Every Christmas brings with it countless stories, but only a few truly stay with families long after the decorations are packed away. A Star for Christmas Eve by Granny Kelly is one of those rare children’s books. Adorable and full of warmth, it has become a special part of many holiday traditions. As the publishing house behind the book, we are proud to have worked alongside Kelly to turn her beautiful idea into a story that now reaches children and parents around the world.
A Story Shaped by a Life Spent with Kids
Granny Kelly is a mother, a grandmother, and someone who has spent most of her life surrounded by children. After nearly thirty years of running nurseries and caring for little ones, Kelly developed a deep understanding of how children think, feel, and imagine. This experience shines through in her debut book.
Her Christmas tale is shaped by:
- A natural empathy for children and their worries
- A deep love for childhood imagination
- A belief that every child deserves to feel noticed and valued
Rather than writing from theory, Kelly writes from moments she experienced, like bedtime routines and the small emotions that often mean the most to children.
The Heart Behind “A Star for Christmas Eve”
At its heart, A Star for Christmas Eve by The Empire Publishers is about comfort and reassurance. It speaks to children who may be spending Christmas in a new place, with different family arrangements, or away from what feels familiar. Through the gentle presence of Freddie Star, the story reminds children that Santa and love are always there.
The book carries messages that many families can relate to:
- The importance of feeling that you belong
- The comfort of being remembered
- The quiet hope that helps children feel safe
Alongside Freddie, readers meet several other characters. Rudy reflects the feelings many children carry, while Eva shows that kindness and strength can exist even in difficult circumstances. Together, they create a story that feels soft, caring, and relatable.
Bringing the Story to Life as a Publisher
When Kelly first shared her idea with us, it was clear that the story had something special. Our role as publisher was to help shape and support that story without ever losing its heart.
Our work on the book included:
- Editing while keeping Kelly’s voice and tone intact
- Guiding the visual style to match the story’s tone
- Designing illustrations that feel inviting to young readers
- Preparing the book for both print and digital formats
- Making sure it reached families through the right channels
Bringing the Story to Life as a Publisher
Publishing a book does not end once it is printed. We also worked closely with Kelly to help A Star for Christmas Eve find its audience. This meant creating a clear identity for the book and helping families discover it during the busy holiday season.
A Partnership Built on Trust and Purpose
What truly made this project amazing was the partnership behind it. Kelly brought a story filled with care and emotion, and we brought the structure and support to help it reach readers. It was a shared journey, built on trust, open communication, and a clear love for children’s books.
Why the Book Continues to Matter
Today, A Star for Christmas Eve from the catalog of The Empire Publishers is more than just another holiday title. It has become part of bedtime routines, family traditions, and quiet moments shared between parents and children.
It stands out because it:
- Speaks to children in a simple way
- Encourages connection through shared reading
- Offers comfort while still feeling magical
For Granny Kelly, the book marks a beautiful chapter in her writing journey. For us, it remains one of the projects we are most proud of, not only because of its success, but because of the joy it brings to families.
A Bedtime Companion Inspired by the Story
Beyond the pages of the book, Freddie Star has also been brought to life as a soft plush toy. It has quickly become a favorite companion for little readers, offering them something to cuddle at bedtime or keep close during the day. For many families, the plush has become a sweet extension of the book itself.
Looking Ahead
As Kelly continues to write and share new stories, we look forward to supporting her future work with the same care and dedication. A Star for Christmas Eve was just the beginning of what promises to be a meaningful contribution to children’s literature.