Congratulations to... Vanderbilt University's 2014 Biomedical Ph.D. Graduates

          Vanderbilt University's Biomedical Ph.D. graduates were recognized at a graduation ceremony and celebration lunch in Nashville, Tenn. These "littlest stars" are eager to begin life-changing careers. Scroll down to see photos of some of the new graduates and those who have inspired them. (Photos by Chuck Whiting)

Recognizing 'Littlest Stars' of All Ages...

Our new blog, Littlest Star Stories, will feature heartfelt stories about the accomplishments of little stars around the world.  For us, this idea began with a song (The Littlest Star)... later a beautiful full-color storybook for children (The Littlest Star: a musical story).  Way back in the 1980s, Chuck Whiting and Robert Roberg teamed up to write a song about a miracle that changed the world.  After much hard work, the two collaborated on a studio recording featuring Margo Smith, Denny Jiosa and Conni Ellisor.  Several years later, our little book was released.  The Littlest Star shines a little brighter every time a life-changing miracle occurs.

We would love for you to share your miracle stories with us!  We will consider your good news for this blog.

Here's some good news about our project:

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (2014) -- The Littlest Star: A Musical Story, a 40-page hardback children's picture book (ISBN: 0-9712398-0-0) based on country singing legend Margo Smith's hit single, The Littlest Star, is available for the 2012 holiday season.

The Littlest Star: A Musical Story contains full-color illustrations by Robert Roberg, a noted artist in Gainesville, Fla., whose work recently was spotlighted in a touring American folk art exhibition sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution. The collector's autographed edition includes a complimentary CD featuring Smith's radio-charting single, The Littlest Star, and bonus material by Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Denny Jiosa and Nashville Chamber violinist Conni Ellisor. Special discount prices are available by contacting Shine Time Books and Music.

To learn more, call The Littlest Star/Shine Time Hotline at (888) 80-SHINE (888-807-4463) or (615) 242-9857; send an e-mail inquiry to info@ShineTimeBooks.com; or write The Littlest Star in care of Shine Time Records & Books, P.O. Box 331941, Nashville, TN 37203-7518. Internet surfers also can visit The Littlest Star web site at http://www.littleststar.com or http://www.ShineTimeBooks.com . The book and CD are also available online at web sites such as Amazon, CD Baby, Barnes and Noble, and the Orchard.

Our Littlest Star book, CD and musical storytelling program were developed for children of all ages," said Chuck Whiting, a Nashville publicist and tunesmith who wrote the song with Roberg back in 1988. "Much like the story's title character, our project spent years in God's pocket, waiting for its time to shine. We believe the book and CD will be invaluable encouragement and teaching tools for parents, teachers, lay leaders and many others."

Margo Smith has recorded numerous country and gospel hits. She gained international fame with the number one Warner Brothers hits, Don't Break The Heart That Loves You and It Only Hurts For A Little While. 

A native of Spokane, Wash., Roberg's artwork also has appeared in books published by Abbeville Press and the United Methodist Publishing House. One of his paintings is currently on display at the National Museum of Biblical Art in New York City. The painting recently was featured on the front page of The New York Times. 

A native of Mobile, Ala., Whiting owns Nashville-based Whiting Publicity & Promotions and Striking Moon Music. He teaches communication courses at Middle Tennessee State University and Motlow State Community College.

###