The Star That Smiled First — Behind the snowy toy shop, Pippa pressed foil around a cardboard star until her fingers smelled like glue and oranges. Read the full story →
Behind the snowy toy shop, Pippa pressed foil around a cardboard star until her fingers smelled like glue and oranges. She wanted the town tree to have a topper made by hand, but the star kept looking plain, even with glitter rubbed into every point.
Then—secret now—she peeked inside the empty ribbon box nobody used. Tucked under the spool was a tiny red crayon, warm from the stove. “I’ll give it a face,” Pippa whispered. She drew two round cheeks and a shy smile, and the whole workshop seemed to hush.
When the star sat on the highest branch, the ornaments below swung ting-ting with pride. Ever since that night, Christmas tree stars have smiled down at handmade things. If you spot the top star, you’ll know who found the hidden crayon.
