

"She's a very pretty girl...like all girls are."

This quote is THE MOST AWESOME OF AWESOME things to have a character say in children's literature!!!!! I have little niece, and since she was about 4 years old she has talked about not being pretty enough. It makes me so sad!!

Thanks so much for leading me to such a great site and literature!!

Thanks!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com

Michele said...

I'm subscribed!!

Thanks!
Michele R.(CA)
luvkittysmeowmail@gmail.com

Wehaf said...

My favorite part is where she finds the star, quivering and glowing under a pile of fallen leaves. It is so beautiful!

urchiken at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I like that it is interactive.

ginnyswe at gmail . com

Anonymous said...

I also subscribe.

ginnyswe at gmail . com

Julie Donahue said...

I like how the princess likes to share.

phxbne said...

I am a subscriber

phxbne said...

My daughter would love that it is interactive - and I love the watercolors

Anonymous said...

the illustrations look amazing!!!
cdrury@gmail.com

jceko77 said...

My favorite part is the story line and the plush animals that go along with it. I love the moon baby:)
jceko77@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I love how the bugs move through the pictures - the bee, butterfly, and lady bug are cute and add interest to the video :-)

sajdakota@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I think I subscribed :-P I'm not real good with computers, but I try!

sajdakota@yahoo.com

Melissa said...

It is a great interactive sight. Thanks for pointing it out.

Karen said...

Can't decide on my fav.

bison61 said...

I like the beautiful colors with the animals and flowers. My favorite part would be when she finds the star under the leaves asking for Nana

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

wigget said...

they inspire character

Anonymous said...

how the bugs move through the pictures

vboackle said...

i like mimi the butterfly.

klp1965 said...

i think books that come with stuffed characters are fabulous..they give the kids a piece of the book to hug and love :)

Erica G said...

In the first video I like that she "sees" things in the clouds. I used to sit with my grandma and do that. In the Moonman video I liked the way the star shined brighter when it felt happy and safe. They both are done really well.

egreca (at) hotmail {dot} com

Anonymous said...

The Moonman's reassurance and comfort was my favorite story part. However, I also liked the cute and colorful illustrations.
betsypz@yahoo.com

jodene said...

When she found the star!

LMcLendon said...

What an awesome way to share and pass along my love of the moon and stars to young loved ones!

Anonymous said...

I love how encouraging the story is. All of the color in the illustrations are beautiful too!

sparkofutterance@hotmail.com

yellowlabs said...

I love how it's interactive!

Anonymous said...

I really like the theme of friendship and acceptance.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

I subscribe too.
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

SeahorseLady said...

Such a beautiful site. Christmas is just around the corner and this would make a very special gift.
I like how the moon helps with fear of the dark. Many children are afraid of the dark and I was one of them so I understand. This could certainly bring instant comfort.
Thanks for another great giveaway.

judybrittle said...

I love that the dolls come with stories. That is really great. Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I like the moon taking away their fear of the dark. The colors and illustrations are beautiful. garrettsambo@aol.com

Anonymous said...

When the star is found

theyyyguy@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Nana Star and the Moonman

luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

Donna said...

I like the illustrations

haomom said...

great site, like interactive nature of the story

masonsgranny59 said...

My grandson loves Moonman.

Anonymous said...

Love the illustrations!
ceimusic@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Bright colors.
NAUnick15@aol.com

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