Synopses & Reviews
Zoe has an especially close relationship with her uncle, Leonard, who is now sick. Following a visit to the planetarium, he explains to her that when he dies, he will be like the stars: too far away to touch.
Review
"The book is a poignant respite from the more didactic and bibliotherapeutic titles that have sprung up in response to the AIDS crisis." The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"This is a beautifully done, quiet tale that will be meaningful to all children who have lost a beloved relative to any illness, but especially to AIDS. Leonard, Zoe's favorite uncle, takes her to the Hayden Planetarium. As they enjoy the show and the twinkling sky, Uncle Leonard explains that the stars are too far away to touch but close enough to see. . . . When they take a special nighttime trip to a beach, he reassures her that although he will not be close enough to touch when he dies, he will always be there for her in her memories. The soft watercolor paintings add to the warm tone. A special story of the enduring nature of love." School Library Journal
"Stock's soft-focus watercolors provide a delicate foil for this exceptionally thoughtful story of a girl whose uncle has AIDS. . . . It's hard to imagine a more appropriate book for young readers that deals so gently and insightfully with such an important topic." Publishers Weekly, Starred
Review
'\"Stock\'s soft-focus watercolors provide a delicate foil for this exceptionally thoughtful story of a girl whose uncle has AIDS. . . . It\'s hard to imagine a more appropriate book for young readers that deals so gently and insightfully with such an important topic.\"'
About the Author
Catherine Stock, known for her sensitive paintings, has illustrated many books for children, including several for Clarion. She divides her time between Rignac, France, and New York City.Lesl�a Newman is the author of more than 40 books, including Matzo Ball Moon and Remember That. She lives in Massachusetts.