A Bed of Stars

Written in the first person, a young boy speaks of his fears of night-time and going to sleep, he finds the enormity of the universe daunting.

Dad decides to take him camping in the desert, hoping it will be a way for his son to feel at one with the universe. Their journey towards the desert is brought to life with descriptions of the smells they encounter as they leave the city and drive through the mountains. An accompanying soundtrack of country and blues music adds to the atmosphere.

When they arrive in the desert, they have fun together jumping in the sand dunes. Dad teaches his son about the birds of the desert, mountain flowers and how to build a fire. Inevitably night-time comes and the boy’s fears return. Dad is reassuring and encourages him to make up names for the stars so that they become his friends. It is soon time to return home, leaving only their footprints behind them. When they arrive home, they find that Mum has a surprise of her own for him, to make night-time magical rather than scary.

The text and images evoke some of the contrasting landscapes of America. The soft colour palette makes the book very attractive; the night-time scenes of star-filled skies and the titular bed of stars are especially appealing.

From the creator of the award-winning Julian is a Mermaid, this is a gentle and reassuring story about family love, bonding, building memories and conquering fears.