STAR BRIGHT — a bright star among picture books

It’s the day after Thanksgiving.

If you’re a holiday purist like me, that means you can start thinking about what comes next.

In my case, the next holiday I celebrate is Christmas.

And that means it’s the perfect time to look at STAR BRIGHT, an enchanting picture book written by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds.

Here’s what makes it a worthy mentor text for picture books on any topic:

Lovely language.

The story is only 261 words (unless I counted wrong). And, it is the perfect answer to anyone who thinks short writing packs less punch than longer writing or that stories can’t shine without the copious use of adjectives and description.

Some of my favorite phrases are: “In heaven, angels turned light with joy” and, “How vast the night sky was, and how dark.” And (again if I counted properly) there are only five adjectives in the whole story. and those are used consciously to great effect — “kind faces, quiet animals, a soft blanket, a dark sky.”

Spare storytelling.

This is one of the simplest, sparest stories I’ve read in some time. That’s what makes it so beautiful. The story is boiled down to the essentials. Nowhere in the book do the words “Jesus,” “shepherds” or “wise men” appear. And they don’t need to. It’s obvious what the story is about. The subtitle of  the book is “A Christmas Story,” but I’d argue even that isn’t needed.

And, I love the first line: “It was the end of December, and a baby was soon to be born.”

There you go, it’s all you need.

A clear problem.

An angel wants to give the baby a gift. The problem is identified 44 words into the story, and the rest of the story is focused on resolving that issue.

The rule of three.

McGhee has the angel consider three gifts — wind, rain and music — before realizing they won’t work for her. Each gift is proposed, considered and rejected using the same structure. McGhee also uses three words in a series very effectively. The angel travels, “floating, tumbling, drifting. Down, down, down.”

A universally relatable emotion.

The angel worries she is too small to provide a worthy gift. This is not a new concept. Other picture books have explored it, including THE LITTLEST ANGEL. But, it’s such a universal emotion for children and adults that it’s instantly relatable. And, of course, it’s beautifully stated: “The universe felt so big. And, she felt so small.” And, in a stroke of genius, the angel’s weakness leads her to discover the perfect gift.

In conclusion …

If you’re a picture book writer, read this story for its structure, its beautiful language and its inclusion of only the essential items. If you’re a parent, teacher or librarian, add this to you holiday collection for its emotional take on the topics of love, light and gifts. And, if you’re an art lover, read it for the gorgeous illustrations that are a welcome departure from many other holiday books. Reynolds relies on deep purple, gold and white with nary a hint of red or green. And,  I adore his modern take on angels.

While I have your attention, don’t forget to buy a book or two for any holiday gifts you might shop for. If you can get those books from an independent bookstore or locally owned small business, so much the better.

Happy holidays.