Good Reading for Kids caught up with MICHELLE CONN to discuss her book The Christmas Star a sweet story about friendship, teamwork and sharing the spotlight.
The Christmas Star explores friendship, teamwork and sharing the spotlight – what inspired it?
The story of The Christmas Star was inspired by a drawing I made. It was of a little boy, who I named Timmy. He was dressed in a Christmas tree outfit, standing under a spotlight on an empty stage. I shared the picture with my friends and family and everyone loved him!
I really wanted to write a story about Timmy, so I started asking myself lots of questions about him. How would Timmy feel about being cast as a tree in the school play? What would Timmy do in rehearsals to make people notice him? And how would Timmy’s best friend Kevin and his classmates react if he took things too far? Finding answers to these questions helped me create a great character and story.
What is the most important thing Timmy learns in this story?
The most important thing Timmy learns in the story is that friendship and teamwork is more important than being the star of the show. Deep down Timmy is a kind boy but because he wants to have a BIG part in the play he forgets what being a good team player is. When Timmy realises he could lose his friendship with Kevin, and even the chance to be in the Christmas play all together, he sets about fixing things.
What do you love most about Christmas time?
I love so many things about Christmas. The decorations, the lights, putting up the Christmas tree! It feels like for a few weeks each year the whole world is magic. As a mum of two kids I love seeing how excited they get as Christmas day gets closer!
What do you think it means to be a true friend?
I think being a true friend means being there for the fun times and also for the sad times. A true friend is kind and knows when to say sorry.
What was your favourite part of writing this book?
My favourite part of writing this book was thinking up all the outrageous things Timmy would do in rehearsals to get attention. I also loved writing the part where Timmy uses the star and baubles on his costume to fix the problem.
Describe this book in three words.
Funny, heartwarming and Christmasy!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Conn is an author and illustrator living on Wadawurrung Country in the coastal town of Torquay Victoria with her husband, two children and Border Collie Maggie. After years of working as a graphic designer and primary school teacher, Michelle’s love of books and storytelling won over and she spends most of her spare time drawing, writing and wandering around the house in a ‘thinking fog’. If Michelle’s not writing or illustrating delightful worlds for children to enjoy, you’ll find her along the wild and wooly cliffs of Jan Juc or sitting by a fire knitting and dreaming about living in a lighthouse.
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