Overview
For the younger sisters of FANCY NANCY, here's a tiny duck with a BIG personality -- and an even BIGGER case of stage fright!
From the day she danced out of her shell, Celestine knew she was born to be a star! She dresses herself carefully every day, prefers to eat only pink food, and insists on wearing a tiara at all times -- as all good stars should. The school play is the perfect chance to show the world just how special she is, and she has a secret role that not even her family knows about. But will a sudden case of stage fright keep her from making her grand debut? No matter how the play ends, she'll always be a star to her family.
Synopsis
From the day she danced out of her shell, Celestine knew she was born to be a star! She dresses herself carefully every day, prefers to eat only pink food, and insists on wearing a tiara at all times -- as all good stars should. The school play is the perfect chance to show the world just how special she is, and she has a secret role that not even her family knows about. But will a sudden case of stage fright keep her from making her grand debut? No matter how the play ends, she'll always be a star to her family.
Children's Literature
Celestine has been a drama queen from the moment she hatched from her egg. Destined to be in the spotlight, she practiced her star motif at every opportunity. From picking out just the right pink outfits, to demanding pink food (it is the only thing stars eat, don't you know), to insisting that her teacher call her Princess Druscilla Drake, Celestine has her diva act covered. One day, when Destiny arrives at school, her teacher announces the school play, with an important part for everyone. Celestine dutifully practices her line, and on the day of the play, she waltzes into the theater wondering at the lack of red carpet and paparazzi. Destiny intervenes as, like many a young star before her, Celestine gets a very bad case of stage fright. Fortunately, Mrs. Gobble flies to the rescue, playing a jazzy tune on the piano, to which Celestine delights the audience with an impromptu dance. Later, she worries that because she forgot her line, she is no longer a star. "Always," her mother replies and reminds her of the audience's response to her dance. Celestine is at times a darling, at times exasperating, and at all times decidedly a free spirit. Young readers will no doubt relate to both her princess tendencies and to her fears. Beautifully illustrated, this book delightfully tells the age-old story of stage fright, self-doubt, and the power of love to help one overcome both. Reviewer: Kris Sauer
Editorials
Children's Literature -
Celestine has been a drama queen from the moment she hatched from her egg. Destined to be in the spotlight, she practiced her star motif at every opportunity. From picking out just the right pink outfits, to demanding pink food (it is the only thing stars eat, don't you know), to insisting that her teacher call her Princess Druscilla Drake, Celestine has her diva act covered. One day, when Destiny arrives at school, her teacher announces the school play, with an important part for everyone. Celestine dutifully practices her line, and on the day of the play, she waltzes into the theater wondering at the lack of red carpet and paparazzi. Destiny intervenes as, like many a young star before her, Celestine gets a very bad case of stage fright. Fortunately, Mrs. Gobble flies to the rescue, playing a jazzy tune on the piano, to which Celestine delights the audience with an impromptu dance. Later, she worries that because she forgot her line, she is no longer a star. "Always," her mother replies and reminds her of the audience's response to her dance. Celestine is at times a darling, at times exasperating, and at all times decidedly a free spirit. Young readers will no doubt relate to both her princess tendencies and to her fears. Beautifully illustrated, this book delightfully tells the age-old story of stage fright, self-doubt, and the power of love to help one overcome both. Reviewer: Kris SauerSchool Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1
Even the most self-assured young duckling diva is vulnerable to opening-night jitters. This British import recounts Celestine's beginnings as she pecks her way into the world with much fanfare. "Right from the start, Celestine was hard to ignore." She envisions herself becoming nothing less than a star, even when she is cast in a minor role in the school play. Although stage fright literally upends her theatrical debut and temporarily disheartens her, her mother tenderly reassures her that she will always be her star. Soft pastel watercolors and pencil drawings whimsically depict the adorable Celestine, her feathered barnyard friends and family, and the cheerful details of her domestic life. The foil-stamped jacket will entice many a reader to pick up this cozy and comforting book, perfect for reading aloud in a group or shared one-on-one.-Kathleen Finn, Winooski Memorial Library, VT