Parents' Guide to

I Sang You Down from the Stars

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Beautiful tale of Indigenous mother preparing for new baby.

Book Tasha Spillet-Sumner Picture Book 2021
I Sang You Down from the Stars Poster Image

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What's the Story?

I SANG YOU DOWN FROM THE STARS tells a story of First Nations traditions surrounding pregnancy and getting ready for the birth of a baby. A mother-to-be gathers meaningful gifts for the new baby -- a white feather, a river stone, cedar, sage -- and makes a blanket while envisioning love and hope for the child. The community welcomes the child and connects the new baby to both the natural world they share and the loving hands that will help the child grow up.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

The gorgeous illustrations are the first thing to catch readers' attention, quickly followed by the gentle, loving words from a pregnant Indigenous woman welcoming a child into the world. I Sang You Down from the Stars is a beautiful way to share the way this community celebrates a new child, connecting the baby to the natural world they'll share and the loving hands and hearts that so eagerly await their birth. This is a great read-aloud book, and young readers, especially those curious about a new sibling or about their own birth, can find comfort knowing that families love them, even before they're born.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the many ways families prepare for children to arrive, whether through birth, like in I Sang You Down from the Stars, or through adoption, guardianship, or all the ways families make homes. What do you think are the important parts of getting ready to have a new child?

  • How can you welcome a new baby to your community? Does your family have any traditions for welcoming children?

  • What other books about First Nations or Native American culture have you read? Which are your favorites?

Book Details

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