Santiago and Great Bear by Lisa Johnston Hancock

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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.

To be published on June 30th 2026

My Review:

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Sweet story of friendship 

Santiago suddenly moves from a big city to a quiet countryside and ends up feeling lonely. He does not have any friends in the new place and he looks at the Great Bear constellation in the sky and makes a wish to have a friend. 

In a magical moment, Santiago finds a friend too. 

Along with that moment the book also teaches about science and STEM and the different phases of the moon. 

The book also has a gentle message of simply looking up at the night sky and enjoying it for what it is. 

Sweet, comforting read with nice illustrations.

Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8693168675


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