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Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story
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 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.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2011
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About the author
Sally Lloyd-Jones
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
November 17, 2022
This is one of the best nativity stories I've read so far this year. It's beautiful and glorious, as the whole earth rejoices in His miraculous coming. I appreciated the unique perspective a lot!
Ages: 2 - 6
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
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Ages: 2 - 6
Cleanliness: nothing to note.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 15, 2022
Absolutely gorgeous illustrations, and beautiful to read aloud. If you love nature, this is the Christmas story for you.
December 9, 2017
This is a retelling of the Nativity from the animals in the world perspective. The illustrations are lovely and I'm sure children will love seeing all the animals.
December 22, 2016
First sentence: The world was about to change forever. And it almost went by unnoticed…
Premise/plot: Song of the Stars is a Christmas story, a nativity story. The first twenty pages creatively display God's creation 'praising' God and 'preparing' for the advent of the Creator. The theme of their praise being: "It's time! It's time! Be glad! Be glad!" The second half takes a more traditional approach perhaps. At last we get a glimpse of Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph.
My thoughts: I liked it. Some spreads I more than liked: I loved. The focus was almost exclusively on various animals--and not even animals in Bethlehem--or creation itself. The illustrations almost reveal an almost Noah's Ark type procession of animals coming to worship baby Jesus.
The writing is lyrical.
"The One who made us has come to live with us!"
Lying on a bed of straw
wrapped in rags--
a tiny little baby.
Heaven's Son
sleeping under the stars
that he made.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
Premise/plot: Song of the Stars is a Christmas story, a nativity story. The first twenty pages creatively display God's creation 'praising' God and 'preparing' for the advent of the Creator. The theme of their praise being: "It's time! It's time! Be glad! Be glad!" The second half takes a more traditional approach perhaps. At last we get a glimpse of Bethlehem and Mary and Joseph.
My thoughts: I liked it. Some spreads I more than liked: I loved. The focus was almost exclusively on various animals--and not even animals in Bethlehem--or creation itself. The illustrations almost reveal an almost Noah's Ark type procession of animals coming to worship baby Jesus.
The writing is lyrical.
"The One who made us has come to live with us!"
Lying on a bed of straw
wrapped in rags--
a tiny little baby.
Heaven's Son
sleeping under the stars
that he made.
Text: 4 out of 5
Illustrations: 4 out of 5
Total: 8 out of 10
December 26, 2013
Magnificent. The words are a beautiful way to share the original Christmas story with children, without simply quoting Luke 2 or getting sappy. The pictures are gorgeous, both my children and I thought this was wonderful.
November 13, 2012
Great kids' Christmas book!
December 24, 2012
Beautiful Christmas story. It is a wonderful book to read aloud.
December 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this little book...looking forward to reading to my grandnieces and everyone at church. It is beautiful and so are the pictures painted by Alison Jay.
November 12, 2018
"The One who made us has come to live with us!"
Heaven's Son sleeping under the stars that he made.
Heaven's Son sleeping under the stars that he made.
November 27, 2017
The text and the beautiful illustrations work together to give the reader a real sense of joyful anticipation. "It's time! It's time!"
October 31, 2015
It's Time!
Sure, the angels told the shepherds that Jesus had been born, but when John said, “We beheld His glory,” it would seem that there’s an implicit invitation to use our imaginations a bit, and Sally Lloyd-Jones has accepted that invitation! Song of the Stars pictures the occasion of Jesus’ birth as an evening of breathless anticipation and enthusiastic sharing of the news: “It’s time! It’s time!” Everyone from barn owls to great white whales and “every single blade of grass” makes the announcement, causing me to think, “Yes, this is what the earnest expectation of the creation would really look like — if only we took time to notice.”
It’s difficult to say who will be more enthralled with Alison Jay’s “cracked oil” illustrations — tiny lovers of board books or their folk art loving parents. With pointy-headed bears sniffing the air and primitive, squared-off sheep nuzzling their lambs with dreams of The Good Shepherd, Song of the Stars is a delight for the eyes as well as for the heart.
The suspense builds with each turn of the page until its resolution in a little shed as the animals gather around the manger and hear the pronouncement:
“The One who made us has come to live with us!”
Now, there’s enough theology to fill a much larger volume and to overflow into a warm celebration of Advent for any family who is watching the calendar, crossing off the days, and waiting in breathless anticipation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
This book was provided by ZonderKidz, a trademark of Zondervan, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Sure, the angels told the shepherds that Jesus had been born, but when John said, “We beheld His glory,” it would seem that there’s an implicit invitation to use our imaginations a bit, and Sally Lloyd-Jones has accepted that invitation! Song of the Stars pictures the occasion of Jesus’ birth as an evening of breathless anticipation and enthusiastic sharing of the news: “It’s time! It’s time!” Everyone from barn owls to great white whales and “every single blade of grass” makes the announcement, causing me to think, “Yes, this is what the earnest expectation of the creation would really look like — if only we took time to notice.”
It’s difficult to say who will be more enthralled with Alison Jay’s “cracked oil” illustrations — tiny lovers of board books or their folk art loving parents. With pointy-headed bears sniffing the air and primitive, squared-off sheep nuzzling their lambs with dreams of The Good Shepherd, Song of the Stars is a delight for the eyes as well as for the heart.
The suspense builds with each turn of the page until its resolution in a little shed as the animals gather around the manger and hear the pronouncement:
“The One who made us has come to live with us!”
Now, there’s enough theology to fill a much larger volume and to overflow into a warm celebration of Advent for any family who is watching the calendar, crossing off the days, and waiting in breathless anticipation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.
This book was provided by ZonderKidz, a trademark of Zondervan, in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 29, 2015
Imagine if you will, every item in creation anticipating the time when God would send His only Son to the Earth to redeem mankind. Well, that is exactly what Sally Lloyd-Jones has done with her book Song of the Stars. The prose is perfectly suited for this anticipatory story.
. . . .the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor.
News rang out across the open fields.
A song drifted over the hills.
The wind whispered it softly in the sycamore trees that waved their moonlit branches to the sky.
A barn owl took flight.
Woodland creatures stirred...
"It's time! It's time!"
The story is just sweet and delightful and builds and builds as creature after creature, blades of grass, and stars anticipate the coming of God's Son. And then the names of Christ are shared..... The Bright and Morning Star, The Good Shepherd, A Light to light up the whole world, The One, Our Rescuer.
The illustrations are whimsical, soft, enchanting. They embrace creation as it rejoices with the coming of the Son of God.
A little board book (also available in hardcover with regular pages) that Chat With Vera can highly recommend. Go beyond the traditional Luke 2 Biblical account of Christ's birth. Learn how all of creation rejoiced at His coming.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program on behalf of ZonderKiz and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
. . . .the leaves, that night, rustled with a rumor.
News rang out across the open fields.
A song drifted over the hills.
The wind whispered it softly in the sycamore trees that waved their moonlit branches to the sky.
A barn owl took flight.
Woodland creatures stirred...
"It's time! It's time!"
The story is just sweet and delightful and builds and builds as creature after creature, blades of grass, and stars anticipate the coming of God's Son. And then the names of Christ are shared..... The Bright and Morning Star, The Good Shepherd, A Light to light up the whole world, The One, Our Rescuer.
The illustrations are whimsical, soft, enchanting. They embrace creation as it rejoices with the coming of the Son of God.
A little board book (also available in hardcover with regular pages) that Chat With Vera can highly recommend. Go beyond the traditional Luke 2 Biblical account of Christ's birth. Learn how all of creation rejoiced at His coming.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the BookLook Blogger Review program on behalf of ZonderKiz and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
November 24, 2015
About the Book:
The skies shouted it to the seas that thundered it to the waves that roared it to the great white whales that sang it to the starfish in the deep. And tiny sandpipers danced it on shining sands… “It’s time! It’s time!” On one quiet night, creation whispered a secret. Grass and bees, robins and trees all spread the word. Sheep told their young while angels sang the song to the shepherds. Hushed news of a miracle echoed to the ends of the earth. The moment had come. The long-awaited child had arrived! Creation cried out in celebration, but only a few people heard. Only a few joined nature’s chorus, a song in praise of the newborn King.
My Review:
What a precious board book that will ring in the Christmas season, perfectly. With dramatic and enlightening prose Sally Lloyd Jones has stirred our hearts once again with her latest release, Song of the Stars. It is rich with beautiful words and in depth illustrations that bring her words to life. Imagining that the world knew all along about the day our savior was to be born while many of us were in awe so many more had no idea that their Messiah had been born. But the animals that He created knew as well as the angels---just like Mary and Joseph knew.
A beautiful way to tell your children the classic retelling of Christ's birth! It is the best size for little hands and comes in a bound board book style. Geared for ages 4-7 years of age.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
The skies shouted it to the seas that thundered it to the waves that roared it to the great white whales that sang it to the starfish in the deep. And tiny sandpipers danced it on shining sands… “It’s time! It’s time!” On one quiet night, creation whispered a secret. Grass and bees, robins and trees all spread the word. Sheep told their young while angels sang the song to the shepherds. Hushed news of a miracle echoed to the ends of the earth. The moment had come. The long-awaited child had arrived! Creation cried out in celebration, but only a few people heard. Only a few joined nature’s chorus, a song in praise of the newborn King.
My Review:
What a precious board book that will ring in the Christmas season, perfectly. With dramatic and enlightening prose Sally Lloyd Jones has stirred our hearts once again with her latest release, Song of the Stars. It is rich with beautiful words and in depth illustrations that bring her words to life. Imagining that the world knew all along about the day our savior was to be born while many of us were in awe so many more had no idea that their Messiah had been born. But the animals that He created knew as well as the angels---just like Mary and Joseph knew.
A beautiful way to tell your children the classic retelling of Christ's birth! It is the best size for little hands and comes in a bound board book style. Geared for ages 4-7 years of age.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
October 25, 2012
A beautiful book written by Sally Lloyd Jones, which tells the story of the excitement that all life felt with Jesus Christ was born. All different kinds of animals appear in this story from lions, to fish in the sea, to bugs in a meadow. Even the grass and trees join in on the excitement. This is a classic story told in many homes during the holiday season and this book is a great way to show a different perspective of that story to children.
The story is written with a rhyme so it is like the skies, animals, everything is singing. Even though the words in this book hold great meaning, I think it is the illustrations that carry this book. Alison Jay did a wonderful job portraying each scene with the animals. Each illustration looks like an old painting that has cracked over time, but the colors had remained.
I would recommend this book to families and children of all ages. It’s a great book to read every year during the Christmas season.
Jones, S., & Jay, A. (2011). Song of the stars: a Christmas story. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz.
The story is written with a rhyme so it is like the skies, animals, everything is singing. Even though the words in this book hold great meaning, I think it is the illustrations that carry this book. Alison Jay did a wonderful job portraying each scene with the animals. Each illustration looks like an old painting that has cracked over time, but the colors had remained.
I would recommend this book to families and children of all ages. It’s a great book to read every year during the Christmas season.
Jones, S., & Jay, A. (2011). Song of the stars: a Christmas story. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz.
December 23, 2017
This is a phenomenal story ... about the nativity ... told in simple words so children can understand it, but also in an exciting way that made it enjoyable for me. Fantastic kids book ... I can hardly wait to read it to my grandsons.
Read this again to my Sunday School class as we finished up our Christmas season with a lesson about the wise men. While the children were eating their snack (wise men riding camels made of animal crackers, ham slices, oyster crackers, and yellow cheese) I read them this story ... and loved it again just as much as I had last year.
Read it again with grandchildren. 2 yr old granddauhter enjoyed making animal noises with it. One of my favorites for kids for Christmas.
Read this again to my Sunday School class as we finished up our Christmas season with a lesson about the wise men. While the children were eating their snack (wise men riding camels made of animal crackers, ham slices, oyster crackers, and yellow cheese) I read them this story ... and loved it again just as much as I had last year.
Read it again with grandchildren. 2 yr old granddauhter enjoyed making animal noises with it. One of my favorites for kids for Christmas.
December 5, 2014
Since it was first released, Song of the Stars, has been a favorite in our family. We all adore the beautiful illustrations of the creation and creatures as they listen to God and the angels declare that "It's time!".
I especially like how the anticipation builds and builds as the story goes along. I find myself reading it aloud softly at first and then as the big event gets closer and closer my voice rises in volume and intensity. When I look around at our family we all seem to be leaning in towards the story as if helping the event along.
If you are looking for a new Christmas book for your little ones this year, I can't recommend this one highly enough. It truly is destined to become a Christmas classic.
I especially like how the anticipation builds and builds as the story goes along. I find myself reading it aloud softly at first and then as the big event gets closer and closer my voice rises in volume and intensity. When I look around at our family we all seem to be leaning in towards the story as if helping the event along.
If you are looking for a new Christmas book for your little ones this year, I can't recommend this one highly enough. It truly is destined to become a Christmas classic.
July 23, 2011
I love Sally Lloyd-Jones. She has such a gift for sharing scripture with children in a poetic and artistic form. Using anticipation this story creates a magical setting. I love the words within and I am sure this will become a seasonal favorite.
However I am not in love with the artistry in this one as I find the crackles distracting and unappealing.
This book is a great way to show how the whole world anticipated and showed excitement for the joy of the Christ one to come, from the skies to the meadows and every creature beyond and between.
*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
However I am not in love with the artistry in this one as I find the crackles distracting and unappealing.
This book is a great way to show how the whole world anticipated and showed excitement for the joy of the Christ one to come, from the skies to the meadows and every creature beyond and between.
*Thanks to Zondervan for providing a copy for review.*
February 14, 2014
This Christmas story teaches several names of Jesus as various animals - and in fact creation itself - rejoice in the birth of the savior. This story went really well with the advent calendars the kids made in class this year, which we got from a church member's blog: http://www.mygrowinghome.com/2011/12/...
Though this Christmas story is more detailed than "Little One, We Knew You'd Come," it still leaves out a lot of details of the Christmas story. That's fine, you can use "The Jesus Storybook Bible" for that! (go to the first three chapters of the New Testament stories: He's Here, The Light of the Whole World, and The King of All Kings).
Though this Christmas story is more detailed than "Little One, We Knew You'd Come," it still leaves out a lot of details of the Christmas story. That's fine, you can use "The Jesus Storybook Bible" for that! (go to the first three chapters of the New Testament stories: He's Here, The Light of the Whole World, and The King of All Kings).
December 3, 2016
This is a really beautiful book. The text is lyrical and perfectly captures the wonder of Christmas, while the incredible illustrations by the widely-acclaimed Alison Jay are the perfect accompaniment.
Probably more suited to older children as it is a little enigmatic at first, but definitely one to add to your Christmas book collection and enjoy for many years.
Probably more suited to older children as it is a little enigmatic at first, but definitely one to add to your Christmas book collection and enjoy for many years.
“And a tiny cry rang out in the cold night air. And high above a single star set in the highest heavens shone out brighter than all the others and poured down silver onto the little shed. A Light to light up the whole world.”
December 12, 2011
Song of the Stars: A Christmas Story, Hardcover, by Sally Lloyd-Jones, Paintings by Alison Jay, Zonderkidz, 2011, Ages 4 and up, 32 Pages, ISBN-10: 0310722918, $15.99
“The world was about to change forever” with the birth of a baby anticipated by all of God’s created order, “And it almost went unnoticed.” Thus begins this enchanting children’s story of how all God’s creatures and nature itself anticipated Christ’s birth.
“It’s time, it’s time,” rang out…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/89hrkvw
January 3, 2012
This is a children’s book, but I was totally captivated by this story. Each page shows and tells about different aspects of our world – the wind, the trees, the animals, the stars – as they whisper to each other, “It’s time! It’s time!” The anticipation builds until at last Jesus arrives and creation celebrates the Light of the World and the Prince of Peace.
Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
Read my complete review here: http://shoopettesbookreviews.blogspot...
December 14, 2012
Written by the wonderful Sally Lloyd-Jones, who wrote our favorite "Jesus Storybook Bible: Every story whispers His name."
I think animal-loving kids would ADORE this telling of the earth's creatures and creation anticipating Jesus' birth, but Juni (4) got a little bogged down in the animal names. (If they had been princess names, Juni would have been WAY into it.)
I think animal-loving kids would ADORE this telling of the earth's creatures and creation anticipating Jesus' birth, but Juni (4) got a little bogged down in the animal names. (If they had been princess names, Juni would have been WAY into it.)
December 21, 2012
Another delightful offering from Sally Lloyd-Jones! This time we take a surprising look at how all creation rejoiced at the birth of our Savior. Scripturally accurate and yet creatively presented, she brings a breath of fresh air not only into nurseries, but entire households. I will be sharing this book widely and often.
December 17, 2013
Another wonderful Christmas book for children. The whole world anticipates the birth of the Savior, as animals in the forest, the sea, the rivers and plains talk about his arrival and go to worship him in the manger. I have hard time reading this one out loud because I, without fail, get choked up at the end. Very beautiful story and illustrations.
January 28, 2015
I have yet to read a book by Sally Lloyd Jones that deserves less than a 5 star rating. This portrayal of the birth of Jesus is just beautiful. The simple words, "It's time, it's time," echo through the pages, as the animals of the world realize that something special is happening. Gorgeous illustrations accompany Sally's wonderful text. This needs to be on your Christmas bookshelf.
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January 3, 2016All of nature anticipates the arrival of their King, in this gorgeously illustrated story that shows snails and whales, lambs and lions and wild stallions, all watching the heavens for the signs of Christ's birth. Keira, age 5, is captivated by all of the animals. We read it yearly as part of our "12 books of Christmas" tradition, one per night from Dec 13th to the 24th.
December 21, 2011
Another discovery this Christmas season and a gift from my sister for my birthday this year. I love the style of art and the look of the animals. I love Christmas picture books and this one is a winner!
January 3, 2012
A beautiful story of how the world got ready for the Savior to be born. And how excited the animals were for "he who made them" to come to the earth. I loved the idea of the book, and I loved the illustrations.
December 30, 2011
2 and up, picture book, Margaret Wise Brown-like prose telling about the animals around the world preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, lovely language and beautiful, appealing illustrations by Alison Jay
December 13, 2012
I love Alison Jay's illustrations so the book is visually quite amazing. I also love the fact that this story is told from the perspective of the natural world preparing for the birth of the Savior. Really a sweet telling of the birth of Christ.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews