Little Star

"'Dad, which one is the Christmas star?' the boy asked, straining his eyes as he looked out at the clear, dark sky."

Little Star, written by bestselling author Anthony DeStefano, and beautifully illustrated by Mark Elliot, is the story of the small but brave Christmas star who shone so brightly the night of Jesus' birth.

The boy in this story asked his father to tell him the story of the Christmas star. Little Star was the smallest and seemingly insignificant of the stars in the sky. No one noticed him enough to even be mean to him. What a lonely life he led!

When the stars began to talk about the fact that a king would be born, the stars found out that the star who could shine the brightest during his birth would win a prize. All the stars were cleaned and dusted except for Little Star, who was once again forgotten. He felt that he would never get the chance to be the brightest star.

On the night of Jesus' birth, Little Star looked down to earth and felt sad for a woman on a donkey, and a man who was leading her. It seemed that no one wanted them. He knew too well how that felt. When he saw them settle for the night in the stable, he felt confused because it seemed like a strange place for a king to be born.

The other stars were disappointed. They didn't think that kings could be born poor. But Little Star suddenly knew.

"I think I understand," Little Star cried out.
"The baby Jesus IS a king!
He's just little."

Little Star understood the whole purpose behind Jesus' coming to earth as a humble baby, born in a stable. He felt the love of Jesus, and wanted so badly to reach out and touch Him. He used all the strength he had, and shone as brightly as he could.

The other stars, finally noticed Little Star, and were afraid that he would shine so brightly that he would burn himself out. Little Star paid no attention to their warnings. He shone brighter and brighter, warming the baby Jesus all night long. He shone until he was tiny and gray.

The little boy was sad when his father finished the story. His father told him not to be sad because Little Star gave his life to warm the baby Jesus. God gave Little Star the reward of being remembered forever, each time someone puts a star on top of their Christmas tree.

What I Like: This book is beautifully written and illustrated. Each page is truly heartwarming, and it could easily become a Christmas classic. Perfect for gift giving or just buying to add to your family collection, it won't disappoint. As I read it for the first time, the story touched me even as it delighted my girls.

What I Dislike: I don't dislike anything about this book. Our entire family loved it, and will enjoy for years to come!

Overall Rating: Excellent

Age Appeal: 4-8

Publisher Info: WaterBrook Press, 2010; ISBN:0307458059 ; Hardcover, 40 PGS., $12.99.

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Special Info: We have reviewed another book by this author/illustrator combination. Read it here.