Stunningly illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling artist Vashti Harrison, Hello, Star (written by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic) is an inspiring story about a love of science and the importance of empathy. When a young girl learns that a bright light in the sky is coming from a dying star, she promises to keep it company until the light goes out. Every night the girl reassures her friend that she is still there. As the years pass, the girl learns everything she can about planets, space, and the universe, inspired by her dimming friend--until she realizes she needs to do something more. This touching tribute to stars, space, and science celebrates how a small act of compassion can flourish into a life full of meaning and wonder.

Hello, Star. I know you're scared, but you're not alone. When a young girl learns that a bright light in the sky is coming from a dying star, she promises to keep it company until the light goes out. Every night she reassures her friend that she's still there. As the years pass, the girl learns everything she can about planets, space, and the universe, inspired by her dimming friend - until she realises she needs to do something more. This touching tribute to stars, space, and science celebrates how a small act of compassion can flourish into a life full of meaning and wonder. Stunningly illustrated by #1 New York Times bestselling artist Vashti Harrison and written by Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic, Hello Star is an inspiring story about a love of science and the importance of empathy.

As a child Stephanie Lucianovic lived for years on grilled cheese and created an elaborate system for disposing of revolting food involving bookshelves, holiday centerpieces, and, later, boyfriends. She agonized not over meeting her future in-laws, but over the peaches they served her. As an adult, this picky eater found herself in the most unlikely of circumstances: a graduate of culinary school who became a cheesemonger and then a food writer. Along the way, she realized just how common her plight was. It wasn't surprising to discover that picky eating is an issue for millions of kids, but who knew there are even support groups for adults who can't overcome it? Yet remarkably little is known about the science of picky eating, and cultural and historical questions abound. Are picky eaters destined to ascend to a higher plane of existence, and what happens when picky eaters fall in love or go to restaurants? How can you tell if you're a "supertaster"? How does the gag reflex affect pickiness (and what secrets do sword swallowers impart to help overcome it)?
"Suffering Succotash" is a wide-angle look into the world of picky eating, told by a writer who's been in the culinary trenches. With wit and charm, through visits to laboratories specializing in genetic analysis, attempts to infiltrate the inner workings of a "feeding" clinic, and interviews with fellow picky eaters and adventurous foodies young and old, Stephanie explores her own food phobias and gets to the bottom of what repulses us about certain foods, what it really means to be a picky eater, and what we can do about it.