The circle of life is one of life's greatest mysteries-our physical bodies are here so briefly when time is perceived as infinite. The loss of a loved one is tragic but with hope, healing and love comes an understanding of how a life is truly infinite as well. Writer and educator Suzanne Gene Courtney's Ride to the Stars paints a beautiful and inspiring picture through which children can understand these concepts and find comfort in knowing that life on the other side continues. Courtney's tale is set on the Big Island of Hawaii and is a testament to her oldest son, Daniel Robert Sayre, who died there, at the age of 25. Spanning over two decades, her melodic prose is peppered with words of comfort and wisdom that will resonate with children. It teaches the beauty of life, the importance of family, and the absolute joy of cherishing each day. Her characters, a boy named Daniel and a green sea turtle named Honu, are beautifully rendered to encapsulate a sensitive subject. The result is a loving and gentle message that inspires young ones to honor and exemplify life and to know that life does indeed go on forever.
