Little Star: Christmas Book Review
My boys love books. I always try to find different books for each season, both to keep their interest and to keep from going insane from the repetition.
Something that is really important to me is teaching my children the real reason for Christmas. While Santa, Rudolph, Elves, and even the Grinch are fun and staples around here, I also want to read my boys stories about Jesus.
Little Star, written by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Mark Elliot, is one such book. It starts out with a little boy looking out his window for the Christmas Star. His father tells him that it isn't up there anymore and begins to tell the story of Little Star.
There was a tiny star who was ignored by the other stars because he was so much smaller than they were. The stars all knew there was a king coming and a reward was going to be given to the star who shined the brightest on the night the new king was born.
When Baby Jesus was born, only Little Star understood that Jesus could have chosen to be born in a palace and be rich and important. But, instead, he wanted to be born little and poor to show the world that no matter what, he loved everyone. He understood the message of love.
Little Star burned as brightly as he could until he burned himself out.
The father explained to his son that Little Star's reward was that he would never be forgotten, that that is the reason people all over the world put a star on top of their Christmas trees every year.
This book was a little too long to hold the attention of my two year-old. But, my four and five year-olds enjoyed it. While it's a picture book, it's a little on the longer side, so even elementary age kids would enjoy it.
I liked the storyline, too. It definitely had a message. We are adding it to our collection of Christmas reading.
Something that is really important to me is teaching my children the real reason for Christmas. While Santa, Rudolph, Elves, and even the Grinch are fun and staples around here, I also want to read my boys stories about Jesus.
Little Star, written by Anthony DeStefano and illustrated by Mark Elliot, is one such book. It starts out with a little boy looking out his window for the Christmas Star. His father tells him that it isn't up there anymore and begins to tell the story of Little Star.
There was a tiny star who was ignored by the other stars because he was so much smaller than they were. The stars all knew there was a king coming and a reward was going to be given to the star who shined the brightest on the night the new king was born.
When Baby Jesus was born, only Little Star understood that Jesus could have chosen to be born in a palace and be rich and important. But, instead, he wanted to be born little and poor to show the world that no matter what, he loved everyone. He understood the message of love.
Little Star burned as brightly as he could until he burned himself out.
The father explained to his son that Little Star's reward was that he would never be forgotten, that that is the reason people all over the world put a star on top of their Christmas trees every year.
This book was a little too long to hold the attention of my two year-old. But, my four and five year-olds enjoyed it. While it's a picture book, it's a little on the longer side, so even elementary age kids would enjoy it.
I liked the storyline, too. It definitely had a message. We are adding it to our collection of Christmas reading.
My oldest's drawing of the little boy in the story and Little Star.
This post was written for Family Review Network & Little Star who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Labels: reviews
posted by Shell at
6:46 AM
15 Comments:
Thanks for the review, we're going to have to check this one out!
I love anything that reminds my kids of the true meaning of Christmas. Santa always leaves books at the kids bedroom doors on Christmas morning so they have something to look at while mom and dad can wake up... I hope santa gets this one ;)
I'm sneaking in a few blogs before I go back to hurting my brain with these revisions.
I think out of all the gifts and treats I gave my girls, the books were our most treasured possessions. Their shelves have always overflowed with books.
It sounds like a very sweet story and a great message for Christmas even if the theme is a little more advanced for that age.
I miss those days of reading to my girls. Enjoy them.
And love the drawing. That's a fine Irish green, for sure.
Good to know. I will have to go pick this up.
In fact maybe each kid will get a pre christmas gift of an age appropriate book.
Ideas are forming.
We love books here too! I'm jealous of everyone with their blog makeovers...ready to re-do mine now. If I only had (would make) the time :/ Yours looks nice, simplified-in a good way :)
Love this plot! I think we'll be adding it to our book list, too. We're always on the lookout for great books, especially good Christmas stories. Thanks, Shell!
That sounds like a wonderful book! Have you read and heard the song, The Friendly Beasts?
I love that story about the beasts in the manger where Jesus was born and the tune makes it fun for little kids to sing along.
SHELL!!!! I've missed you!!! Please don't think I've forgotten about you, but things around here have been a bit crazy lately. I was so happy to see you stop by on my SITS day. Thank you for that :) You will always be one of my favorites in the bloggy world for all the support and encouragement you have provided me with.
This sounds like a wonderful book for the holidays, and since I have a few kiddies in my life to shop around for (not mine, but I borrow them on occasion, LOL!!) I think it will make a wonderful Christmas gift. Hope all's well with you~off to catch up on your blog. *HUGS*
I like Christmas books that tell the story of Christ's birth.
Love the picture your little man made!
There is a book (and the title escapes me) that my children have. It is a story about Santa, a little depressed about his job and the loss of the meaning of Christmas. He stops by a church that he stops at every Christmas, and has a conversation with God.
Of course, it's the only book I can't locate in our house right now. I am so frustrated.
As soon as I locate it, I will share the title. I really think you'd like it.
I will be looking for this book for my kids.
That is an adorable story! I will have to add it to my Children's Book collection. :)
Oh - Great Christmas Story! Thanks for the review
This sounds wonderful. I love the lesson little ones can take from the book. You should link it this Read.Explore.Learn this Friday.
sound like a sweat way to implement the true meaning of Christmas in a kid friendly book. Sounds perfect for my four and five year old. Thanks for the heads up on this!
My cousin's daughter enjoyed this story so much and has asked me to read it to her several times.
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