Why Am I? by Victor James Owner, illustrated by H.J. Grimes Ages 4-8 40 pages Synergy Books August 2006 Hardcover     Little Star asks the question that most of us struggle a lifetime to get an answer to – Why Am I?! That question takes him on a journey of self-discovery as he asks for help from Breeze, Morning Dew, and a host of other friends who guide him toward the answer, which lies inside a very special Great Gold Book. Little Star learns all about himself and why he is so special in this charming book that will warm the hearts of children who long to understand their place in the world. Told in a rhyming style, the text is light and whimsical - even if every now and then the attempted rhymes are a tad forced (the story would have worked just as well if told in plain, non-rhyming text). The illustrations by H.J. Grimes are splashes of watercolor whimsy which add to the magic of the story. The author started up a Little Star Network after writing this book, an organization that empowers parents and children with a sense of self and innocence, and that innocence is present here in Little Star’s quest. This is a sweet and thoughtful book that will hopefully inspire any child to find their own special Star in life, and what better way than through storytelling and reading – a surefire path to discovering all the wonder of life.   web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2006 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)