Dear Star Baby by Malcolm Newsome is a heartwarming, sensitive, and beautifully written picture book that addresses the delicate subject of grief and loss of an unborn baby sibling. Young readers will find comfort in the gentle and compassionate language as Newsome weaves tender storytelling with healing and hope, striking a perfect balance between depth and simplicity. The text of Dear Star Baby tenderly guides the main character from the joys of anticipation through the sorrows of loss with love and tenderness. Newsome provides a comforting narrative that allows young readers to process their feelings and find comfort in shared experiences.

The story is set as a letter from the young soon-to-be sibling to the unborn baby in the stars, hence the title, Dear Star Baby. Throughout this letter, the child expresses their feelings of love and mourning, offering a calming outlet for their grief. “She said, you went to be with the stars instead.” Newsome finds the ideal phrases of where the unborn baby has gone, giving the family a tangible place to find solace while grieving and cherishing the memories of their sibling, ultimately finding hope and healing.

Complementing the warm and comforting story are the gorgeous illustrations that are ideally paired with the narrative. The reader will resonate deeply with each page of well-crafted images that depict the range of emotions experienced by the main character. The illustrations create a visual journey that echoes the love and tenderness in the text, supporting the emotions of the young readers and making it easier for them to follow along.

Essentially, Newsome’s work is an ideal resource for children and families to help gently guide them through the grieving process and encourage healing after the loss of a baby sibling. Dear Star Baby raises awareness of how to compassionately navigate grief, show empathy, and emphasize the importance of love and remembrance.