I received an advance copy of, The Star Tree, by Gisela Colle. This is a sweet Christmas story, about when times were simpler.

A nice story about remembering the importance of the little things and old traditions. It is important to take time out from our busy lives and look at the little things that are the most important. Good lesson for small children.

Beautiful in it’s simplicity, The Star Tree is a perfect Christmas read-aloud bound to create a cherished holiday tradition. I was overcome with feelings of Christmas nostalgia, and I know everyone who reads this timeless story will be too. Lovely illustrations add to the tranquil spirit of this soon-to-be classic tale.

A sweet story about the simple magic of Christmas. An old man decorates with stars and it spreads through the village, contageous as Christmas spirit. A lovely Christmas story

Thanks, #NetGalley, for the ARC!
#TheStarTree #NetGalley

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations, this simple book is about a man yearning for days gone by and ultimately providing those very same memories to a new generation. This is an ideal read for its intended audience.

The Star Tree, written and illustrated by Gisela Colle, is a simple, charming Christmas story about an old man who, perhaps unintentionally, espouses the true meaning of the season.

Frustrated by the bright lights and skyscrapers that threaten to stifle the basest of pleasures, the man produces some simple gold stars and takes them to a park where they are hung from a tree. Here they are admired by a community of people who now have the opportunity to reflect on the peace and serenity that the Christmas season brings, without the distractions of the modern world.

This is a timeless story that will appeal to all ages.

Many thanks to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for an ARC.

A wonderful book for kids. It is s cute story about Christmas. An old man who misses Christmas of old days. When a typhoon disturbs celebrations he goes out to help shine the lights again. Artwork is excellent. A very good children's book.

What a beautifully illustrated storybook. It will be a wonderful gift book for the Christmas season. The story depicts what Christmas time is meant to be: a time of joy that is found in the simpler things of life. This book has the potential to become a Christmas tradition among families. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would recommend this book for K through 4th grade.

What a sweet story! I remember when Christmas was a far simpler holiday. This book could just as easily be used for Solstice! I liked the simplicity of the tradition of the old man's stars. The illustrations were wonderful; just charming! It would make a nice addition to a holiday collection, or a stocking stuffer.

Nice group but the graphics were very off-putting atimes.
Sends a nice message and my three year old sister was very invested in it.

A reasonable plea to cut the Christmas crap – the gaudy municipal decorations that mean nothing, the repeated muzak of the Christmas songs that means even less, and to get back to humble, pleasing, communal celebrations that cost so much less and give so much more. You can't disagree with that sentiment, but I can't agree that the artwork was appealing, which definitely makes me call this no classic. I wanted to like it, but those paintings were so ungainly at times it was quite off-putting.

A big thank you to NetGalley and NorthSouth Books, Inc. for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is a beautiful childrens book. It's a simple story but well worth the read. A well illustrated book. A reminder to us all to slow down and look up to look at the stars, and to remember the important things. 4 stars

I received a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review; thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity.

This is not a Christmas story that I’ve read before, either to my child or in my own childhood.

Overall it was pretty charming and a great companion to the tradition of making gold paper stars at the holidays. (I can see the crafty mom bookstagrammers in particular being excited to turn this into an activity.)

The illustrations were very pretty and the story was well presented. Reading it felt like an older, more moralistic take on a holiday story about community and simple pleasures, but not too heavy handed with the messaging.

I would really have liked to see more diversity in the characters, specifically more ethnicities or people with non-Caucasian skin tones.

Overall it's a pleasant and solid addition to holiday book genre, but probably not one that I would purchase.

Originally published in 1977 this book is deemed to be a classic.
For A story not to be lost in time, and discovered for a new generation it needs to be in print and available.

The Star Tree passed me by first time round and I do not recall it as my own children’s favourite. Now as a grandparent I have new responsibilities and a more relaxed view of children’s literature. I have also matured and have grown into a lover of books, such that many now adorn my own bookshelves.

For this book to remain a classic, it needs word of mouth and exposure. I am pleased to do my part as regards the process of writing a review. I have to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this simple story with witty and beautiful illustrations.

At its heart it is a story of how a modern world can forget simple truths that were fundamental in building a society; how business is not an excuse but explains why other things distract and blind our focus on more traditional values.

In the growing metropolis is an old man, (good to identify initially with a character), who doesn’t just harken to an earlier time. He isn’t just critical of others but sorry they haven’t his youthful joy at Christmastime.

He sees the gaudy lights and remembers his own childhood delight and wonderment in this magical season.

So rather than grumbling he does something more positive. He shares something of his past to encourage today’s children and in the process his actions are magnified not just by circumstances, but as a dormant spirit is rekindled.

A joyous addition to Christmas libraries which is not sectarian or religious but shines forth with the magic this special time of year can produce for young and old alike.