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The Star Festival Hardcover – Picture Book, April 1, 2021

by Moni Ritchie Hadley (Author), Mizuho Fujisawa (Illustrator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 65 ratings
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2021 Freeman Book Awards Honorable Mention - Children's Literature
The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College

STARRED 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 review

A 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 on a bridge across 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 Obasaan gets lost in the crowd, Keiko and Mama must make their own bridge to find her again―and see if their tanzaku comes true.

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    4 - 8 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    32 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Preschool - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    AD610L
  6. Dimensions
    8.25 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Albert Whitman & Company
  8. Publication date
    April 1, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    080757595X
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0807575956
  11. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Keiko is excited to attend her fifth Japanese Tanabata Matsuri, the Star Festival, with her Oba and Mama. They prepare by tying tanzaku to their bamboo tree, hoping the paper wishes come true, and dressing up in their summer kimonos. Oba shares the story of Tanabata, which Hadley and Fujisawa have interspersed with the family's festival preparations. When Oba is separated from Keiko and her mama at the festival, their search for her coincides with the festival reenactment of Orihime and Hikoboshi's search for each other. Keiko's clever use of the story's elements to find her Oba will have readers imagining along with her. Hadley has created a remarkable debut that flows elegantly, interweaving the two tales in a way that is readable and fun. Fujisawa complements the text with her vibrant digital artwork. The lighter colors used for Keiko and her family in the beginning complement the darker, bolder colors used to tell the story of the stars and the evening festival. The use of shadows and softer lines in the Tanabata retelling contrasting with crisper lines for Keiko and her family enhance the folkloric quality of the story. Hadley and Fujisawa adeptly incorporate food, decorations, and festival elements without getting bogged down in descriptions or definitions. Back matter includes the history of Tanabata Matsuri, information about festival food and decorations, and a tanzaku tutorial. VERDICT An exquisite choice for all collections.-Kristyn Dorfman, The Nightingale-Bamford Sch., New York Cityα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Review

2021 Freeman Book Awards Honorable Mention - Children's Literature
The Best Children's Books of the Year 2022, Bank Street College



STARRED 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 review



"A spunky introduction to the origin and customs of Japan's Star Festival…A satisfying family story that weaves together cultural practices and intergenerational connections."―Kirkus Reviews

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Albert Whitman & Company (April 1, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 080757595X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0807575956
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 8 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD610L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.25 x 0.25 x 10.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 65 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Moni Ritchie Hadley

    Moni Ritchie Hadley

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Moni Ritchie Hadley grew up in a military family and bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan. Daydreaming was a favorite pastime. She received a BA in Psychology at UCLA and later became a home/hospital teacher for the LAUSD, where she taught students unable to attend regular school due to medical needs. Today she lives in Los Angeles, where she turns her sky-gazing daydreams into stories for children.

    Also published in Highlights Magazine, THE STAR FESTIVAL is her picture book debut.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Mizuho Fujisawa

    Mizuho Fujisawa

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Hi, my name is Mizuho FUJISAWA. I was born and raised in Japan near Mount Fuji.

    I’ve lived in Germany, in Australia and some different regions in Japan.

    After studying biology, I moved to France to study illustrations. I’ve always been fascinated by the picture books with plenty of colors.

    I live in a small village in the Alsace region with my husband and our two sons and continue to illustrate books.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
65 global ratings
Beautiful Book
5 Stars
Beautiful Book
This book is so beautiful. Following Keiko through the Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri), we’re treated to the vibrant music, dance, food, and history of this beautiful Japanese celebration. If you’re new to this tradition, as I am, it’s fun to feel the anticipation and the joy with Keiko, as her grandmother tells her the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and again as she experiences the festival firsthand. But the true joy of the story (IMHO!) is the bond between the women of three generations and the wishes (tanzaku) they make—and make real—together.
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Top reviews from the United States

Lindsey Glennan
5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this book!
Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
Go right ahead and judge “The Star Festival” by its cover. You cannot go wrong. Mizuho Fujisawa’s drawings are absolutely gorgeous and capture the legend and the whimsy of the tale equally. Moni Ritchie Hadley’s “The Star Festival” is the sweet story of three generations preparing for a special outing to the Tanabata festivities in town. The Star Festival also known as Tanabata is celebrated in Japan every year on July 7th. Not only did I learn about the festival and the traditions surrounding it, I got to meet the darling Keiko and her slightly mischievous Oba or is it the other way around? The relationship of granddaughter and grandmother makes this the perfect read for any grandparent to share with their grands. Not to mention the fact that the author shares a craft idea, too. I shared this story with my elementary school students who especially loved the Japanese words that Moni Ritchie Hadley lovingly weaved through the story. Simply put, “The Star Festival” is the complete package. It educates on a centuries old tradition with warm characters and the perfect ending. Plus, who doesn’t love shaved ice? You’ll see!
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scrapbookgirl71
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful multi-generational story!
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved this sweet book! I was unfamiliar with The Star Festival and loved reading about this folktale and holiday. The way the author wove the story of the grandmother, mother, and daughter to mimic the story behind the Star Festival was genius. This book is a gem!
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Chris
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Works On So Many Levels
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book hooked me from the cover, where Keiko is searching for her missing Oba, to the closing fireworks scene. The art grabs you, but it's the text that keeps you reading. Moni Ritchie Hadley's book is set during the Japanese Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri) and cleverly weaves in a popular folktale about two people who are separated.

Kids will enjoy the story and the lovely art by Mizuho Fujisawa. The folktale and the actual festival provide depth and interest. This multigenerational tale will be read repeatedly.
I thank Albert Whitman for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. But I liked this book so much, I've preordered it!
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S. hadley
5.0 out of 5 stars The positivity in wishes
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2023
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In this story the writing and the illustrations together are a beautiful marriage. Believing that wishes and dreams coming true is very important for the youngsters as well as us old folk. Thank you Moni and Mizuho.
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Laura Malhotra
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Beautiful! The words, the pictures. What a gorgeous way to learn about the Japanese Star Festival, Tanabata Matsuri. I especially enjoyed the warm, authentic connection between Keiko and Oba. It reminds me of stories my mom tells about her childhood. Her grandma, who lived with her family, would definitely have sneaked her a coin for an extra try at the fish game!

I realize I am writing this right before Mother's Day. While THE STAR FESTIVAL celebrates a Japanese festival--and definitely makes me want to attend one--this book also would be a fabulous Mother's Day gift, celebrating the many mothers who, like Keiko's mom, gracefully balance caring for a young child and an elderly parent at the same time.
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A Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars gorgeous
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2021
Verified Purchase
I basked in the rich colors and layered storytelling of The Star Festival, and think children will love the story of Keiko losing her Oba at the Star Festival as much as I did. So much cultural detail was woven seamlessly into this story and the details (the flowing, icy noodles, the clicking geta, the surging crowds, the drenching rain, the boom of the drums) make this book a sensory feast. The drama of a girl and her mother searching for their loved one keeps the reader turning pages, then rewards us with a delicious ending and the satisfaction of a granted wish.
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teach
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars for the Star Festival
Reviewed in the United States on November 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
The Star Festival teaches all about the Tanabata Matsuri, a festival full of color, celebration, legends, and paper wishes. This is a wonderful way to share a cultural holiday and a multi-generational story. The parallels in the legend and the adventure the characters experience add even more meaning to a special reunion. This would be a great addition to your classroom or home library.
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THERESA T
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
This book is so beautiful. Following Keiko through the Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri), we’re treated to the vibrant music, dance, food, and history of this beautiful Japanese celebration. If you’re new to this tradition, as I am, it’s fun to feel the anticipation and the joy with Keiko, as her grandmother tells her the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and again as she experiences the festival firsthand. But the true joy of the story (IMHO!) is the bond between the women of three generations and the wishes (tanzaku) they make—and make real—together.
Customer image
THERESA T
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2021
This book is so beautiful. Following Keiko through the Star Festival (Tanabata Matsuri), we’re treated to the vibrant music, dance, food, and history of this beautiful Japanese celebration. If you’re new to this tradition, as I am, it’s fun to feel the anticipation and the joy with Keiko, as her grandmother tells her the legend of Orihime and Hikoboshi, and again as she experiences the festival firsthand. But the true joy of the story (IMHO!) is the bond between the women of three generations and the wishes (tanzaku) they make—and make real—together.
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