Song of the Stars

A Christmas Story

by Sally Lloyd-Jones

ebook

1 of 1 copy available

Song of the Stars,?written by bestselling author Sally Lloyd-Jones, takes children on the journey of Advent and the anticipation of Jesus' arrival. All of creation comes together in this poetic and majestic telling of the Christmas story.Join every creature as they celebrate the arrival of Jesus!

It's time! It's time! Snuggle close with little ones as you read through this beautiful story about how all of creation is waiting for and celebrating the arrival of Jesus. From the woodland creatures to the depth of the sea, every creature comes together during this Advent season to share the word that Jesus is coming.

Beautifully illustrated and told from the perspective of the animals and all creation,?Song of the Stars:

features poetic text that is perfect for children ages 4-7

makes a great read aloud with parents and grandparents during the Christmas season

is ideal for Advent and Christmas Eve story time

explores the joy, excitement, and celebration of creation and the coming of Jesus

inspires discussions of why Advent is observed

celebrates the nativity story in a unique and touching way

This sweet picture book is great for Christmas-themed story times and as an addition for your little one's library that will be treasured for many years.

Creators
- Sally Lloyd-Jones
  
  Author
Publisher

Zonderkidz
Release date

December 25, 2012
Formats
- OverDrive Read
  - ISBN: 9780310737421
Languages
- English
Levels
- ATOS Level: 3.1
- Lexile® Measure: 580
- Interest Level: K-3(LG)
- Text Difficulty: 0-2
Reviews
- Publisher's Weekly
  
  September 26, 2011
  Lloyd-Jones (How to Get a Job... by Me, the Boss) refreshes the Nativity story by placing it in the context of the animal kingdom, and not just the familiar sheep and cows at the stable. White whales sing, salmon leap, every single blade of grass around the world “squeak and hum” the news of the coming of “the One who made us.” Jay (I Took the Moon for a Walk) offers spread after spread of animals in motion, as they make a beeline for the manger, where they form a protective circle of snouts, noses, bills, and beaks around the baby. Jay’s paintings have her characteristic craquelure finish, adding an antique element to this fresh, circle-of-life take on the Christmas story. Ages 4–up.
- School Library Journal
  
  October 1, 2011
  K-Gr 3-A subtle, yet satisfying story about the impending arrival of the newborn King. Creatures great and small respond to a whisper of a "song" heard around the world and eagerly spread the news. "It's time! It's time! Get ready! Be glad!" Lloyd-Jones's lyrical language ("the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor") and repetitive refrains make the text suitable for reading aloud. Jay's signature-style, crackle-varnish paintings are bright and effective in conveying a sense of eager anticipation and movement among the animals. Every scene includes an increasing glow in the sky, ultimately culminating in a single bright star whose light shines down on Heaven's Son. A charming addition to most collections.-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library
  
  Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
- Kirkus
  
  September 1, 2011
  A wide variety of animals from diverse environments feels the excitement of the impending event in Bethlehem, and many of them hurry along, crowding around the manger to welcome Baby Jesus.
  
  The poetic text focuses on the mysterious, powerful forces that created a feeling of anticipation in the natural world at the time of the first Christmas. Animals, flowers, the wind, the skies and the sea all know that something miraculous is about to happen. The brief story effectively emphasizes the excitement of the animals and the involvement of all the natural forces in the important event. However, from a theological viewpoint, some of the text surrounding the birth of Jesus is beyond the developmental level of the intended audience. ("The One who made us has come to live with us!") Large-format illustrations in Jay's striking, signature style are presented in alternating formats across two-page spreads, in half circles, rectangles and ovals, effectively varying the presentation. Her paintings use a crackled overglaze that impart a folk-art look, along with slightly exaggerated proportions and flattened perspective.
  The emotion-filled text conveys the excitement and wonder of the Nativity story, but Jay's stunning illustrations are the volume's best feature. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)
  (COPYRIGHT (2011) KIRKUS REVIEWS/NIELSEN BUSINESS MEDIA, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.)
- Booklist
  
  November 1, 2011
  Preschool-G The world was about to change forever, begins this retelling of the story of Jesus' birth. The opening two-page spread pictures a pastoral scene inside the arc of the curved earth, and blends text and illustration beautifully. The personified world creates a veritable chorus rife with alliterationleaves rustled with a rumor, winds whispered, wild stallions drummed it to the groundalerting all that It's time! He's come! as they gather around the bed and gaze upon the illuminated baby. Children will be charmed by the image of a dozen snouts of various animals circling baby Jesus; adults will notice in that circle the hands of Mary offering the gift to the world. Jay's vivid paintings have a cracked appearance that appropriately adds an old-time feel to this fresh take on the Christmas story.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)
- The Horn Book
  
  January 1, 2012
  Animals all over the earth announce the arrival of "Heaven's son" in a simple, reverent Christmas story. Jay's jewel-like paintings, framed by white space, take readers around the world where desert animals, ocean creatures, and insects all anticipate the birth of a special baby, "God's great gift."
  (Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)