Title of Picture Book: Star Anise, Superstar
Author: Linn Shekinah
Illustrator: OSH
Publisher and Country (may be self-published): The Almond Tree, Singapore
Publisher’s Blurb: Star Anise dreams of being a star. But nobody in Spice Town seems to notice her, so she sets off in search of stardom. Join Star Anise as she goes on a flavourful adventure and finds out what it really means to be a star. This tasty tale is about caring for others.
5 Keywords (other than themes): Spices, Food, Sharing, Cooking, Culture
Brief Review (in under 50 words): A fun way to introduce Asian spices such as star anise, cinnamon, shallot, clover, ginger and chilli. The story is somewhat predictable and the senses associated with spices could have been better engaged. The illustration could also have been more attractive. The Malay text, translated by the Singapore Malay Teachers’ Union, felt like “subtitles”.
Where to buy or borrow (if available): NLB Singapore
ISBN Number (if available): 978-981-07-8018-0
