1. Ageing
2. Book design
3. Compassion
4. Cultural diversity
5. Death
6. Emotions
7. Empathy
8. Family
9. Friendship
10. Grandparent and child
11. Grief
12. Happiness
13. Joy
14. Kindness
15. Loss
16. Love

On the birth of her grandson, Mem Fox fell deeply in love with this child, but worried how would he cope, in the future, with her death? This concern lies behind her story which begins, ‘Once upon a time, although this happens all the time, a tiny star fell to earth and turned into a baby!’ With lyrical phrasing and less than 300 well-chosen words, Mem Fox explores the cycle of life and death and comforts those left behind when a loved one dies.

A baby, wrapped in a blanket decorated with stars, is delivered to a loving couple. The baby grows and ages. Children, their families, and various animals reappear as family gatherings bring contentment and satisfaction. Here is the sort of detail observant children enjoy. Familiar people reappear—playing, eating, chatting with each other while an array of animals and birds join in the festivities. Freya Blackwood captures these warm and happy community gatherings. Her illustrations reveal an amusing animal collective that are an important part of this community. There are ducks, hens, dogs, cats, mice, magpies, pigeons, even a possum. The reader watches the baby age to an elderly woman. As the story winds to a close, an unforgettable double page spread snares the reader. A young child, body stance forlorn, stares at a comfy chair opposite. Only the star-decorated blanket is there. The following page offers, ‘The tiny star hadn’t vanished at all! It had merely returned to its home in the heavens and there it remained, to rest.’

Freya Blackwood’s softly shaded palette of aquas and greys is livened by touches of bright yellows, greens and gold, encased in her endpapers that reflect stars in the heavens. The illustrations and text complement each other creating a soft and warm atmosphere reflecting the human emotions of love and happiness. There are some special features astute readers will notice such as the culturally diverse families. The book design, placement of text and pacing of this story work seamlessly together offering the satisfying realisation that life goes on.

1. Mem Fox’s website ‘The story behind the story of ‘The Tiny Star’—on Being a grandparent Mem Fox 2019’ https://memfox.com/gossip-behind-mems-books/the-story-behind-the-story-of-the-tiny-star/
2. Freya Blackwood’s website ‘About Me’ talks about her inspiration and showcases her studio https://www.freyablackwood.com.au/about
3. YouTube ‘The Tiny Star by Mem Fox, Freya Blackwood’ These two creators talk about the inspiration for both the words and the art of ‘The Tiny Star’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9HwQ16qfT0
4. Reading Time 18 Nov 2019 interview by Romi Sharp with the creators, ‘Meet Mem Fox and Freya Blackwood’ talking together about ‘The Tiny Star’ https://readingtime.com.au/meet-mem-fox-and-freya-blackwood/?_thumbnail_id=18569
5. Reading Time 28 Nov 2019 review by Romi Sharp of ‘The Tiny Star’ https://readingtime.com.au/the-tiny-star/
6. Penguin Teachers’ Resources for ‘The Tiny Star’ https://lamontbooks.com.au/media/152526/publishers-notes-the-tiny-star.pdf
7. Better Reading 14 Oct 2019 ‘A Poignant Reflection on Life: Review of ‘The Tiny Star’ https://www.betterreading.com.au/review/a-poignant-reflection-on-life-review-of-the-tiny-star/
8. YouTube ‘The Tiny Star by Mem Fox and illustrated by Freya Blackwood,’ a reading of ‘The Tiny Star’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecOTnwui3Ho
9. Kirkus 14 Jul 2021 review of ‘The Tiny Star’ by Mem Fox and Freya Blackwood https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/mem-fox/the-tiny-star/
10. Kids’ Book Review 25 Oct 2020 ‘The Tiny Star’ reviewed by Anastasia Gonis http://www.kids-bookreview.com/2020/10/review-tiny-star.html