Kid's Korner: Little Star by Anthony DeStefano (Book Review)

Title: Little Star
Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Mark Elliott
Publisher: WaterBrook Press

A king is about to be born! The stars in the heavens are competing to shine the brightest to celebrate his birth.  But when they see the poor family, the donkey, the shabby stable, the stars all think, That can't possibly be a king.  We've been fooled.

All except one.  The smallest, loneliest star in the sky, Little Star, is the only one to understand what the king is about to bring to the world.  But what can Little Star do for him?

Certain to become a Christmas classic, this delightful tale connects the star atop our Christmas trees to the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, in the hearts and minds of young children.


My thoughts: I love this version of the Christmas story told from the viewpoint of Little Star.  All the stars are excited and getting ready for the birth of Jesus, but are disappointed when he is born small and poor in a stable.  Little Star is the only one who truly realizes that he was born humble to show that he loved everyone, even the small and poor.  Because of this, he gives all he has to shine brightly through the night and keep the baby Jesus warm.  By morning, his light has burned out and he is gone, but because of his wonderful gift to Baby Jesus, he is remembered by many as they top their Christmas trees with stars.

Written and illustrated in easy language for a child to understand, don't save this book for Christmas time.  Share it all year long.

About the author: Anthony DeStefano is the best-selling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven, Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, and This Little Prayer of Mine.  He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.

You can find him on Facebook or his website.

About the illlustrator: Mark Elliott's brilliant illustrations have appeared in many picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine's ever-popular Princess Tales series.  His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timelss beauty on every page.

~I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for my review.~

Little Star
Publisher/Publication Date: WaterBrook Press, Aug 2010
ISBN: 978-0-307-45805-6
40 pages
Ages: 4-8 yrs