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Holy Night and Little Star: A Story for Christmas
A luminous and tender retelling of the Christmas story from National Book Award nominee Mitali Perkins, author of Bare Tree and Little Wind, that is sure to become a cherished holiday favorite for families of faith.
Little Star likes her usual spot in the night sky over Bethlehem. Every night, she twinkles above the hills and hopes that nothing will change. But one night, Maker gathers the galaxy! Holy Night is coming, and Maker wants the planets, Moon, and the stars to all take part.
As Maker doles out jobs, Little Star holds back, each new role sounding too hard or too scary. But when Maker eventually calls on her to shine, Little Star discovers she is ready and able to welcome the Child and joins the other stars and planets in celebration.
Khoa Le’s shimmering illustrations are the perfect complement to Mitali’s unique take on the Christmas story. Readers young and old will be captivated by Little Star’s journey as she discovers that Maker welcomes even the quietest gifts. Parents of faith will appreciate the message about the true gifts of Christmas and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ mission of salvation, making it a book families can enjoy together year after year.
Little Star likes her usual spot in the night sky over Bethlehem. Every night, she twinkles above the hills and hopes that nothing will change. But one night, Maker gathers the galaxy! Holy Night is coming, and Maker wants the planets, Moon, and the stars to all take part.
As Maker doles out jobs, Little Star holds back, each new role sounding too hard or too scary. But when Maker eventually calls on her to shine, Little Star discovers she is ready and able to welcome the Child and joins the other stars and planets in celebration.
Khoa Le’s shimmering illustrations are the perfect complement to Mitali’s unique take on the Christmas story. Readers young and old will be captivated by Little Star’s journey as she discovers that Maker welcomes even the quietest gifts. Parents of faith will appreciate the message about the true gifts of Christmas and the foreshadowing of Jesus’ mission of salvation, making it a book families can enjoy together year after year.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 5, 2023
About the author
Mitali Perkins
31 books578 followersMitali Perkins has written many books for young readers as well as a couple for adults, including You Bring the Distant Near (nominated for the National Book Award) Rickshaw Girl (a NYPL best 100 Book for children in the past 100 years, film adaptation at rickshawgirlmovie.com), Bamboo People (an ALA Top 10 YA novel), and Forward Me Back to You, which won the South Asia Book Award for Younger Readers. Her newest novel, Hope in the Valley, received five starred reviews and was selected as a Best Book for Young Readers by Kirkus and Book Page. She currently writes and resides in the San Francisco Bay Area: mitaliperkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 17, 2024
With gorgeous illustrations and a gently paced text, this is a beautiful retelling of the Nativity story told from the viewpoint of the star over the Christ Child. Readers looking for a heartfelt perspective full of joyful wonder will enjoy this lovely picture book.
"Little Star drew closer.
She gave herself a shake.
Those eyes!
She knew them!
This Child . . . was maker!" . . .
"Everything was different,
but Maker was the same.
Today, tomorrow, forever."
"Little Star drew closer.
She gave herself a shake.
Those eyes!
She knew them!
This Child . . . was maker!" . . .
"Everything was different,
but Maker was the same.
Today, tomorrow, forever."
January 15, 2024
Aside from the sweet story, this is among the most beautifully illustrated children’s books I’ve encountered (and I have an extensive collection!) If you love children’s books, Christmas books or beautifully illustrated books, you’ll want to add HOLY NIGHT AND LITTLE STAR to your collection.
December 27, 2023
Mitali Perkins and Khoa Le’s radiantly illustrated and sincerely felt book depicts Little Star’s reluctant journey of welcoming Jesus upon his birth. I loved it, and reviewed it in the December 2023 edition of Christian Courier - christiancourier.ca
December 28, 2023
Definitely a pleasant surprise when I look at conventional (but still conventional) books about the Christmas story. The ending was the clincher for me! And how Little Star found nothing had really changed....yesterday, today or forever
December 3, 2025
This isn’t a biblically accurate Bible story.
The stars in the sky are people. Little Star and baby Jesus have a special connection, oddly.
There is no bright and shining Star to lead the wise men.
So many strange aspects in the illustrations through out.
Not a book I will be buying for my collection.
The stars in the sky are people. Little Star and baby Jesus have a special connection, oddly.
There is no bright and shining Star to lead the wise men.
So many strange aspects in the illustrations through out.
Not a book I will be buying for my collection.
December 15, 2025
"Everything was different now, but Maker was the same. Today, tomorrow, forever".
I'm always on the hunt for good
Advent and Christmas books. I love Perkins and Le - they're a great duo. This book's tone is similar to Bare Tree Little Wind, very lyrical, stunning illustration, and ethnically accurate - a triple threat! Also for bonus points the nativity scene is depicted in a cave which is much more likely than the traditional barn setting.
I'm always on the hunt for good
Advent and Christmas books. I love Perkins and Le - they're a great duo. This book's tone is similar to Bare Tree Little Wind, very lyrical, stunning illustration, and ethnically accurate - a triple threat! Also for bonus points the nativity scene is depicted in a cave which is much more likely than the traditional barn setting.
January 15, 2024
I'm not crying. You're crying about being scared about doing something new and being comforted by God coming to Earth. *Sob*
December 2, 2023
The story of Jesus’ birth, as told by Little Star. Rich, and delightfully told. My favorite of all the Advent and Christmas books; I cried when I first heard it read. The moment Little Star’s gaze meets the Babe’s. 😭
December 13, 2023
Really beautifully told and illustrated, very sweet version of the Nativity story.
December 30, 2023
My favorite Christmas book for my kids that I read this year (read it with the adults, too, and they really enjoyed it as well). I got it from the library and decided to purchase a copy, so I can read it each year. It’s a fresh retelling of the Christmas story in a touching, beautiful, deep way. I can definitely relate to little star and I think my 4 year old can, too.
December 9, 2023
The retelling and illustrations are so beautiful.
December 21, 2023
Holy Night and Little Star is a sweet and imaginative retelling of the biblical Christmas story that focuses on ‘Little Star’, a gentle star that loves shining softly as the first light for newborn lambs when they open their eyes. She hopes nothing will change, but one night the galaxy begins buzzing with excitement – Maker is gathering the planets, moon, stars and sun to tell them Holy Night is coming! And He wants them to play a part, including Little Star even though she thinks singing with the angels and leading travelers to Bethlehem sounds hard and scary.
But Maker has a special job for Little Star – and oh my goodness, my heart melted when she takes her place in this familiar story. What a precious twist that I didn’t fully see coming – I had an idea of what part Little Star would ultimately play but I didn’t expect it to touch my heart so much or to so beautifully point to Jesus’ deity and His purpose in coming to earth. The book itself can be enjoyed as a tender Christmas story without the theological implications but for believers this message makes Holy Night and Little Star all the more meaningful. I also appreciated the shift from ‘Baby’ to ‘Child’ when the travelers from afar (aka the wise men) arrive – a little detail, I know, but I always am glad when a children’s book can be theologically sound without sacrificing creativity.
Bottom Line: Mitali Perkins’ thoughtful text and Khoa Le’s expressive illustrations combine in Holy Night and Little Star to tell a tender story of Jesus’ birth through new eyes. Through Little Star’s role, Perkins eloquently and poetically incorporates references to the Incarnation and the gospel message, hints that adults can use as great springboards for age-appropriate discussions with their little ones. At the same time, the story is completely accessible and enjoyable for young children. Le’s artwork reminded me of the Psalm that says the heavens declare the glory of God and while I had never thought of it particularly in reference to the Christmas story, I will from now. My very favorite quote in the book is the last one because of the HOPE it provides readers of all ages – “Everything was different now, but Maker was the same. Today, tomorrow, forever.” If you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas book to share with your family, this one is a great choice!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
But Maker has a special job for Little Star – and oh my goodness, my heart melted when she takes her place in this familiar story. What a precious twist that I didn’t fully see coming – I had an idea of what part Little Star would ultimately play but I didn’t expect it to touch my heart so much or to so beautifully point to Jesus’ deity and His purpose in coming to earth. The book itself can be enjoyed as a tender Christmas story without the theological implications but for believers this message makes Holy Night and Little Star all the more meaningful. I also appreciated the shift from ‘Baby’ to ‘Child’ when the travelers from afar (aka the wise men) arrive – a little detail, I know, but I always am glad when a children’s book can be theologically sound without sacrificing creativity.
Bottom Line: Mitali Perkins’ thoughtful text and Khoa Le’s expressive illustrations combine in Holy Night and Little Star to tell a tender story of Jesus’ birth through new eyes. Through Little Star’s role, Perkins eloquently and poetically incorporates references to the Incarnation and the gospel message, hints that adults can use as great springboards for age-appropriate discussions with their little ones. At the same time, the story is completely accessible and enjoyable for young children. Le’s artwork reminded me of the Psalm that says the heavens declare the glory of God and while I had never thought of it particularly in reference to the Christmas story, I will from now. My very favorite quote in the book is the last one because of the HOPE it provides readers of all ages – “Everything was different now, but Maker was the same. Today, tomorrow, forever.” If you’re looking for a last-minute Christmas book to share with your family, this one is a great choice!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
November 19, 2025
As a Grammy and children's author, I'm always drawn to fresh retellings of familiar stories. "Holy Night and Little Star" by Mitali Perkins offers a truly unique perspective on the Christmas story - told through the eyes of a hesitant little star who doesn't want anything to change.
Little Star loves her comfortable spot in the night sky over Bethlehem. But when Maker gathers the galaxy to prepare for Holy Night, giving each planet and star a special job, Little Star holds back. Each role sounds too hard, too scary, too much. It's a feeling young readers will recognize - that fear of stepping into something new and unknown.
The beauty of this story lies in its gentle message: Maker welcomes even the quietest gifts. When Little Star is finally called to shine, she discovers she's ready and able to welcome the Christ Child after all.
Khoa Le's illustrations are wonderfully unique and unusual - shimmering and ethereal in a way that perfectly captures the wonder of that holy night. The artwork creates a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere that draws readers into Little Star's journey.
This isn't your typical nativity story, and that's what makes it special. Perkins weaves in the true meaning of Christmas and even hints at Jesus' greater mission of salvation, creating layers parents will appreciate while keeping it accessible for young listeners.
A lovely addition to your Christmas book collection.
Thanks #PRHChristian @waterbrookmultomahkids @prhchristian for the complimentary review copy of this book!
Little Star loves her comfortable spot in the night sky over Bethlehem. But when Maker gathers the galaxy to prepare for Holy Night, giving each planet and star a special job, Little Star holds back. Each role sounds too hard, too scary, too much. It's a feeling young readers will recognize - that fear of stepping into something new and unknown.
The beauty of this story lies in its gentle message: Maker welcomes even the quietest gifts. When Little Star is finally called to shine, she discovers she's ready and able to welcome the Christ Child after all.
Khoa Le's illustrations are wonderfully unique and unusual - shimmering and ethereal in a way that perfectly captures the wonder of that holy night. The artwork creates a peaceful, beautiful atmosphere that draws readers into Little Star's journey.
This isn't your typical nativity story, and that's what makes it special. Perkins weaves in the true meaning of Christmas and even hints at Jesus' greater mission of salvation, creating layers parents will appreciate while keeping it accessible for young listeners.
A lovely addition to your Christmas book collection.
Thanks #PRHChristian @waterbrookmultomahkids @prhchristian for the complimentary review copy of this book!
January 19, 2024
Yes, it’s a post Christmas Christmas post…
I wanted to preview this newly released Christmas book for possible gifting to some of my smallest friends, but I couldn’t find anywhere that had it in stock, including Amazon. So I did a back-order, and I finally got a copy today.
I’m picky about my Christmas storybooks (okay, yeah, I’m picky about storybooks in general). They must have the right combination of beautiful words and illustrations for me to share them with my favorite little ones.
Others that have fit this bill over the years have been One Wintry Night and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey. Those are maybe for slightly olders than this story, but really good Christmas storybooks speak to all ages, if on different levels.
Holy Night and Little Star arrived yesterday while I was at work, and I just opened and read it. The story actually made me cry, in a good way. :) And the illustrations, oh my goodness! Like nothing I’ve seen, and I can imagine a child absolutely loving them.
The quality is good, the colors rich, and the pages aren’t thin, but for this format and for a story you’ll read over and over, I would have done an even thicker page stock. That’s my only complaint, and it’s a small one. Overall, I recommend, and will definitely be gifting next year.
I wanted to preview this newly released Christmas book for possible gifting to some of my smallest friends, but I couldn’t find anywhere that had it in stock, including Amazon. So I did a back-order, and I finally got a copy today.
I’m picky about my Christmas storybooks (okay, yeah, I’m picky about storybooks in general). They must have the right combination of beautiful words and illustrations for me to share them with my favorite little ones.
Others that have fit this bill over the years have been One Wintry Night and The Christmas Miracle of Jonathon Toomey. Those are maybe for slightly olders than this story, but really good Christmas storybooks speak to all ages, if on different levels.
Holy Night and Little Star arrived yesterday while I was at work, and I just opened and read it. The story actually made me cry, in a good way. :) And the illustrations, oh my goodness! Like nothing I’ve seen, and I can imagine a child absolutely loving them.
The quality is good, the colors rich, and the pages aren’t thin, but for this format and for a story you’ll read over and over, I would have done an even thicker page stock. That’s my only complaint, and it’s a small one. Overall, I recommend, and will definitely be gifting next year.
December 6, 2023
First sentence: As the sky grew dark over Bethlehem, Little Star took her usual spot.
Premise/plot: The nativity story told through the eyes of one of the stars in the sky. The Maker has asked his creation--stars, sun, moon, planets, etc.--to make "Holy Night" extra special. Little Star is reluctant but perseveres through her doubts. Little Star has a special role to play in Holy Night and discovers something wondrous--the Maker in the manger.
My thoughts: This one requires some suspension of disbelief. I don't know that I ever really thought about personifying stars--or a star--and telling a Christian story. Yet I don't think the author meant any disrespect to the traditional story. In fact, the book opens with two passages from Psalms--Psalm 147:4 "He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names" and Psalm 148:3, "Praise him, sun and moon; praise him all you shining stars!" Would I have loved the book to use the word God? Or Creator? Or King of All Creation? Maybe. But I don't have a problem with this one. Personal preference is personal preference. And the important things--the incarnation--were handled well.
Premise/plot: The nativity story told through the eyes of one of the stars in the sky. The Maker has asked his creation--stars, sun, moon, planets, etc.--to make "Holy Night" extra special. Little Star is reluctant but perseveres through her doubts. Little Star has a special role to play in Holy Night and discovers something wondrous--the Maker in the manger.
My thoughts: This one requires some suspension of disbelief. I don't know that I ever really thought about personifying stars--or a star--and telling a Christian story. Yet I don't think the author meant any disrespect to the traditional story. In fact, the book opens with two passages from Psalms--Psalm 147:4 "He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names" and Psalm 148:3, "Praise him, sun and moon; praise him all you shining stars!" Would I have loved the book to use the word God? Or Creator? Or King of All Creation? Maybe. But I don't have a problem with this one. Personal preference is personal preference. And the important things--the incarnation--were handled well.
October 9, 2023
What a beautiful new Christmas story this is, told in luminous language with expressive illustrations to match. Who wouldn't love Little Star, who likes her "low view" and "soft gleam," seeking no grandeur or glory, content just to be the first light for newborn lambs opening their eyes for the first time? But the Maker has bigger plans and shy Little Star finally finds the courage to join in the heavenly display heralding the birth of a very special baby... a baby who just might stop crying at the comforting sight of Little Star's gentle light. I got teary-eyed as I read this heartfelt book, loving it both as a welcome addition to any family's collection of treasured Christmas read-alouds, but also as the inspiring story of an unassuming, quiet little being learning how to let her little light shine forth.
April 2, 2023
As they did with "Bare Tree and Little Wind", Perkins and Le create a book that is both simple enough to be read to young children and deeply profound. Little Star doesn't want any of the big, showy jobs that Maker needs for Holy Night, jobs the others stars and planets are happy to take on. Rather, she is happy to shine gently on new baby lambs like always. But she also can't refuse the call to go to Bethlehem. I thought the story was sweet and oh so beautifully illustrated, until I read, "This Child was...Maker!" The mystery of the incarnation for preschool kids - and the adults who read to them. A book that deserves to become a Christmas classic.
Review based on an eARC viewed through Edelweiss+
Review based on an eARC viewed through Edelweiss+
December 29, 2023
Holy Night is coming and Maker wants all the heavenly lights to help. But Little Star is afraid. It seems like a big job. What can they do? Suddenly there are angels singing and shepherds running to a stable. Little Star goes along and discovers that there is a job for her that is just right - welcoming a new baby! I really enjoyed this is unique take on the Christmas nativity story from a star's perspective. I also loved that Little Star looked into Maker's eyes and then saw the same eyes in the baby.
The illustrations are lovely! This will make a nice addition to Bible based Christmas story collections.
The illustrations are lovely! This will make a nice addition to Bible based Christmas story collections.
November 22, 2023
This is a lovely Christmas picture book for those wanting a different perspective on the religious story. Centering the star of Bethlehem, this book offers a new perspective on the story and an opportunity for some gorgeous, celestial artwork from the amazing Khoa Le. Simple enough to read aloud, and beautiful enough to want to read again and again.
August 4, 2024
The biblical Christmas story told from the point of view of a little Star who shines near Bethlehem. The supporting characters are other planets and stars of the heavens. Beautiful illustrations that feature lots of movement and energy on the Holy Night, yet this is a peaceful story. Published by Penguin in 1923.
December 15, 2025
Nice, but the book itself is a bit oddly manufactured. The illustrations are quite nice, and the story is sweet. A little shimmery star is afraid to take on a big role on holy night, but winds up as a star to baby Jesus.
December 15, 2023
An interesting fantasy-esqe story about the galaxy the night Jesus was born.
January 16, 2024
Artful and imaginative!
August 27, 2024
The illustrations in this book are stunning.
God and Jesus are not named but called “Maker”.
“Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!”
Psalm 148:3
God and Jesus are not named but called “Maker”.
“Praise him, sun and moon;
praise him, all you shining stars!”
Psalm 148:3
November 22, 2024
So so sweet! And the illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
Everyone was in tears by the end.
Everyone was in tears by the end.
December 2, 2024
Pretty pictures but the story is mid. Wouldn’t get again.
December 4, 2025
I just wasn’t a fan of this book or the illustrations. A bit too imaginative for my taste.
* I received a complimentary review copy from Penguin Random House Christian. Opinion is my own.
* I received a complimentary review copy from Penguin Random House Christian. Opinion is my own.
December 25, 2025
One of our Christmas Eve books this year (Katie). It's beautiful.
December 27, 2025
Wish I was high when I read this hippy dippy tale.
December 10, 2023
A nativity story with a new character to shine a line on Jesus' birth. Beautiful illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews