School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2A heartfelt school story about a Christmas play in which Hannah is upset about being cast as "just a star." After a series of other disappointments that leads Hannah to conclude that "plays are dumb," she saves the day by coming up with a substitute for a doll her classmate forgot, leaving the production without a baby Jesus. The book is filled with the small anxieties of five or six year olds and the happy bustle of rehearsals and set preparation. Realistic colored-pencil illustrations enliven the story and lend personality to its characters: excited, wide-eyed, costumed children eager to put forth their best effort and the concerned adults who help them. A performance worth repeating. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Hannah is disappointed with her role as the star in the school Nativity play and discouraged when her ideas for props and costumes are not adopted. But on the day of the performance, her quick thinking solves a last-minute dilemma, and she shines after all. The realistic colored-pencil illustrations adeptly portray the facial expressions and mannerisms of the young characters. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Ages 3^-6. In this simple British import, Hannah is not happy about being a mere twinkling star in the Christmas pageant. Hannah has all kinds of ideas to make herself more prominent in the play, none of which works out. But when it's discovered nobody brought a doll to play Baby Jesus, Hannah has her moment--she brings her little brother up in his stroller, and she truly becomes the star that lights the way to the infant Jesus. The story line is thin, but preschoolers will identify with Hannah's machinations. The realistic watercolor artwork has a photographic quality that makes the story seem very immediate. For larger collections. --Ilene Cooper