The Stars Will Still Shine    by Cynthia Rylant & Tiphanie Beeke Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2005 (2005) Hardcover Read an Excerpt      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson Kids like constancy in their lives and cling to the familiar. In The Stars Will Still Shine, Cynthia Rylant offers them images (presented in simple rhymes) of all the wonderful things they can count on staying constant. Tiphanie Beeke's bright illustrations underline the warm and fuzzy impression of this comforting picture book. It begins 'this new year ... / the sky will still be there / the stars will still shine / birds will fly over us /church bells will chime', each line accompanied by a lovely picture. The imagery continues with calves and kittens, flowers, peaches, and ice cream ('three scoops high!') Later, we're told 'there will be goodness / there will be grace / there will be light / in every dark place'. Finally, the first stanza is repeated, gaining a new, even more cheerful perspective from the paintings above the words. Read this reassuring book together as the old year ends and the new begins, at any major anniversary, at bedtime, or whenever kids are fearful. It's one of those very feel good books for old and young. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews