The Christmas Star

Written and illustrated by Michelle Conn

Reviewed by Margarite Igras

Michelle is an award-winning Australian author and illustrator having won both the 2024 CBCA Shortlisted for New Illustrator and the 2024 CBCA Notable for Picture Book of the Year for her beautiful illustrations in Charlie Archbold’s Raised by Moths. With her background as a graphic designer and primary school teacher she delights in creating visual storytelling where in her words, people feel an emotion when they’re looking at my pictures, whether it’s wonder or curiosity or feeling uplifted and feeling free, or dreaming.

Best friends Timmy and Kevin like to perform for family and friends. When the school was auditioning for a Christmas Play, Timmy was sure his teacher would make him the star of the show. Instead, Kevin was given the lead role as the king, with Jo, the Gingerbread Girl, Evie the Elf, and to Timmy’s dismay, he had the role of a boring Christmas tree.  During rehearsal, Timmy decides to steal the spotlight by first becoming a DANCING tree, and then a GLOWING tree much to the annoyance of the other students, who just wanted him to be a PROPER tree.  When Timmy finally, attempted to be a FLYING tree, he just went too far. Was the play and his friendship with Kevin ruined?

The bright and animated illustrations fill the pages. Together with the simple text, the story has lessons in the meaning of friendship and teamwork. There is a poignant moment when Timmy tries to fix things. He strips the baubles and star from his tree costume to replace Kevin’s broken crown.

This Christmas story, with its charming characters is bound to appeal to the younger 4- to 7-year-old. I am sure after the first reading the children will be able to retell the story from the illustrations alone.

Affirm Press 2024

Michelle Conn