The Star Festival

By Moni Ritchie Hadley, Mizuho Fujisawa (Illustrator)

A festival unites stars and family, but can wishes guide them through the crowd?

4.0/5 Goodreads · 372 ratings

32 pages

$16.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

During the Tanabata Festival, Keiko, her mother, and grandmother celebrate with wishes and vibrant traditions. When her grandmother gets lost in the bustling crowd, Keiko and her mother must navigate the chaos to reunite their family. As they search, the legend of star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi mirrors their journey. Will their wishes on tanzaku paper come true, and can they find their own bridge to bring their family back together? This enchanting tale intertwines folklore and family bonds, inviting readers to explore the magic of connection and hope.

From the publisher

2021 Freeman Book Awards Honorable Mention - Children’s LiteratureThe Best Children’s Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street CollegeSTARRED REVIEW! Hadley has created a remarkable debut that flows elegantly, interweaving the two tales in a way that is readable and fun…An exquisite choice for all collections.–School Library Journal starred reviewA multigenerational retelling of a Japanese legend.Tanabata Matsuri, the Star Festival, celebrates a popular folktale: The Emperor of the Heavens separates his daughter, Orihime, from her love, Hikoboshi, all year–but on this day the two stars finally reunite, crossing a bridge over the Milky Way. For Keiko, her mama, and her grandmother, Tanabata is about making tanzaku wishes, taking in the colorful decorations, and eating delicious food like nagashi somen and shaved ice. But when Obaasan gets lost in the crowd, Keiko and Mama must make their own bridge to find her again–and see if their tanzaku comes true.

At a glance