Reach for the Stars and Other Advice for Life's Journey by Serge Bloch - Book Review and Giveaway

One May afternoon not so long ago, I stood on a stage at my high school and gave my valedictory speech. I honestly don't remember what I said, and it probably wasn't all that humorous, but I imagine I reflected on the past, talked about the future and tried to impart some sort of valuable advice to my fellow classmates. Most likely I was more concerned about not fainting while on stage in front of the entire community than anything else.


"You've got your whole life ahead of you! Sometimes it'll be smooth sailing, but other times it'll be a bumpy ride, with many forks in the road."

Reach for the Stars: and Other Advice for Life's Journey by Serge Bloch. Sterling (April 2010); ISBN 9781402771293; 32 pages
(Book Source: Review copy provided by publisher)

I doubt I told my classmates to "reach for the stars" but such sayings are often used occasions like graduations and other milestones. Author/Illustrator Serge Bloch recently released a humorous and inspirational little picture book that playful expands upon some familiar idioms and offers some lighthearted advice. His line style drawings coupled with photographed objects depict a small boy and a dog as they depart on a life journey. They make a splash, end up in the doghouse, and even have a change of heart but still manage to spread their wings and soar into the star-filled sky with smiles on their faces.

It's a cute book and makes a perfect gift for graduates or anyone starting life anew. There's plenty of white space on the pages, so I also think the book would work wonderfully as a guest book journal where party guests could sign-in with their own messages and words of wisdom for the new graduate. Wouldn't that make a great and memorable keepsake? Now I just wish I knew someone graduating this year. Guess I'll just have to use the picture book to teach my preschooler about idioms and maybe someday she'll be the one on stage delivering a speech!



Thanks to Sterling Children's Books, I have an extra copy of Reach for the Stars: and Other Advice for Life's Journey to giveaway to a Brimful Curiosities reader.

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