Rajiv has feelings for everything. He can feel confident. He can feel happy. He can feel silly. But today, he feels angry and he doesn’t know why. With the help of his father, he sets out on a journey to make sense of his feelings. It is a journey that will take him to a park, then up into the branches of a tree, and from there all the way to the stars . . . Beautifully told and stunningly illustrated, this extraordinary story will help children everywhere explore the complex emotions we all feel but cannot always name.
BookTrust Books We Love in January 2024
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Niall Moorjani is a non-binary, neurodiverse, Scottish-Indian writer and storyteller based between London and Edinburgh. They have created multiple shows which have been performed to great acclaim at festivals around the world including the Edinburgh Fringe, the Brighton Fringe, Hay-on-Wye and Cheltenham. Rajiv’s Starry Feelings is their debut picture book.
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Nanette Regan studied painting at the Slade School of Fine Art. Her warm, energetic illustrations celebrate the chaotic magic of the everyday. She lives and works in Jersey, a tiny island between England and France.
“A beautiful story that gently helps children understand and navigate a universe of feelings.”
— Joseph Coelho, Children's Laureate 2022-2024
“This is an inspiring story that links astral wonders to everyday emotions. With swirls of color, the dazzling illustrations create a sense of wonder that fires up the imagination.”
— Kirkus Reviews, STARRED
“Rajiv's Starry Feelings not only explores the complex world of emotions with grace but also champions the power of diverse storytelling. Through Niall Moorjani's captivating narrative and Nanette Regan's enchanting illustrations, this heart-warming tale takes readers on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, making it a must-read for families seeking to nurture empathy and understanding in young minds. This is storytelling at its finest — a book that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on readers of all ages.”
— Desi Blitz
“This is a gentle story about identifying your emotions, and learning to accept them. There will be much to discuss when reading this with a child aged 3 and older. The relationship between Rajiv and his father is warm and loving – it’s great to have a dad character role-modelling talking about feelings. Beautiful illustrations echo the warm, loving conversation and could inspire many star-gazing moments. A gorgeous book that would be lovely to share with pre-schoolers.“
— BookTrust
