The Star is a short, sweet burst of poetic storytelling where we are introduced to a tiny star—the focus of the tale—who wishes to be bigger and to play a more important role in the night sky. The star’s search for its purpose illustrates an important lesson for the young readers: everyone’s powers and talents—however seemingly insignificant—are enough to make a difference.

In this, we find the story’s main theme: that everyone has a special purpose that draws on their unique potential.

Shweta Sanzgiri has written The Star with an aim to inspire awareness of faith, self-acceptance, and the conviction that young people can achieve anything if they set their minds to it. The star’s dilemma of how to shine the brightest in one’s own world is a universal one, and Sanzgiri wanted to reassure the young members of her audience that they are not alone.

Sanzgiri lives in Toronto with her family. Her immigration to Canada a dozen years ago launched the ripple effect of expanding opportunities that continues for her to this day. She is grateful for her current situation, and is excited to continue to increase her horizons while sharing her talents meaningfully with the rest of the world.