Stars in My Crown

Author and musician Antonio Michael Downing’s debut picture book is about big changes and big feelings, and speaks to all kids experiencing the highs and lows of childhood.

Little Tony is full of love for his grandmother, his home in Trinidad, and delicious pholourie. But he’s also full of other big feelings, including anger. His grandmother tries to teach him to be patient—patience is a star in his crown, she says—but it’s hard.

He tries to keep his anger in, but when he loses at ping-pong to his brother or he has to come in from playing … Yaaarrgh!

When Little Tony and his brother move away from their beloved Trinidad, there’s even more for him to be upset about. His new home is cold, full of new people, and there’s no pholourie anywhere! Yaaarrgh!

But then he remembers his grandmother’s lessons, and a surprising thing happens …

A charming and heartwarming story based on the author’s own childhood, Stars In My Crown is an ode to big feelings but even bigger triumphs.