The Star Festival by Moni Ritchie Hadley, illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa. Albert Whitman & Company, 9780807575956, c2021
Format: ARC, Advanced Readers Copy
Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5
Genre: Picture book
What did you like about the book? The Star Festival is a beautiful celebration in Japan that occurs in July and is in remembrance of two lovers from Japanese mythology, Orihime and Hikoboshi.
The author has three generations of a family sharing in the festivities – Keiko, her mother and her grandmother. The illustrations are a perfect match to this sweet story with colors and images that are awash with excitement and joy.
Keiko and her mother get separated in the massive crowd from her grandmother, but they eventually reunite over shaved ice, her grandmother’s favorite treat. There is also information in the back after the story about Tanabata Matsuri—the Star Festival—and some of its aspects, and a craft for readers to make.
Both the author and the illustrator have ties to Japan which adds a depth of authenticity to this lovely picture book.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? Anyone interested in international holidays, festivals and celebrations will enjoy this book.
Who should buy this book? Children’s rooms of public libraries, elementary school libraries and day care providers should add this book to their holiday collections.
Where would you shelve it? Holiday section, picture books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes if you are interested in how other cultures and countries celebrate
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Maria Touet, Malden Public Schools, Malden MA
Date of review: December 31, 2020
Youth Services Book Review 
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