Dear Star Baby Hardcover – Picture Book, April 4, 2023

I ordered this book after miscarrying what would have been our 5th baby. Our older kids were each grieving in their own way and after reading this to our oldest he said “that was exactly how I feel”. This book tells a very beautiful, relatable story. Very glad we purchased.

As a teacher, I've taught several students over the years who have gone through the heartbreaking experience of losing a sibling in utero. One little boy I taught told me over and over, "I'm going to be a big brother, Mrs. Thomas." He was so excited and hopeful, because a year or two earlier, he'd experienced the grief of his mother's late miscarriage. He hoped differently than most kids for a sibling, because he knew what it was like to lose one you never got to meet.This book strikes the perfect tone for speaking with children about a painful subject, and I love the way it is written in first person with the little boy as the speaker. Framing it as a letter to the departed sibling is so smart, and so poignant. The words are simple and childlike, but not babyish. There is a sweet tenderness and depth to them, and I think that's because Mr. Newsome has lived this experience with his family. Nothing feels forced or unnecessary. It is a beautiful, heartfelt book.There are so few texts that deal with this very needed subject, and every elementary teacher, librarian, and counselor needs this truly special resource in their library.

This beautiful book brought me to tears. The author’s words are heartfelt and the art is gorgeous. Miscarriage is something so many families experience, yet navigating it can feel so excruciating. This book helps families as they guide their children through the heartbreak. This poignant book is going to touch countless lives. It’s a must-have.

This book truly helped our family navigate it’s most difficult days. We found this book to be the best one on pregnancy loss. We now donate a copy each year to a local libray to provide a resource for other grieving families, and to raise awareness about pregnancy loss. Thank you for writing this book.

The text so beautifully distills the thoughts and feelings a child might have when their family experiences miscarriage into simple yet powerful language, and it demonstrates a family coping with loss in a loving, nurturing, very healthy way. The pictures are vibrant and also full of emotion. Though my family has never experienced miscarriage, I wish I'd had this book when I was teaching young children. I am certain it would've helped several of my students' families.

The cover and title alone draws the reader in. Who is star baby? Who doesn't appreciate the stars in and of themselves. Then you open the pages and from the very first words and illustrations... a page turner! Page after page, the story flows so beautiful as its paints a picture of a family awaiting the birth a baby. Then tragedy strikes and author Malcolm Newsome and Illustrator Kamala Nairweaves weave a tapestry of emotions from despair to disbelief to acceptance and ultimately - closure. A baby not held in a little brother's arms, and yet remembered in the most blessed way I think I've ever seen. Dear Star Baby is a Gem and a must read!

We didn’t quite know how to explain to our 4yo that his sister would still watch over us without mentioning heaven or being an angel. This book made it so easy. My son loves to look back over the pages, and it being a young boy helped him to resonate with it even more.

Moving, beautiful, seamless. I am grateful this book is in the world.