Santiago and Great Bear - by Lisa Johnston Hancock (Hardcover)

About the Book

Santiago and Great Bear tells the story of a boy who moves from the busy city to the quiet countryside. Surrounded by stars, Santiago feels lonely and misses his friends. When he wishes on Great Bear, the constellation becomes his companion. But Great Bear cannot stay forever. With creativity and courage, Santiago helps his friend return to the sky. Though sad, he discovers resilience, hope, and the joy of new friendships in this lyrical, socially relevant tale.

Book Synopsis

Under the shifting phases of the moon, Santiago and Great Bear become friends.

In the city, Santiago was used to crowds of people and glowing lights. But when his family moves to the quiet countryside, with its vast, starry sky, he feels small and alone. Santiago makes a wish on the only constellation he knows. To his amazement, Great Bear falls from the sky to keep him company. But when the new moon arrives, Santiago must help his new friend return to the stars. Though saying goodbye is hard, Santiago discovers that every ending makes room for a new beginning--and maybe even a new friend close to home.

Blending lyrical storytelling with astronomy and themes of hope, friendship, and confidence Santiago and Great Bear sparks children's creativity and offers comfort and inspiration to children navigating big changes. With additional information on constellations and phases of the moon at the back, the book engages children's curiosity about the moon and stars and also fits well with STEM units focused on the night sky.

Santiago and Great Bear:

• Tells a sweet and inspiring story of a boy who befriends Ursa Major
• Portrays accurate constellations and moon phases
• Offers comfort and hope to children moving to new places
• Explores themes of friendship, kindness, and responsibility

Poetic, tender, and filled with wonder, Santiago and Great Bear invites children to look up at the night sky--and to being open to new opportunities in every change.

About the Author

Lisa Johnston Hancock is an author, illustrator, and educator who aims to make books that inspire a love of the natural world. She spent her childhood looking for animals and bugs by day and stargazing by night. Her favorite constellation is Ursa Major, which inspired her to write Santiago and Great Bear. With an MFA in painting from the Savannah College of Art and Design, she has worked as a high school art teacher and adjunct professor. She also creates online art tutorials and runs an after-school program for kids. When Lisa is not making art, she can be found playing bass guitar or relaxing outside, watching the hummingbirds and bees pollinating her garden. Originally from Alabama, she currently lives in the Los Angeles area with her family. You can find more of Lisa's work at lisajohnstonhancock.com.