Drawing from Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings and illustrated in dazzling watercolors, I Sang You Down from the Stars is a tribute to the bond between mother and child.

 

The narrator gathers gifts for a medicine bundle in anticipation of her baby’s birth; a fluffy white eagle plume, bunches of cedar and sage, a quilted star blanket, and a small stone from the river. When the baby arrives, the mother shares the bundle with her child and reveals the importance of each item inside. But when her family comes to meet the new arrival, she realizes the baby arrived with gifts of its own and that the baby is also a sacred bundle: a baby bundle.

 

Writing in simple, lyrical text, author Tasha Spillett-Sumner draws from her cultural heritage in order to celebrate Indigenous traditions and the universal nature of a mother’s love, with stunning art by the 2021 Caldecott medal winner for We Are Water Protectors, Michela Goade.

 

Reviews
"Gorgeous, shimmering, heartfelt." — Kirkus Reviews - STARRED REVIEW

"[Tasha] Spillet-Sumner's tender free-verse tribute to the joy of welcoming a new baby should resonate with any caregiver who has excitedly awaited a child's arrival... [Michaela] Goade's ethereal watercolor and mixed-media illustrations soar across the page, overflowing with gorgeous touches... I Sang You Down from the Stars will make a beautiful gift for an expecting family as well as a read-aloud to assure children they are loved." — Shelf Awareness

 

Educator & Series Information
Recommended for ages 2 to 5.

 

Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient: O 

 

Lexile measure: AD640L

 

This book is available in French: Les étoiles m'ont chanté ton nom

 

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 10.25"