What do you think?
Rate this book
Twinkle, the Littlest Star: A Heartwarming Christmas Tale About Finding Your Light
"A Christmas story like no other, Twinkle, the Littlest Star will capture your heart, showing that even the littlest stars can shine the brightest." --Bob Goff, author of Love Does
Created tiny among the bright stars, Twinkle doesn’t fit in and dances across the night sky to find her place. The biggest star tells her she’s too dim and small, and the little stars tell her she’s too young. Twinkle feels alone and doesn’t know her purpose. When an angel appears and tells her that her time has come to shine, Twinkle finally knows why she was created. Shining brighter than any star in the sky, Twinkle lights the way to a very special birth.
Embark on a whimsical journey with 'Twinkle, the Little Star, ' a captivating children's picture book that will ignite your child's imagination. This delightful tale follows the adventures of a lonely star as she travels across the night sky, only to find she doesn't fit in with the other stars. Beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors and charming characters, this book is a light and love treasure trove. Designed to engage young readers, 'Twinkle, the Little Star' encourages self-love, hope, and a sense of purpose. Whether snuggling up for bedtime or enjoying a cozy story time, this book promises to become a cherished favorite, fostering a lifelong appreciation for literature and the boundless realms of wonder. Prepare to be captivated by this enchanting tale that will leave a lasting impression on your little one's heart and mind.
Teaching
🌟 Self- worth
🌟 Purpose
🌟 Love
🌟 Acceptance
🌟 Perseverance
🌟 Kindness
🌟 Faith
Created tiny among the bright stars, Twinkle doesn’t fit in and dances across the night sky to find her place. The biggest star tells her she’s too dim and small, and the little stars tell her she’s too young. Twinkle feels alone and doesn’t know her purpose. When an angel appears and tells her that her time has come to shine, Twinkle finally knows why she was created. Shining brighter than any star in the sky, Twinkle lights the way to a very special birth.
Embark on a whimsical journey with 'Twinkle, the Little Star, ' a captivating children's picture book that will ignite your child's imagination. This delightful tale follows the adventures of a lonely star as she travels across the night sky, only to find she doesn't fit in with the other stars. Beautifully illustrated with vibrant colors and charming characters, this book is a light and love treasure trove. Designed to engage young readers, 'Twinkle, the Little Star' encourages self-love, hope, and a sense of purpose. Whether snuggling up for bedtime or enjoying a cozy story time, this book promises to become a cherished favorite, fostering a lifelong appreciation for literature and the boundless realms of wonder. Prepare to be captivated by this enchanting tale that will leave a lasting impression on your little one's heart and mind.
Teaching
🌟 Self- worth
🌟 Purpose
🌟 Love
🌟 Acceptance
🌟 Perseverance
🌟 Kindness
🌟 Faith
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2024
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 27, 2024
In a Nutshell: A picture book combining the story of Christmas with the popular nursery rhyme. I love how the two are intertwined. Leaves some questions unanswered, but overall, this unusual Christmas picture book is a winner.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
At a macro level, I loved this story. ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is such a popular nursery rhyme, but this book brilliantly turns the small star into a spotlight for a very memorable birth. I didn’t expect Christmas content in this book because I had grabbed it only for the cover and the title. A pleasant surprise, indeed!
Twinkle is a great eponymous character. I like how she keeps on trying despite being rejected by the other stars, and how she doesn’t hesitate to approach even those who were bigger and brighter than her. She also makes peace with herself after a point, instead of stressing endlessly over her dimness. There are many values that little ones can learn from her.
A couple of things stopped me from going higher in my rating. For one, there’s no explanation of how Twinkle suddenly turned bright. She was dim, the angel takes her near Earth, and suddenly, she is bright! Her apparent increased brightness makes sense to Earth dwellers as the star is closer to them now, but to Twinkle herself, her light would be the same level. Did something magical occur? Did the angel grant her more luminosity? I would have liked some *light* shed on this point. I also wasn’t too satisfied with the very last line of the story: ‘a prince, a newborn king.’ While Christians know that both these terms are used to refer to Jesus, seeing both ‘prince’ and ‘king’ in a single sentence and referring to the same baby at once might confuse some little ones.
The story is written in simple rhymes in the ABCB scheme. I am not usually a fan of rhythmic prose, but they work well in this book and stick to the meter. Most of the words are fairly easy, and the trickier ones are simple to explain. The dialogues in the story are written in a lovely highlighted font with bright colours, while the rest of the text is in ordinary serif. This makes the conversations stand out.
The illustrations are really cute. Twinkle looks like a little ballerina with her tutu and ballet shoes. I would have expected a star to be dressed in white, so her Barbie-pink vest and aubergine tutu was a colourful surprise. There’s a smudged pastel kind of effect to the graphics, which works excellently for this story.
Definitely recommended. Just as the original nursery rhyme is a lullaby, this one too would make a lovely bedtime tale. It’s charming enough to be read throughout the year, but would be especially magical in this blessed season. The story ought to work well for ages 3-8.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Cross My Heart Press for providing the DRC of “Twinkle, the Littlest Star” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Twinkle is the smallest star and doesn’t glow as bright as the other stars around her. She feels a little dismayed at being so dim, but at the encouragement of the moon, she goes in search for her purpose. When an angel appears to her, she finally realises her role.
At a macro level, I loved this story. ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is such a popular nursery rhyme, but this book brilliantly turns the small star into a spotlight for a very memorable birth. I didn’t expect Christmas content in this book because I had grabbed it only for the cover and the title. A pleasant surprise, indeed!
Twinkle is a great eponymous character. I like how she keeps on trying despite being rejected by the other stars, and how she doesn’t hesitate to approach even those who were bigger and brighter than her. She also makes peace with herself after a point, instead of stressing endlessly over her dimness. There are many values that little ones can learn from her.
A couple of things stopped me from going higher in my rating. For one, there’s no explanation of how Twinkle suddenly turned bright. She was dim, the angel takes her near Earth, and suddenly, she is bright! Her apparent increased brightness makes sense to Earth dwellers as the star is closer to them now, but to Twinkle herself, her light would be the same level. Did something magical occur? Did the angel grant her more luminosity? I would have liked some *light* shed on this point. I also wasn’t too satisfied with the very last line of the story: ‘a prince, a newborn king.’ While Christians know that both these terms are used to refer to Jesus, seeing both ‘prince’ and ‘king’ in a single sentence and referring to the same baby at once might confuse some little ones.
The story is written in simple rhymes in the ABCB scheme. I am not usually a fan of rhythmic prose, but they work well in this book and stick to the meter. Most of the words are fairly easy, and the trickier ones are simple to explain. The dialogues in the story are written in a lovely highlighted font with bright colours, while the rest of the text is in ordinary serif. This makes the conversations stand out.
The illustrations are really cute. Twinkle looks like a little ballerina with her tutu and ballet shoes. I would have expected a star to be dressed in white, so her Barbie-pink vest and aubergine tutu was a colourful surprise. There’s a smudged pastel kind of effect to the graphics, which works excellently for this story.
Definitely recommended. Just as the original nursery rhyme is a lullaby, this one too would make a lovely bedtime tale. It’s charming enough to be read throughout the year, but would be especially magical in this blessed season. The story ought to work well for ages 3-8.
4.25 stars.
My thanks to Cross My Heart Press for providing the DRC of “Twinkle, the Littlest Star” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
November 7, 2024
This is a beautiful book with such a special message. We should never let anyone dim our light or forget to shine. Easily recommended to all, the illustrations are incredible as well. Perfect for anytime of the year, but especially at Christmas. Absolutely lovely!
October 29, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this sweet read! I loved the rhyming tempo, the beautiful illustrations, and the heartwarming story. Twinkle, the Littlest Star shows how God can use anyone for his purposes. It also shows how his plans can give us confidence in ourselves! Finally, I adored that this children's book included the Christmas story and pointed back to Jesus' birth!
October 29, 2024
**I was fortunate enough to read an ARC of this book, thanks to NetGalley.**
This is such a beautiful children's book that I believe really shares how we're all created differently and for a unique purpose. Twinkle, the littlest star had such a wonderful job waiting for her when the time was right. While other stars didn't accept her or really welcome her, she didn't cause a fuss or became too discouraged, but she was motivated to keep looking. This sends the message that it's important to keep going, no matter life's difficulties or situations and that The Creator has a purpose for everyone. How blessed to know a cute backstory to the well known biblical star!
This is such a beautiful children's book that I believe really shares how we're all created differently and for a unique purpose. Twinkle, the littlest star had such a wonderful job waiting for her when the time was right. While other stars didn't accept her or really welcome her, she didn't cause a fuss or became too discouraged, but she was motivated to keep looking. This sends the message that it's important to keep going, no matter life's difficulties or situations and that The Creator has a purpose for everyone. How blessed to know a cute backstory to the well known biblical star!
December 6, 2024
🌟How bright appears the Morning Star,
with mercy beaming from afar;
the host of heav'n rejoices;
O Righteous Branch, O Jesse’s Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices:
Jesus, Jesus! Holy, holy, yet most lowly,
draw Thou near us;
great Emmanuel, come and hear us.🌟
The verse above is from one of my favorite Christmas hymns. It is not as well known, but definitely complements this new seasonal picture book.
Twinkle is the littlest star and struggles to find a place to shine. As she wanders from place to place and group to group, her light grows diminished. Many of us know that feeling! Then she meets the angel and is given a place to shine to announce the birth of Jesus. What a privilege!
Psalm 147:4 (ESV) says: He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. That is something to contemplate as we consider the Christmas story. There was a star created just for the purpose of announcing the birth of the King. 👑
As Leslie Coburn says in her dedication: To all the littlest stars. You were created on purpose. Yes, indeed! Shine, little stars, just like the star of old. 🌟
Thank you first of all to my GR friend Rosh for bringing this beautiful picture book to my attention. Love your recs! And thank you to Cross My Heart Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
with mercy beaming from afar;
the host of heav'n rejoices;
O Righteous Branch, O Jesse’s Rod!
Thou Son of Man and Son of God!
We, too, will lift our voices:
Jesus, Jesus! Holy, holy, yet most lowly,
draw Thou near us;
great Emmanuel, come and hear us.🌟
The verse above is from one of my favorite Christmas hymns. It is not as well known, but definitely complements this new seasonal picture book.
Twinkle is the littlest star and struggles to find a place to shine. As she wanders from place to place and group to group, her light grows diminished. Many of us know that feeling! Then she meets the angel and is given a place to shine to announce the birth of Jesus. What a privilege!
Psalm 147:4 (ESV) says: He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names. That is something to contemplate as we consider the Christmas story. There was a star created just for the purpose of announcing the birth of the King. 👑
As Leslie Coburn says in her dedication: To all the littlest stars. You were created on purpose. Yes, indeed! Shine, little stars, just like the star of old. 🌟
Thank you first of all to my GR friend Rosh for bringing this beautiful picture book to my attention. Love your recs! And thank you to Cross My Heart Press and NetGalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2024
I really liked this book, and I appreciate NetGalley giving me the opportunity to read and review it.
I read this to my 5-month-old. She was instantly intrigued by the illustrations. I appreciate the diversity included in the illustrations, too, as it helps to enforce the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.
The story itself was a simple one, but I love how it blended a nursery rhyme that I know and sing often with the nativity story. It blended secular and non-secular without being overbearing. It also emphasized the fact that the little star (and, therefore the little child that is reading the story) is important no matter what anyone else says. The message of self-worth intertwines itself wonderfully.
Ultimately, the book hits three important categories: familiarity, values, and self-confidence. Though it falls into the category of ‘seasonal,’ I believe the story is unique enough that it can be frequently reread. I can see this book being very popular in church nurseries, children’s ministries, and Christian/Catholic schools.
I read this to my 5-month-old. She was instantly intrigued by the illustrations. I appreciate the diversity included in the illustrations, too, as it helps to enforce the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes.
The story itself was a simple one, but I love how it blended a nursery rhyme that I know and sing often with the nativity story. It blended secular and non-secular without being overbearing. It also emphasized the fact that the little star (and, therefore the little child that is reading the story) is important no matter what anyone else says. The message of self-worth intertwines itself wonderfully.
Ultimately, the book hits three important categories: familiarity, values, and self-confidence. Though it falls into the category of ‘seasonal,’ I believe the story is unique enough that it can be frequently reread. I can see this book being very popular in church nurseries, children’s ministries, and Christian/Catholic schools.
November 7, 2024
Thank you to Leslie Colburn, the publisher, and Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Wow, not what I expected at all! This has got to be the most beatiful children's board book I have ever read.
The beginning was giving The Ugly Duckling vibes, but the plot twist exceeded expectations. The blurb had me thinking that this was going to be a Christian book with a niche audience but it is written so well that it would appeal to families of all faiths, particularly Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families just because of the specifi spiritual connotations.
Wonderfully illustrated, beautiful rhymes, and a unique perspective. This is being bought in bulk and gifted to all my friends and family with toddlers. It's the ideal Christmas present and a story to be enjoyed over and over.
Wow, not what I expected at all! This has got to be the most beatiful children's board book I have ever read.
The beginning was giving The Ugly Duckling vibes, but the plot twist exceeded expectations. The blurb had me thinking that this was going to be a Christian book with a niche audience but it is written so well that it would appeal to families of all faiths, particularly Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families just because of the specifi spiritual connotations.
Wonderfully illustrated, beautiful rhymes, and a unique perspective. This is being bought in bulk and gifted to all my friends and family with toddlers. It's the ideal Christmas present and a story to be enjoyed over and over.
November 16, 2024
When I read a story to my girl, I want her to learn something. I do not mind when book teach stuff about other religions. The ending of this book, It wasn't what I expected. A tiny, not so bright star is looking to shine and dazzle and my girl couldn't understand why she shined bright in the end.
A big no for me if I'm being honest coz frankly this book taught her nothing. My girl was enchanted with the star and beautiful illustrations. And she kept asking me how the star ended up being something of value, and she couldn't understand how shining on the "baby" made it all worth her while.
I have read her so many books here on Netgalley, never I had an issue in explaining her the stuff. For this book, apart from that ending, everything else was perfect.
Thank you Netgalley and children's fiction for the book in exchange of an honest review.
A big no for me if I'm being honest coz frankly this book taught her nothing. My girl was enchanted with the star and beautiful illustrations. And she kept asking me how the star ended up being something of value, and she couldn't understand how shining on the "baby" made it all worth her while.
I have read her so many books here on Netgalley, never I had an issue in explaining her the stuff. For this book, apart from that ending, everything else was perfect.
Thank you Netgalley and children's fiction for the book in exchange of an honest review.
January 7, 2025
This book is a bit of a bait and switch. It starts out with twinkle a star who is not very bright and is dim. She’s ostracized and not allowed to join other groups because of how not bright she is. She goes off and finds her own way until the day an angel comes and says shine your light. Turns out she’s a guide for the newborn king. I say this is a bait and switch because without reading the descriptions and based entirely on cover, you would think this has to do something with twinkle twinkle little star not with the birth of Jesus. The story rhymes in is nice and I do like it. I don’t like feeling tricked. My favorite thing about this book is the artwork. It’s cozy and comforting and wrapped you up like a warm blanket.
November 2, 2024
Cute! I didn't expect this book's plot/ending, but it was still adorable! This book accurately shows how, even if you're smaller than everyone else, you can still find your purpose in life and be important with your own unique strengths. Twinkle's journey to discover this for herself will inspire so many little ones and empower them with the belief in themselves that is so, so important. The plot of Twinkle's story was clearly defined and easy-to-follow. Lastly, the illustrations were utterly beautiful! Especially the outer space scenes. The illustrator knows just how to work with colors, gradients, and light to breathe life into the words on a page to make a stellar story.
Bravo!
Bravo!
November 21, 2024
This is such a beautiful picture book, with a unique blend of nursery rhyme, nativity story and a tale of finding your special purpose. My children were engaged from the very beginning and even commented on the beautiful illustrations. I appreciate the diversity represented in this story, as we all come in various shades, shapes and sizes. We have read this several times already and look forward to sharing this story together many more times before Christmas.
Many thanks to the publisher for the digital review copy via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
Many thanks to the publisher for the digital review copy via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and all opinions expressed are my own.
December 11, 2024
Twinkle, the Littlest Star is about just that- the littlest star who couldn't find her place to fit in. Little does she know that she'll be the Christmas Star, for all to see.
This book feels so special. For any child that feels small or left out, this will empower them to feel that they are special and will do big things one day.
The illustrations are really pretty- they're soft, flowing, and fit right in to that Christmas feel.
The book follows a rhyme scheme, so it will be easy to pick up the rhythm for young and experienced readers alike.
This book feels like it will be a family favorite read every year for Christmas and beyond.
This book feels so special. For any child that feels small or left out, this will empower them to feel that they are special and will do big things one day.
The illustrations are really pretty- they're soft, flowing, and fit right in to that Christmas feel.
The book follows a rhyme scheme, so it will be easy to pick up the rhythm for young and experienced readers alike.
This book feels like it will be a family favorite read every year for Christmas and beyond.
November 8, 2024
Wow what a heartfelt journey little Twinkle experiences in her search to fit in. This is a wonderful book for any child whether they are able to read or not. The pictures are colorful, eye catching and just all around stunning. The message of this book is going to be with your child throughout their life time. This would be a lovely Christmas gift, baby shower gift or something special for a birthday. This is a book to treasure.
December 4, 2024
This is an absolutely gorgeous story of a tiny star called Twinkle who is trying to find her place in the universe. A mash-up of the nursery rhyme and the story of Christmas, this is the perfect bedtime book for kids, to show them that each star (and child) is special and that we can all do great things.
Thank you to Cross My Heart Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Cross My Heart Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2024
As an educator, mother of five, and grandmother of four, I'm excited to share "Twinkle, the Littlest Star." With beautiful illustrations and a story about finding God's purpose, this book has become a favorite with both my children and grandchildren. It's perfect for Christmas morning reading, helping families focus on the true meaning of the holiday.
November 21, 2024
This was a really sweet twist on the Christmas nativity story - centered on the star (Twinkle). It's a very cute book for young kids - with the cadence and rhyming something that keeps the story engaging and moving for the kids to follow along. The illustrations are gorgeous and the message in the book is wholesome and encouraging.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC to review!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC to review!
November 27, 2024
Twinkle, the Littlest Star is a heartwarming story about perseverance and finding your unique purpose. Despite being small and overlooked, Twinkle shows that everyone has a special role to play. This sweet tale encourages children to stay hopeful and trust in their own worth, offering a new, inspiring take on the biblical star. A perfect read for young readers to embrace their uniqueness.
December 21, 2024
Twinkle The littlest Star by Leslie Colburn
Illustrated by Marcin Piwowarrski
Thank you @netgalley for my review copy
This children's story features a different version of the classic Christmas nativity. I found it a nice and unique one. The illustrations are very pretty and work well with the rhyming text.
Illustrated by Marcin Piwowarrski
Thank you @netgalley for my review copy
This children's story features a different version of the classic Christmas nativity. I found it a nice and unique one. The illustrations are very pretty and work well with the rhyming text.
October 15, 2024
This is an absolute favourite in our home and we read it every night. My 5 year old and 2 year old love the story, and the illustrations are beautifully done. It will be a go to present for friends and family.
October 23, 2024
Leslie has written a timeless Christmas classic for children of all ages. Beautiful illustrations and meaningful prose combine to bring an outstanding experience of storytelling. Twinkle, the Littlest Star will be a great addition to bookshelves across the world.
November 25, 2024
Such a sweet twist to a classic Christmas story! I loved the illustrations, and can’t wait to share this one with my child. It teaches that even the tiniest star can shine through and be called to a greater purpose!
December 28, 2024
This is a beautiful, hopeful book for the winter holiday season. Those who feel small, or unimportant, can share the hope that there is a purpose for their existence... just as they are without performance or changing their personhood to become acceptable to others. Shine on, Twinkle!
July 22, 2025
Este es un libro hermoso con un mensaje muy especial. Nunca debemos dejar que nadie apague nuestra luz ni olvidar brillar. Se recomienda fácilmente a todos, las ilustraciones también son increíbles. Perfecto para cualquier época del año, pero especialmente para Navidad.
October 15, 2024
Magnificent. This Christmas picture book grand, elegant and splendid in both illustrations and story. It is exceptional in every way and it will be a forever book in your personal library.
October 29, 2024
What a sweet children’s book about living for your purpose and being different is okay. This will work its way into the bedtime rotation as we near the holiday season. Beautiful illustrations.
November 24, 2024
My 5 year old daughter loved this book!
Her review: I liked the people as the stars and that the little star got to help and be important. I liked the pictures that went with the story.
Her review: I liked the people as the stars and that the little star got to help and be important. I liked the pictures that went with the story.
November 7, 2024
Looking for a picture book to spread the joy of the Christmas season? Add Twinkle the Littlest Star to your list. It is the heartwarming tale of a little "star" that perseveres and discovers a big, important role to play. I love that the illustrations show one story about a child yearning to be a dancer, while the words expand the metaphor to include the story of the North Star guiding a special birth on Christmas night. This book shines bright!
January 28, 2025
Twinkle, The Littlest Star by Leslie Colburn is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story. This is a rhyming version of the Christmas Story with a different twist on what is known and was a very enjoyable read. Though I have to say that my great niece was not a fan.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews