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

This Little Prayer of Mine - Blog Tour, Book Review and INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

This Little Prayer of Mine

by Anthony DeStefano

illustrated by Mark Elliott

Touring Apr 5 - 9

About the book: Author Anthony DeStefano’s adult books, The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven, have sold a quarter-million copies. Illustrator Mark Elliott’s cherished artwork has appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s ever-popular Princess Tales series.


Now, these acclaimed inspirational experts have come together to create This Little Prayer of Mine, a beautiful and alluring book designed to guide children into a very simple, real and expressive relationship with God.


Through engaging rhymes and alluring illustrations, This Little Prayer of Mine shows children—and their parents and grandparents—that complete dependence on God is what brings peace and fulfillment. It invites children to know and believe that God is always just a simple prayer away and that He longs to respond to them with a resounding, “Yes!”


This Little Prayer of Mine appeals to readers from all different faiths. Easy-reader format allows children to read alone, or with someone older, and encourages them to openly express their fears, thanks, and needs directly to God.

My review:  This is absolutely a must have for every family with children - and in my opinion, not just young children.  Even though it is a simple message - it is an important message.  I have read it with my preschooler, but I am going to make sure my teenagers both have a turn with it also.

Author bio: Anthony DeStefano is the author of The Prayers God Always Says Yes To and A Travel Guide to Heaven. He has received prestigious awards from religious organizations worldwide for his efforts to advance Christian beliefs in modern culture.


Mark Elliott’s brilliant illustrations have appeared in popular picture books and novels for young readers, including Gail Carson Levine’s Princess Tales series. His acclaimed artwork delivers inspiration, wonder, and timeless beauty on every page.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.  They also provided me with one copy to giveaway to one of you.  To enter this, just tell me who you would like to win this for and leave an email address.  I am going to make this one international so consider it open to anyone/anywhere - it is just that good and that important!  This giveaway will end April 22.


Purchase This Little Prayer of Mine.