Price: £15.99
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age Range: 5-8 Infant/Junior
Length: 64pp
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The Last Stardog
Stardog, a celestial being and the last of her kind, descends from the night sky, burdened by an overwhelming sense of loneliness. Stripped of her star magic, she embarks on a quest to restore her celestial powers and seek others of her kind. The weight of sorrow accompanies Stardog on her journey across an earth-like terrain, unfamiliar yet laden with rich symbols and delicately imagined spaces.
This voyage unfolds as a compelling exploration of themes such as loneliness, the absence of dreams, and the emergence of unexpected yet rewarding friendships. Stardog’s encounters with various animals serve as catalysts, gradually unravelling details about her origins and theirs, fostering a deeper understanding of a sense of self. The collective journey traverses intricately imagined and dream-like landscapes until the characters confront a cavernous tunnel inhabited by The Darkness. What will Stardog and her companions discover as they journey through to the other side?
In this debut work, Mosley crafts a vivid tapestry. The narrative, presented with a leisurely pace, is richly textured, and suitable for being read aloud and shared. With a lengthier text and more expansive page count than conventional picture books, the story unfolds akin to a fairy tale. The host of enchanting animals and magical landscapes, thoughtfully illustrated, celebrates Mosley’s unrestrained imagination, leaping off the pages thanks to Flying Eye’s commitment to print quality.
This enchanting and thoughtfully envisioned work stands as a valuable addition to any library and home. The inclusion of supplementary stories, providing the backstories of the animals Stardog encounters, adds depth to the narrative. However, it is the vibrant illustrations that are likely to captivate the young readership, creating an immersive visual journey.