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.”
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This book looks beautiful! I just put it on hold at the library. Thanks 🙂
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Hi Michelle, I loved your book review, it looks like one I need to get for my grandson! I just wrote a guest post about Advent and so your picture drew me to your site. Thanks for sharing today on Tuesday Talk, I’m going to find that book! (BTW we have a lot in common. I have four grown children as well as a 2 year old grandson and another baby on the way, but my homeschooling years are over – boo hoo!!! I miss that!)
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Yes, this book is definitely a good excuse for snuggling with a grandson! Can’t wait!
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This is one of our favorite Christmas books! Thanks for sharing #TheCozyReadingSpot
Marissa
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Looks like a great Christmas book for little ones. Thanks for sharing with #What to Read Wednesday.
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I love Sally Lloyd Jones’ work! Excited to give this one a read! Thanks for being a part of Booknificent Thursday this week!
Tina
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Me too! I just received another of her books and can’t wait to dive in!
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Ooh! Which one? I get so behind living here in Malaysia!
Thanks so much for sharing this at the Desperate Homeschoolers’ Christmas Reads for Kids blog hop! It’s perfect!
Tina
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It’s called The Story of God’s Love for You and I believe it is written for a teen audience.
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[…] breath-taking little gem is the most inspired board-book I’ve ever read. Sally Lloyd Jones 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 […]
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