Member Reviews

The illustrations and color palette for this book are beautiful. The cover is so cute and it will definitely grab the attention of young readers. The text is simple, which will allow emerging readers to read it independently.

Was this review helpful?

I was charmed from start to finish with this simple story of a lightning bug learning to face his fears - notably that of the dark! The illustrations by Mexican artist Bruno Valasse truly elevate the narrative. The color palate is vibrant but minimal - limited to gold, teal, and rust along with black and white. The first person narrative keeps the universal personal and is full of heart. The opening lines capture it all, " This is a story about stars. No, it's a story about fear. Or maybe it's a story about me? Actually, this is a story about all of those things."

Many thanks to NetGalley for access to this early-release digital edition.

Was this review helpful?

Shine discusses overcoming one's fears by relying on friends, families, and community. The only reason I wouldn't advise students to purchase this book is because there is somewhat of a scary scene where some of the moth's friends are eaten by frogs and that could be somewhat scary for much younger students. Otherwise, Valasse does a great job of showing how to rely on one's community to overcome their fears of the dark.

Was this review helpful?

The illustration and overall style of this book is one that I think is really on trend in popular right now. However, I think the story overall is a bit lacking. I think there are a few spots that could use some expansion, particularly in reinforcing the message of working together and shining. The story feels a bit empty, but the overall look I think could make it a briefly popular book in my library.

Was this review helpful?

Shine was a very beautiful and moving picture book. This is geared towards kids but I think adults will love this just as much. The illustrations were gorgeous. I found myself immersed in the beautifulness of those illustrations. The story was so touching that it brought some joy to this black-hearted one.

Sometimes all we need to do is face our fears head-on and it's even better if we have friends in our corner.

Was this review helpful?

I received an advanced copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Follow a little moth boy as he wanders in the darkness outside. The full moon tempts him to go out, and he does, but something sinister lurks there, too. He plays around with other fireflies, who all venture toward the open sea and lighthouse. It's a quick and straightforward read for youngsters who enjoy things at night. "Shine" shows that no matter how dark it is, there's always light at the end of the tunnel. A fascinating read.

Was this review helpful?

Lovely art but our customers don't always respond well to dark pallets.
The story might be a little esoteric for our customers too.
I think the book is really gorgeously rendered but the message seemed too elusive for the intended audience .

Was this review helpful?

I love the art work and illustrations. They are all so phenomenal! I know my students would enjoy looking at the pictures of the brave moth and scary frogs!

I felt like this book had so much potential that it didn’t live up to. Fear and anxiety are great topics that are not often addressed in young children and this would be a great resource to read about overcoming those obstacles and being our best self. However, the book skipped around too quickly to the end and I didn’t feel like it made a lot of sense overall and glossed over the theme. Maybe I missed something?

Was this review helpful?

My 7 year old liked the illustrations , he liked that it looked like colored pencil. He liked the creepy frogs. He thought the moth was cool.

Was this review helpful?

Shine by Bruno Valasse is a delightfully charming and heartwarming story about a moth, some fireflies, fears, and stars. With the help of some firefly friends, the moth is able to overcome his fear of the dark and shine brightly in the sky for others to see. This brilliantly illustrated book is full of morals and feel-good messages. The perfect book when we are feeling just a little bit too small.

Was this review helpful?

Stunning! This was another one in which the artwork really wows. I loved the color palette and simple composition of the text with the rich complexity of the illustrations. I did get a little lost in the narrative toward the middle, but that didn't take too much away from the overall experience.

Was this review helpful?

I love the message behind this story to embrace one’s authentic self. The illustration style is representative of the message and sets a great tone for the story.

I think will be a great book to initiate conversations with young ones about overcoming fears and finding confidence in oneself.

I do feel a little as though it is missing something. It seemed a bit rushed or lacked context somewhere?

Was this review helpful?

This was such a cute and optimistic read! I adore the illustrations especially, they're very unique.

Was this review helpful?

This book is perfect for any little ones that may be demonstrating some anxieties or newfound fears. The moral is so powerful and so sweet- we all have a light within us and as we face our fears and let our shine, we’ll light the way for others, too. I thought it was so clever to make the main character of the story a moth- a creature that fears the dark and wants to be where it’s bright and lit. The 3 star rating is due to the fact that I felt like the book jumped to the end too quickly. I like short children's books but it almost seems like this one could use an extra few pages in the middle to make the message even more compelling. Nevertheless, it's the cutest concept and I’ll absolutely be looking for more from this author.

Thank you to the author and net galley for allowing me to read and review this adorable book.

Was this review helpful?

A beautifully illustrated rustic picture book that emphasizes standing up for those around you and letting your inner light shine. I wish there had been a bit more text. However, the illustrations are truly phenomenal. This will make a great little gift book!

Was this review helpful?

I loved reading this lyrical story and gazing at the colourful paintings.
It's about talking about your fears shamelessly and trying to get over it with the help of knowing your own strength and seeking help from others.
Highly recommended.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the illustrations in this children’s literature book. As an Early Educator I am constantly looking to fill my shelves with books that are new, thought provoking and enjoyable to share with my students.

I think this book would help initiate conversations about animals, camouflage and nature but also feelings, fears and how to work through them.

This was a great book!

Was this review helpful?

Shine is a beautiful book about being brave and finding your self-worth. I thought the illustrations were especially gorgeous and eye-catching. Thank you NetGalley and Publishers for giving me early access to this book!

Was this review helpful?

Shine is a story of overcoming your fears with the help of friends, something we can all identify with. For fans of Phoebe Wahl, this book will make your heart lighter and Reims you that shining your light for all to see is powerful.

Was this review helpful?

An adorable and succinct look at the importance of self-confidence and positive self-evaluation in the life of a young person. Also, incredibly cute illustrations!

Was this review helpful?