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Parents' Guide to

From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea

By Carrie Kingsley, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 4+

Loving fantasy tale of gender, identity, and acceptance.

Book Kai Cheng Thom Body Awareness 2017
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 2+

Based on 1 parent review

mamabookiebook
mamabookiebook Adult
June 1, 2020
age 2+

Beautiful story for everyone!

This is a fantastic story about being true to yourself, and loving people for who they are. The illustrations are stunning pieces are art and absolutely captivating. They take us into another world, like ours, but more magical. And they create a wonderful and safe space to talk about difference and the need for love.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In Kai Cheng Thom's fantasy tale FROM THE STARS IN THE SKY TO THE FISH IN THE SEA, young Miu Lan is born when both the sun and moon are in the sky, and doesn't know if he is boy or girl, fish or bird, tree or star. So they decide to be a little of all things, growing feathers to fly with birds, scales to swim with fish, and fur to play with puppies. Their mom sings a song every night: "Whatever you dream of, I believe you can be," and Miu Lan feels safe and loved. But when school starts, the other children want Miu Lan to be one thing, either a boy or a girl. Miu Lan tries to conform, but it makes them sad. With the support of their mom they find the strength to be just who they are, and to see the other children's reactions to that truth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Built on a foundation of love and acceptance, Kai Cheng Thom's simple, straightforward message is invaluable to anyone who feels like they can't be themselves. It may especially resonate with those who have non-binary gender identities. From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea shows the life-changing impact of unconditional love, and how free a person can feel when they can be themselves. Because this is a fantasy tale, readers can identify with parts or all of the characters in ways they might not in a fully human world. The blunt questions at school if they are a boy or a girl, and Miu Lan's reaction, show how questions that seem easy can be difficult to answer.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Miu Lan's feelings about gender identity in From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea. Do you think someone needs to be either a boy or a girl, or can they be unsure, or change?

  • Are there places that are hard to be if you don't know if you're a boy or a girl? What can we do to make those situations easier?

  • What other books have you read about people who feel like they don't fit specific labels?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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