Secret Stars, The

Reach for this book when your child is spiraling into 'what if' worries or feeling devastated by a change in plans that feels like the end of the world. It is an ideal comfort read for children who struggle with perfectionism or anxiety surrounding special events and traditions. The story follows Sila and Pepe in New Mexico on the Night of the Three Kings. When an icy storm hides the stars, the children fear the Kings will lose their way and the celebration will be ruined. Their grandmother leads them on a poetic journey to find 'secret stars' in the world around them, from the glint of ice to the warmth of a hearth. It is a gentle, beautifully illustrated tale for ages 4 to 8 that validates a child's big feelings while modeling how a trusted adult can help shift their perspective from fear to wonder.