Nana Star and the Moonman
My daughters have two new friends – their names are Nana Star and the Moonman. They are the main characters in an award-winning series of children’s books that we recently had the chance to review.
Written by sisters Elizabeth Sills and Elena Patrice and illustrated by their mom, Linda Saker, Nana Star tells the tale of a little girl that goes on a magical adventure to bring a lost baby star home. The story is simple enough that my 4-year old could summarize it after the first time we read it together, but powerful at the same time, encouraging compassion and generosity in such a beautiful manner.
Nana Star and the Moonman is the second inspiring story in the series. It starts where the first story left off, with Nana Star beginning her journey to help baby star find his way home. Before she knows it, night falls and the world has gone to bed without her. She feels scared and alone in the dark, but with the help of her new friend the Moonman, she learns that she is never alone. He is always watching over and guiding her along, even if she can’t see him.
The books are well-made and the illustrations are beautiful, yet accessible to kids. What I mean by that is that the artwork is obviously done by hand and could inspire little girls (and boys!) do draw their own versions of Nana Star and the Moonman. To foster their reading skills, each Nana Star storybook includes a mistake in the text for young readers to find. When children send Nana Star a note correcting the mistake, they become special members of her Little Twinkles Club. Each member receives an autographed photo of the real Nana Star with a personalized message, as well as a certificate of membership.
The Nana Star series of children’s books has won various awards, and I can see why. This is such a well-rounded product line! I love the seamless integration of book, plush, CD, and companion website.
The Nana Star doll is poseable and soft, and even comes with little extras that tie in with the story. Marsy was captivated by her blue dress, which she always associates with being a princess. The Moonman plush isn’t just a lovey, he’s a nightlight, glowing when you squeeze him. He plays a lullaby when hugged, and has such a comforting quality about him. Just looking at his sweet face makes you feel calm!
Included with every book is a companion CD. I loaded both CDs on to my iPod so Marsy can read along with the books whenever the mood strikes. The story is short enough that it keeps her attention, yet still gives me a few minutes of quiet time because she usually likes to hear it more than once. The only thing I’d change would be to maybe add some kind of chime or page-turning sound so that she knows when she should turn to the next page. She’ll be reading before I know it, though, with the help of Nana Star! The CDs also include the Nana Star and Moonman themes, respectively, which are sweet, shorter versions of the stories told in the books.
On the Nana Star website you can find videos, song lyrics, and meet all of Nana Star’s friends. In an effort to be fully available to children of all needs, Nana Star stories and songs are interpreted in sign language as well. Parents and educators can download and print coloring pages and learning lessons from the website, which I found particularly helpful since we’re homeschooling at the moment.
Nana Star and the Moonman really came to us at the perfect time. Marsy’s been increasingly scared of the dark over the past few weeks. The messages contained in the books, particularly the second one in the series, have been very effective. She’s slept with the Moonman by her side for several nights now, and hasn’t woken up crying in the middle of the night as she was so frequently doing before. MJ instantly fell in love with the Moonman the moment she saw him, so much so that I was almost tempted to buy a second one for her. We’ve managed to develop a system where she plays with the Moonman throughout the day and he goes to bed with Marsy at night, so it’s all working out nicely.
I noticed that Nana Star lives right here in Northern Virginia, so we may just get a chance to meet her and the Moonman in real life one of these days! I’m also looking forward to adding to our collection when Nana Star and the Blue Wolf is released in the Spring. It always feels good to buy a product that is unique and inherently valuable, but also gives back, and Nana Star does this and more – a portion of all book and merchandise sales go directly to the Nana Star Foundation, which is dedicated to raising funds for terminally ill children and raising awareness of the crippling problems facing children that attend under-resourced, inner-city schools. Nana Star books are distributed to hospitals and inner-city schools throughout the United States, and I’m sure they’ve brought smiles to the faces of many a child!
The Nana Star line is recommended for ages 3-7, and I completely agree with that suggestion. Although my toddler loves the Moonman, she can’t activate the light and music features without my help. The music could also be a bit loud for babies’ little ears. The Nana Star doll includes small elements that could be ingested by children under 3. MJ does enjoy listening to the stories, though I’m sure she doesn’t understand the concepts just yet. The entire Nana Star line of products can be purchased from NanaStar.com and the books can also be found on Amazon.
February is Laugh-Friendly month, and to celebrate, you get a 10% discount on any Nana Star and Friends purchase! Just enter code LF2009 at checkout.
Giveaway is closed.
One lucky reader is going to win this entire set, including the Nana Star doll, Moonman lovey, and both books. To enter, please visit Nana Star and leave a comment on this post telling me what you like most about the product line.
For extra entries:
- Blog about this giveaway and link back to this post and to the Nana Star website.
- Subscribe to my feed (or let me know if you already do).
- Follow me on Twitter (@looknohands) and tweet about this giveaway.
- Grab my button and link to me in your sidebar or blog roll.
- Stumble this page and leave your Stumble Upon name in the comment.
- Add my blog to your Technorati favorites.
Please leave a separate comment for each entry. US entries only. A valid email address or blog URL must be provided so that I can contact you if you win. This contests ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 7th, 2009. Winner will be chosen at random, and has 48 hours to claim their prize.
Thank you to Elizabeth and Elena at ee Publishing, and to Mom Fuse for this review opportunity!
Don’t forget to enter my other giveaways, and visit the Bloggy Giveaways Carnival to check out hundreds more!
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I like that there is a story to go along with each doll. That would be a lot of fun for a child to be holding their doll and reading the story about it at the same time.
My favorite thing is the artwork. I love it. The doll is just so gorgeous. Thanks for the opportunity.
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I like the whole idea that there is an error somewhere in the book, for the kids to find. Once they find it and they right a letter to Nana Star, they become Twinkles.
It is a very creative idea with wonderful pictures, and even a stuffed doll to go with them.
I love it.
I have blogged about the Nana Star giveaway and have linked back to your site and the Nana Star site at:
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I tweeted about the Nana Star and Moonman giveaway at http://twitter.com/BarneofGrace
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I love the moonman lovie! I love the way that the products are designed to be soothing and relaxing for bedtime. This would be perfect for my son! Thanks for the opportunity!
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I love that the Nana Star Foundation is dedicated to helping make life easier for children attending under-resourced, inner-city schools and for terminally ill children. Very commendable!
Thanks so much for this fabulous give~away! : )))
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I also subscribe! : )))
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I stumbled this give~away! : )))
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I faved you on technorati….user name: leahita.
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I am following you on TWITTER….username leahita.
And, I TWITTERED about this fabulous give~away.
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Thanks again! : )))
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I love that there are books, cds and dolls. Its a complete package that uses all elements, from reading to music, and makes it come alive with the doll and glowing star. Thanks for the giveaway. My 3 year old would love this!
I subscribe.
We really like the moon man lovey the best!
Thank you for the contest!
I love the Moonman! He is so cute! It’s great that he lights up so he can double as a nightlight for kids!
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I love that you have the plush to go with the stories, it helps bring them to life.
The Nana Star line has received many awards and wonderful reviews. I like the fact that Nana Star was created to build character in youngsters. It promotes positive values in a simple and imaginative manner. I would love this for my new grandaughter! Thank you!
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How adorable is that?! My daughter would love this! I like the fact that it has won so many awards! Very nice! Thanks!
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I love this: When children send Nana Star a note correcting the mistake, they become special members of Nana Star’s Little Twinkles Club. Such a cute idea! Plus it would encourage kids to actually pay attention-adorable. I also like just how adorable all the characters are! thanks
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I love that they have received so many wonderful awards, including the Teacher’s Choice Award for the Family 2009. It becomes obvious to me that this is a worthwhile toy/educational experience if so many others agree!
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I like the doll
I love the fact that they are first off not plastic! I love fabric dolls! The numerous amounts of awards they have been awarded is always a consumer/parent plus! I also see they are based in VA, we are in Virginia, I would have never known!
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Loved the story of the author and how this storie came about as she was showing her grandson she was always with him after he moved. semtaylor(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like that along with the stories there are dolls. Their site is neat also because they also have sign language on it.
I loved this web-site. The story, the structure of the site, but my favorite part is the moonman. What a comforting lovey for a child.
i like the mooman lovey–it is a great concept and i know that when kids are able to read something and have a tangible, visual picture of what they’ve read everything seems more real to them.
I love that kids have the opportunity to interact with the books through the dolls. I think this helps strengthen children’s imaginations and keeps them interested in reading.
I love that the doll goes with the books. My daughter is always acting out her stories and this is a great way for her to do that.
Thanks!
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I like that the book comes with a CD, too
The iPod idea is a great one!
I love that it teaches virtues and I love the Moonman and that he glows.
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