A Tale of Cosmic Friendship (Haylee and Comet #1)

K-Gr 3-Haylee, a white girl with wide-set eyes and a star barrette in her short hair, makes wishes on everything, especially falling stars. She is overjoyed when a lively comet falls into her arms, each of them having wished for a friend, and together, they build a Friend Ship (the back half is a rocket; the front half is a boat). Despite their different origins, Haylee and Comet share a similar sensibility, as well matched as the pals in Dan Santat's The Adventures of Beekle. Kind and open-minded, both look at the world with wonder ("Maybe Earth is magic") and forgive each other for mistakes. Marcero's (In a Jar) blue and sunshine-yellow palette is similar to the color scheme of Ben Clanton's "Narwhal and Jelly" series. Most pages contain three to five comic panels, though some pages feature a single full-bleed illustration; the overall impression is spacious and inviting for emerging readers. An "Extra!" section at the end relates information about comets in general and Halley's comet in particular. In the book's final pages, the phrase "The End" is crossed out and replaced with "The Beginning." Readers are likely to wish on a falling star for more installments about the duo. VERDICT This amusing, wish-come-true tale has plenty of heart; recommended for all children's collections.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A girl and a comet develop an affectionate friendship in Marcero’s (In a Jar) gentle emerging reader, a graphic novel series starter. From the moment the child makes a wish, landing the comet on Earth, it’s clear that pale-skinned Haylee and ghost-shaped, bright yellow Comet are kindred spirits: "Are you... a friend?" each asks the other, setting the scene for the earnest lessons about companionship that continue throughout. In the second of three chapters, the two collaborate on a kit to build a "Friend Ship," a task whose construction reveals backgrounds and similarities, and offers opportunity for clear communication. And in a third vignette, after a "three-day friend-iversary" surprise goes awry, the mix-up is transformed into a metaphorical affirmation of the pair’s relationship and mutual wish for future adventures. Innocent humor driven by Comet’s unfamiliarity with Earth abounds: "You have spots. Are you a cheetah? A chocolate chip cookie?" asks Comet upon observing Haylee’s polka-dot garb. Working with a limited palette of blues and yellows, Marcero’s delicate illustrations play with perspective and frequently feature the beauty and bigness of the world. Anything seems possible for these caring and curious best buds, with their empathic way of relating to each other and the universe. Ages 6-9.

Copyright 2021 Publisher’s Weekly, LLC Used with permission.