The Story
Vera and Grace were suddenly galaxies apart.
When Vera's best friend moves to the other side of the world, she feels adrift. She asks her special wishing star to bring her friend back, but then her star disappears too! Vera's journey through loneliness leads to surprising discoveries about new friends and the special way she is still connected to her best friend. Back matter supports children and parents when a friend moves away, while also exploring STEM connections through the making of a star map.
Author: Kelly Swemba
Publisher: Beaming Books
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.78lbs
Size: 10.23h x 8.64w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9781506496306
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 44
Booklist 02/01/2026
Publishers Weekly 04/06/2026
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026
About the Author
Swemba, Kelly: -
Kelly Swemba has been passionate about big feelings since she was little. She holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing and has also worked as a preschool intervention aide for children with autism. She's a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. Kelly lives with her family in Columbus, Ohio.
Walker-Parker, Adam: -Adam Walker-Parker is a children's book illustrator and artist from the Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands. He started out his creative career as an artist, painting wildlife, as well as figurative and landscape art, before moving into children's picture book illustration. He loves long walks and time with his family.
Description
Vera and Grace were suddenly galaxies apart.
When Vera's best friend moves to the other side of the world, she feels adrift. She asks her special wishing star to bring her friend back, but then her star disappears too! Vera's journey through loneliness leads to surprising discoveries about new friends and the special way she is still connected to her best friend. Back matter supports children and parents when a friend moves away, while also exploring STEM connections through the making of a star map.
Author: Kelly Swemba
Publisher: Beaming Books
Published: 05/12/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.78lbs
Size: 10.23h x 8.64w x 0.37d
ISBN: 9781506496306
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2026 pg. 44
Booklist 02/01/2026
Publishers Weekly 04/06/2026
Kirkus Reviews 05/15/2026
About the Author
Swemba, Kelly: -
Kelly Swemba has been passionate about big feelings since she was little. She holds a master's degree in psychiatric nursing and has also worked as a preschool intervention aide for children with autism. She's a member of SCBWI, 12x12, and Children's Book Insider. Kelly lives with her family in Columbus, Ohio.
Walker-Parker, Adam: -Adam Walker-Parker is a children's book illustrator and artist from the Cairngorm National Park in the Scottish Highlands. He started out his creative career as an artist, painting wildlife, as well as figurative and landscape art, before moving into children's picture book illustration. He loves long walks and time with his family.
