Nick Bland’s The Wrong Book is shortlisted for this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards (winners announced in August). Now he’s produced something altogether different, but just as wonderful.

Penny Pasketti is surprised to see a little star land in her garden: a friendly, fun-loving star who is wonderful company. But how do you help a star to get home again, when the shining night sky is so far away? Illustration and text work perfectly together in this satisfying story.

The Australian urban setting is so familiar, but so full of mysterious suggestion as the real extent of Penny’s adventure is quite subtly revealed. Highly recommended for two-and-a-half to six year olds – and for anyone who likes a happy, tingly spine.