Michelle Conn, The Christmas Star, Affirm Press, August 2024, 32 pp., $22.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781922930309
This stunning picture book is the author/illustrator debut of Michelle Conn who was shortlisted as best new illustrator in this year’s Children’s Book Council of Australia awards.
From the gold embossing on the cover to the relatable character and heartwarming story, this book would make the perfect gift for a young child this Christmas. At the outset, Timmy is excited about the school play and is desperate to star. But his best friend, Kevin, wins the plum role as King and poor Timmy is left to be the Christmas tree.
This paves the way for all sorts of shenanigans as Timmy tries to be the best tree ever – queue a dancing Christmas tree, etc. I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book and have already read it to a group of primary-aged children. They loved vicariously enjoying Timmy’s naughty antics as he goes about sabotaging rehearsals. (Never fear! This is also a story of redemption.) It was also a fun exercise to ask the children what role they’d like to play in the Christmas Play.
Teacher notes can be found at Lamont Books.
Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Heather Gallagher
See other reviews by Susanne Gervay and Steph Gemmill
