When big news arrives in the galaxy, Little Star must choose between hiding her light, or shining courageously.

Little Star is happy shining her little light in the night sky, but when a big announcement is made to the galaxy, everything changes--Holy Night is coming! When Little Star is called upon to play a special role, she must face her fears and decide whether she will hide her light, or embrace the exciting news--and her own part in it!

With captivating illustrations and lyrical language, this heartfelt picture book creatively tells the story of the birth of Jesus, from the perspective of a little star learning the truth about Holy Night. This beautiful book is sure to become a favorite, perfect for Advent celebrations, Christmas family traditions, or year-round reading. 

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Pair with the Christmas Story in the Bible (Luke 2:1-20).
• Create a hand-print picture of Little Star using finger paint. Paint one hand with yellow or gold finger paint. On a piece of dark blue or black construction paper, press painted hand (with fingers tightened together) in the shape of a five-pointed star. For instructions and pictures, check out this website.
• Conversation starters: "How did Little Star feel when Maker asked her to shine for Holy Night?" "Have you ever been asked to do a job that you'd never done before? How did  you feel?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

A quiet picture book about the important role a blue table plays in the daily life of a family.

Sometimes, mundane or ordinary things play extraordinarily important roles in our daily lives. So it is for a simple blue table in Chris Raschka's THE BLUE TABLE. The hub of family life, it facilitates activities--meals, crafts, and gatherings--and becomes the centerpiece for feasting and thanksgiving for friends and family, alike. With text as simple and spare as the table itself, and illustrations that portray the vivid, vivacious nature of the day-to-day, this heartfelt picture book encourages readers to consider the value of family, hospitality, and thankfulness. Standing up to multiple readings, it would be a perfect choice for library story-time or at-home cuddling with young learners.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes in this book: 

• ​Create your own blue table picture! On the top of the table, add the items or activities you and your family would enjoy together. For a free printable table template, click here.
• With the help of a care giver, plan a meal, cook it together, and invite a friend over to enjoy it with you.
• Conversation starters:  "What is your favorite thing to do around your table at home?" "What things are you thankful for?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!

 A thoughtful exploration of the life, death, and life-after-death of a Douglas fir.

As beautifully written as it is illustrated, this thought-provoking picture book will challenge readers to consider all the ways trees contribute to their environment, at all the stages of life. Young learners are often familiar with seeds, saplings, and younger trees, but decaying, dying, and dead trees are just as important--and their impact goes far beyond what is often understood. Even in their death, trees provide food, shelter, and nutrients to other living things. 

The lyrical text and captivating illustrations are enhanced by the informative back matter that clearly details the various stages of a tree's life. It also provides a brief explanation of the relationship between people and trees, a glossary of terms young learners may be unfamiliar with, and a source list for further study. This book would make a beautiful addition to a library's arboreal list, an instructive complement to a classroom unit on trees, or a perfect excuse to snuggle up and read aloud at home.

Here are a few activities that align with the themes of this book:

• Investigate trees in your area. Do you observe any signs of life--nests, insects, or animals--in the tree?  Do you notice any signs of decay? Did you see any wounds? Draw a picture or write about what you observed. 
• Pair with Hannah Barnaby's The Pine Cone's Secret (Sourcebooks Explore, 2025).
• ​​For extension activities, lesson plans, and more, check out the author's website.
• Conversation starters: "What did you learn about trees from this book?" "If you were a tree, which creatures would you want to shelter in your branches or in your trunk?" 

Looking for more perfect picture books? Check out Susanna Leonard Hill's website!