Star, a 5-year-old Asian elephant, is so happy to be with his aunt, mother, and other relatives, but their home is threatened by humans taking away their food source. Star, along with his aunt and mother, take a long trip across the ocean to an island they hope to live on peacefully. Unfortunately, it seems like they just can't escape humans wherever they go!

This is a book with a sweet protagonist and adorable illustrations; I particularly love how Star's ears look like hearts. There is definitely a heavy-handed message about how humans are causing destruction to the natural world, but it's not all doom and gloom. Ultimately, Star and his family find a home at an elephant sanctuary where they are well cared for with plenty to eat. The backmatter also contains suggestions for ways that readers can do their part in reducing their environmental impact. Additional backmatter includes some facts about Asian elephants and other wildlife. ( )

I like that this book is focused on conservation, that it has a substantial story to tell, and that it is for an early reader age group. I think it gives elementary aged kids a lot to explore, and there's a good amount of back matter to talk about the reality that the book is based on. ( )