Star Mother's Youngest Child

By Louise Moeri

Book Overview

Once upon a Christmas, there was an old woman who lived in a hut at the edge of the forest, with only her old dog, Uproar, to keep her company. The old woman had only one wish: to celebrate a real Christmas, with a tree and presents and candles and food. Just once.

High up in the heavens, Star Mother's youngest child makes a wish, too. "Mother!" he wails, "just once I want to celebrate Christmas like they do down there!" So Star Mother sends him to earth, where he finds a hut and knocks on the door . . .

In this original, heartwarming fable, Louise Moeri tells the story of an unlikely friendship and how it made two Christmas wishes come true.

In three words I can state clearly why I wanted to be a part of the children's book field: Trina Schart Hyman. In 1975, the year I graduated from college, I won a literary prize for my own writing and with the money I bought books. One book in particular altered the course of my life: STAR MOTHER'S YOUNGEST CHILD. Both the story and Trina's heartfelt illustrations propelled me to be a part of the wondrous world of children's books. I still have my first edition copy, a bit tattered from frequent readings and poring over Trina's artwork. Whenever I needed encouragement this book, with all its magic, gave me that artistic boost. Olivier Dunrea, author.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0618615091
• ISBN13: 9780618615094
• Release Date: September 2005
• Publisher: Clarion Books
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.2" x 6.0"
• Age Range: 4 to 7 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 2

Customer Reviews

Holiday Favorite

For as long as I can remember, every Christmas Eve my family would gather around my dad as he read this story to us. Although we are all adults now, and two spouses have entered the family, we all still look forward to hearing this story read aloud. We practically know it by heart. It captures the warmth and beauty of the simplicity of sharing, with humorous characters and perfect illustrations to match. And I know the tradition will continue on in our own families.

A Christmas Tradition

If you want to start a Christmas tradition for your children, their children and following generations...this is THE book to have. It's a story about giving, sharing and all those important ideals we want our children to carry with them into adulthood.

A "happy feeling" book...

I have read this book EVERY year for the past 15 years and I just read it again. I laugh and then I cry and then when it's over I hold it tight for just a minute to make sure the happy feeling lasts! My grandchilren are old enough now for us to enjoy it together...and we will.

This book is a children's literature classic for all ages!!!

If you are looking to capture the essence of giving, joy and companionship this is the book. Although it is a "Christmas" story it extends far beyond any celebration or holiday to a celebration of life, giving and appreciating what we have. Like Byrd Baylor's THE OTHER WAY TO LISTEN, this book harkens to what is invisible to the eye. That sense of that connection of heart and spirit shared be all living things, whether you come from the stars or live seemingly old and alone on the outskirts of village which has long forgotten you are there. It is an answer to the age old question, What does last forever? A must for any serious collector of children's books!!!!!

I teach Grade 2 and my students love listening to this story

This book is humorous and the plot is cleverly presented. I have read to this book to my Second Graders for 6 or 7 years. It is always well received. The language is highly descriptive and a joy to read. You can picture both characters asking "Is this too much to ask?" Enjoy it!