Imagine Counting All the Stars

Math makes for an inspiring new friendship in a story of kindred spirits who bond under a dome of billions of stars.

Maddie takes comfort in counting daisy petals and the parallel lines of moonlight pouring through her bedroom blinds. She finds joy in patterns: the black-and-white keys on a piano, the tessellations in a brick pathway. Dad understands and encourages her love of math, but Maddie longs for a friend who marvels with the same enthusiasm she does. The other girls prefer dolls to building with shapes at playtime, and when they bake together, Maddie likes to measure, while the others decorate. Always the odd girl out, Maddie finally meets her match when Dad invites new classmate Priya and her mom along on a stargazing expedition to the observatory. The unfathomable number of stars takes Maddie’s breath away—and Priya’s. Perhaps one of them will discover a way to count all those stars one day! Heartfelt text and timeless illustrations tell a relatable story of finding the right friend at the right time and counting yourself lucky indeed.

Raewyn Caisley is the author of several award-winning books for young readers, including Hello from Nowhere and Something Wonderful, both illustrated by Karen Blair. Born in New Zealand, Raewyn Caisley lives in Western Australia.

Gabriel Evans is the author-illustrator of several picture books, including Ollie and Augustus, A Job for Kingsley, and A Human for Kingsley. He also illustrated Blue Flower by Sonya Hartnett and other acclaimed books for younger readers. He lives in Western Australia.