Count the Stars

A STEM-themed picture book celebrating the love of learning, the magic of mathematics and the joy of finding a kindred spirit, from two award-winning creators.

From the parallel lines of moonlight pouring through her bedroom blinds, to counting daisy petals in the garden, Maddie adores maths. If only she had a friend who marvelled at it as she does. Then Dad takes Maddie, along with her new classmate Priya, to the observatory where the unfathomable numbers of stars take their breath away.

About the Author

Raewyn Caisley has enjoyed a long, and in her own words with 35 titles to her name her work has found its way into libraries and homes all over the world. She's been shortlisted multiple times, (for the Patricia Wrightson Award, the WA Premier's Award, and the Adelaide Festival Children's Literature Award), won the Speech Pathology Book of the Year and the coveted SCBWI Crystal Kite, and even had one of her titles named among the top 15 picture books published worldwide. Her literary contribution to Western Australia has recently been recognised by the WA Museum.

In Primary School maths was one of Raewyn's favourite subjects. Mr Foy taught her about the solar system, starting a lifelong love of cosmology, but it was dear Mr Derby who introduced her to books.

Her father had a huge influence on her too, telling her girls can do anything. Raewyn lives in Fremantle WA with her husband, Terry, and her creative, musical son, Jack.

About the Illustrator

Gabriel Evans is an Australian children's book illustrator and author. He is a dog lover, an avid oak tree grower and drinks copious amounts of tea. He currently lives in Western Australia. Gabriel's books with Sally Murphy, Roses are Blue, and Penny Morrison, Captain Sneer the Buccaneer, were Notable books in the CBCA Book of the Year Awards in 2015 and 2017 respectively, and his five most recent titles have also been CBCA Notable and Shortlisted books. Between book projects he travels Australia giving illustration workshops and talks in schools and libraries.