People often overlook what is close at hand, while striving for something far beyond reach…
The picture book Mantou, Stars, Seagrass Bed begins with this very idea. Through personification, it tells the story of a cushion star dreaming of playing with the stars in the sky. Along its journey, it unintentionally helps its ocean “friends” fulfill their own dreams. As the cushion star’s adventure draws to an end, it looks back and realizes that its own dream has already come true. It comes to understand that the sea it inhabits is itself a vast and beautiful galaxy, filled with star-like dreams coming to life—while the ocean shines just like the Milky Way.
Look closely around you—your simple words can become someone else’s strength
Through the story, children are encouraged to observe their surroundings more carefully. During the cushion star’s “adventure,” its casual yet positive words help different “friends” achieve their dreams. This allows children to understand how positive feedback can greatly help others. Even if one’s own strength seems small, it can become powerful encouragement and motivation for someone else at a crucial moment.
Discover Unique Marine Life Through Storytelling
Throughout its adventure, the cushion star encounters a lemon shark, green sea turtle, Thalassia seagrass, parrotfish, and a small dragonet. Each friend’s actions and dreams introduce readers to their distinctive characteristics. For example, the lemon shark’s graceful swimming creates beautiful splashes, highlighting its strong swimming ability; clusters of Thalassia seagrass release oxygen bubbles, demonstrating photosynthesis in seagrass beds; the parrotfish, a herbivore, chops seagrass and drops it into a crescent-shaped “pot,” symbolizing the crescent bite marks it leaves behind. These engaging descriptions allow children to learn about different marine species while enjoying the story. At the end of the book, each featured species is introduced in greater detail. Blank silhouettes encourage children to compare shapes and deepen their impressions, helping parents and children gain a more comprehensive understanding of Dongsha’s marine ecology.
Where Can You Purchase Mantou, Stars, Seagrass Bed?
This book is available at the Government Publications Online Bookstore (GB), Wunan Cultural Plaza, Youth Bookstore, and the Marine National Park Headquarters service counter. It can also be read online as an e-book through our official website or downloaded via the app, allowing parents and children to enjoy lively voice narration and animations anytime, anywhere.
“Mantou, Stars, Seagrass Bed” e-book
Mantou, Stars, Seagrass Bed app interface (iPad only)