Starky Star's Solar System Adventure & Author Q&A
Starky Star's Solar System Adventure & Author Q&A
Join Starky Star's journey through the solar system and enjoy a fun Q&A with the author answering kids' space-themed questions.
Introduction
Welcome back to "Kids Ask, Authors Answer," a delightful series where we bring together curious kids and talented children's book authors for a fun and engaging session. In each episode, we have a read aloud of the book, and then children who have read the book in advance have sent in their questions for the author. The author then answers these questions on the spot, without prior knowledge of what the questions are. This creates a spontaneous and often entertaining interaction that reveals more about the creative minds behind beloved children's books. Your kids can join in on the next episode too! There is information on how to participate at the end.
Meet the Authors
Amy Doslich and Samantha (Sam) Howard-Els
The show is hosted by Amy Doslich and Sam Howard-Els, both accomplished children's book authors. Amy Doslich is known for the "Hannah Banana and Mary Berry" series, while Samantha Howard-Els is recognized for her "Mungo" series and "Tiny Boo Halloween" book. Together, they create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere where authors share insights and anecdotes, answering the questions sent in by their young fans.
Joining Amy and Sam in this episode is Maryann McMahon the author of 8 children's books including Starky the Star Soars Through the Solar System. Maryann’s path to children’s literature is as inspiring as Starky’s own adventure. After 38 years as an educator, she retired and turned her passion for storytelling into a new career, authoring eight children’s books (with a ninth on the way). Her love for teaching and her curiosity about the universe shine through in her writing, making complex topics accessible and engaging for young readers.
Exploring the Solar System with Starky Star: A Journey Through Story and Curiosity
Children’s literature has a magical way of making the universe feel accessible, friendly, and full of wonder. In the delightful world of “Starky Star Soars Through the Solar System,” author Maryann McMahon invites young readers to embark on an interstellar adventure, learning about planets, friendship, and the power of curiosity. This blog post dives deep into the story, the creative process behind it, and the engaging Q&A session where kids’ questions take center stage.
The Story: Starky Star’s Cosmic Adventure
From Department Store Shelf to the Stars
Starky Star’s journey begins in an unexpected place: the shelves of Dilly’s Department Store. Once a Christmas tree decoration, Starky gazes out at the North Pole, dreaming of the twinkling stars and celestial wonders beyond. Driven by curiosity and a longing for adventure, Starky spirals upward into the night sky, leaving behind the familiar for the unknown.
Meeting the Planets
As Starky soars through space, he encounters the planets of our solar system, each with its own personality and story to tell:
Venus: The first planet Starky meets, Venus introduces herself as Earth’s “twin,” sharing similarities in size, mass, and density. Venus explains her rocky, volcanic surface and why she’s the hottest planet, thanks to her thick, heat-trapping atmosphere.
Mercury: Pointed out by Venus, Mercury is the smallest and closest planet to the sun, with no moons and a speedy 88-day orbit.
Mars: Known as the Red Planet, Mars is half the size of Earth and home to the largest volcano in the solar system. Mars welcomes Starky warmly, sharing facts about his two moons.
Jupiter: The largest planet, Jupiter boasts 95 moons, a famous Great Red Spot, and the fastest rotation. He’s friendly and proud of his status as the first planet to form.
Saturn: The “ringed planet,” Saturn dazzles Starky with its icy, colorful rings and 146 moons. Saturn is less dense than water and known for its windy atmosphere.
Uranus: An ice giant with a unique tilt, Uranus appears to spin on its side and orbits the sun in the opposite direction from most planets. It has 28 known moons and two sets of rings.
Neptune: The furthest planet from the sun, Neptune is cold, dark, and home to the blue-hued moon Triton. Neptune can only be seen through a telescope.
Pluto: Once a full-fledged planet, Pluto is now classified as a dwarf planet. Feeling left out and discouraged, Pluto finds comfort in Starky’s kind words and the support of the other planets.
Lost in Space and the Power of Friendship
After his planetary tour, Starky finds himself lost in the darkness of space, spiraling out of control and feeling scared. It’s Pluto who comes to his rescue, guiding him back and reminding him that even the smallest among us have an important role to play. Starky’s journey ends with a return to Earth, his heart full of gratitude for the friends he’s made and the lessons he’s learned.
Kids Ask, Authors Answer: A Celebration of Curiosity
One of the most delightful aspects of the video is the segment where children submit their questions to the author. These questions range from scientific curiosities to imaginative musings, reflecting the boundless curiosity of young minds.
How Does Starky Travel Through Space?
A young viewer wonders if Starky uses a jetpack. Maryanne explains that Starky is a magical star, able to spiral himself upward without the need for technology. However, she playfully considers the idea of equipping Starky with a jetpack for future adventures.
Are Stars Hot? How Can Starky and Pluto Be Friends?
Children are quick to point out that stars are hot, so how can Starky interact with Pluto? Maryann reassures them that Starky “cooled off” for the story, emphasizing the importance of friendship and support, especially when Pluto feels left out.
Have You Ever Looked Through a Telescope?
Maryanne shares her childhood memories of stargazing, expressing a desire to revisit the experience and see planets like Neptune, which can only be viewed through a telescope.
Does Starky Know “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star”?
The classic lullaby makes an appearance, with the author singing, much to the delight of their young audience.
Why Is the Sun Wearing Sunglasses?
The illustrator’s creative choice to give the sun sunglasses is explained as a fun way to show how hot the sun is—so hot, even the sun needs protection!
Where Does Starky Take a Nap?
Starky’s busy journey leaves little time for rest, but when he’s on Earth, he enjoys napping atop a Christmas tree, blending the magic of the holidays with his celestial adventures.
How Does Starky Live on Earth?
Starky begins as a Christmas decoration, along with friends like Tingles Tinsel and Lyla Lights. After a magical journey, he becomes a “traveling star,” bridging the worlds of Earth and space.
Have Spaceships Landed on Other Moons?
Maryann clarifies that while humans have landed on Earth’s moon, only unmanned spacecraft and satellites have explored other planets and moons, like Mars.
Is Space Hot or Cold?
The temperature in space varies: it’s extremely hot near the sun (Mercury, Venus) and very cold further out (Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto). Starky sweats not from heat, but from fear when he’s lost in space.
Why Do Planets Have Faces in the Book?
Adding faces to the planets makes them more relatable and engaging for children, transforming distant celestial bodies into friendly characters.
Can Stars Get Lost in Space?
Starky’s adventure shows that even stars can feel lost, but with the help of friends, they can always find their way back.
Does Space Ever End?
Maryann shares her belief that space is infinite, a concept that continues to fascinate scientists and storytellers alike.
Why Does Pluto Have Long Arms?
The illustrator’s creative license gives Pluto long arms, adding to the playful and imaginative tone of the book.
Which Department Store Section Was Starky In?
Starky started in the Christmas decoration section, a humble beginning for a star destined for cosmic adventures.
Why Is Saturn’s Ring a Rainbow?
Saturn’s rings are made of ice crystals that reflect different colors. The illustrator chose to depict them as a rainbow, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the planet’s rings.
Which Planet Has Aliens?
Maryann leaves this question open-ended, suggesting that there could be aliens on any planet—or even on Earth!
Are There Clouds in Space?
While space itself doesn’t have clouds like Earth, the illustrator sometimes adds cloud-like features for visual interest.
Rapid Fire: Space-Themed Quiz
The video features a fun rapid-fire quiz, challenging Maryann to answer space-themed questions as quickly as possible. Questions include:
What planet do we live on? (Earth)
What lights up the sky during the day? (The sun)
What do astronauts fly in? (Spaceship)
What’s the name of the red planet? (Mars)
What twinkles in the night sky? (Stars)
What do you wear to breathe in space? (Space suit)
What’s the big white thing you see at night? (The moon)
The segment is lighthearted and encourages both kids and adults to test their space knowledge.
The Power of Storytelling in Science Education
“Starky Star Soars Through the Solar System” is more than just a story—it’s a gateway to learning. By blending factual information with imaginative storytelling, Maryann McMahon makes the wonders of the universe accessible to children. The book introduces scientific concepts (planetary characteristics, the structure of the solar system, the concept of dwarf planets) in a way that is engaging and memorable.
Encouraging Curiosity
The Q&A segment demonstrates the importance of encouraging children to ask questions, no matter how big or small. Each question is treated with respect and answered thoughtfully, fostering a love of learning and exploration.
Representation and Relatability
By personifying planets and giving them emotions, the story helps children relate to complex scientific ideas. Pluto’s feelings of exclusion mirror real-life experiences, teaching empathy and the value of inclusion.
Visual Engagement
The illustrator’s creative choices—faces on planets, sunglasses on the sun, rainbow rings on Saturn—capture children’s imaginations and make the solar system feel vibrant and alive.
Looking Ahead: More Adventures with Starky Star
Maryann hints at future adventures for Starky Star, with a third book in the works. Starky’s journeys are far from over; each new story promises to take readers to unexpected places, blending science, magic, and heart.
Final Thoughts
“Starky Star Soars Through the Solar System” exemplifies the magic that happens when storytelling and science come together. Through the eyes of a curious star, children are invited to explore the universe, ask questions, and embrace the joy of discovery. Maryann McMahon’s story, paired with the enthusiasm of young readers and the creativity of her illustrator, reminds us that the universe is not just a place of distant wonders—it’s a place where everyone belongs, and every question matters.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or young reader, Starky’s adventure is an invitation to look up, wonder, and keep exploring. The stars are waiting.
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