The Christmas Star

The Christmas Star by Michelle Conn (Affirm Press) HB RRP $22.99 ISBN: 9781922930309

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Timmy and his friend, Kevin, like to put on backyard shows. But Timmy dreams of a ‘bigger stage’ where he can be a real star. When the school has auditions for a Christmas play, Timmy is given the role of the Christmas Tree … which he thinks is boring. So, he tries to make himself a dancing tree, a glowing tree, and a flying tree. In the process, he breaks Kevin’s crown and ruins the play for everyone. He decides to make Kevin a new crown from his tree decorations and discovers that sharing the spotlight with his friends is actually more gratifying than being the star.

Sweet as a candy cane dipped in chocolate, Michelle Conn’s story will delight youngsters aged three to eight – especially those who are natural performers. Cute alliterative names (such as ‘Peter as the Present’ and ‘Evie as the Elf’) and a playful pun (‘Timmy was about to lose his baubles’) will make the littlies smile. Although the picture book is set at Christmas time, the themes of friendship and teamwork will be enjoyed by kids throughout the year.

Michelle’s colourful illustrations capture the magic of Christmas, and there are plenty of intriguing details for young eyes to seek out. Vignettes interspersed with full-page and full-spread images add a unique dynamism to the book. Particularly striking is the large close-up of Timmy’s grumpy face – children are left in no doubt as to his feelings about being cast as the Christmas Tree.

Festive and fun, The Christmas Star will spark a warm glow in the hearts of readers both young and old. It’s a charming gift that will keep giving every time a child chooses collaboration rather than self-centeredness.