The Star Festival

by Moni Ritchie Hadley, Mizuho Fujisawa (Illustrations)

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 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.

Genres: Picture Books, Japan, Childrens, Holiday, Family, Food, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

Moni Ritchie Hadley, a half-Japanese, military brat bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan as a child. 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 with 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.

Reviews

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always fun reading picture books where you learn so much about other cultures and practices. Prior to reading The Star Festival I wasn't familiar with Tanabata Matsuri also known as the Star Festival which is held in honor of the mythological couple Orihime and Hikoboshi. While their story is sad in some ways, it was so interesting learning how Japan hosts this event annually in hopes of clear skies so that the two can cross the Milky Way and meet once again. This specific story focuses on Keiko, her mother, and her grandmother as they attend the festival and showcase all the different things that occurs as well as all the wonderful food that is sold. When Oba goes missing, Keiko and mother must brave the crowds to find her and be reunited. The artwork in this was soft and gentle giving it a calming feeling. I appreciated how Mizuho Fujisawa blurred the figures and surroundings in the background to keep the eyes of the reader on the main characters. This was an enjoyable read and definitely something educators may want to have on their shelves if they have units of study that focus on different cultures. The back matter is great and includes fun activities that young readers can take part in i.e. making a tanzaku.

[Scottsdale Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Star Festival book explains the Japanese festival of Tanabata with colorful images and through a child’s eyes. It’s a fun way to learn about a different culture and their traditions. There are small life lessons sprinkled in throughout the book to help children understand what the proper behavior for different situations is. The book also includes instructions on to make a tanzaku, how to use them, and what types of food are often eaten during the festival.

-Dana S.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and sweet with GORGEOUS illustrations! Beautiful visually and in storytelling.

My husband and I are living in Okinawa, Japan and the moment, and I sometimes go to the library on base to spend some time out of the house. It's a small library that is well-cared for with some shelves that display new inventory, showcase assorted subjects, and books about the local region. Last week, there was a shelf featuring some quick information about Tanabata and included this book. Its cover would catch anyone's attention. What's inside is just as beautiful. The story of grandmother, mother, and daughter during the festival, and the folktale are presented in a charming and artful, interwoven manner. I'm grateful to have learned something new, especially about a local tradition, its background, and celebration.
I think "The Star Festival" would make a wonderful addition to any young child's library, especially if they enjoy learning about cultures around the world. I would recommend it for any adults who would like to learn about Tanabata for the first time as well. I'll certainly be buying a copy.

[Suhasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful Illustrations!

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celebrate Tanabata Matsuri, the Star Festival, with Keiko, her mother and grandmother, as they take in the sights, sounds, delicious foods and the story of the tradition of Tanabata. Vibrant streamers, tanzaku, are hung up and wishes are made upon them. Now...what did Keiko's Grandmother wish for and where did she go?

The book features EXQUISITE eye-popping and culturally immerging illustrations by Mizuho Fujisawa, and contemporary simple but explanatory text by Moni Ritchie Hadley, both from Japan.
The book features a backstory at the end to further explain the Star Festival's history, the food, the tanzaku and how to make your own.

A great cultural exploration and a fun holiday to explore, especially for the end of the summer (July/August)

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

This book works on so many levels. 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!

[Ana Siqueira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love learning about other cultures and traditions. In this sweet story, kids will learn about the festival and the traditions in a very fun way. They will be following the enthusiastic Keto and learn her view of this majestic tradition where wishes as simple as eat shaved ice can be as important as any other wishes. The illustrations are so beautiful. I loved the spread when Orihime and Hikoboshi get together: a masterpiece.

[Julie Hedlund · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved learning about this traditional Japanese folk tale and the festival that accompanies it. Modern elements are mixed with the ancient, along with themes of the importance of family. The illustrations are mesmerizing. Highly recommend. Thanks to Albert Whitman for providing me with an advance readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and enchanting story about a Japanese holiday based in mythology. It's the perfect combination of tradition while still appealing to modern readers. The illustrations are full of bold, bright colors, and the story pulls you along like a river. Additional information about the festival and the food at the end of the book adds even more to a great reading experience!

[Phaea Crede · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was our families first time learning about this fabulous Japanese folktale and festival! Loved the family dynamics and the precocious main character who saves the day using her own twist on the reunion of Orihime and Hikoboshi.

[Juli Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of intergenerational bonding and traditions. The illustrations are both pared-down and expressive, with gorgeous colorwork.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

It centers around the Japanese festival of Tanabata or Star Festival (Hoshi matsuri), originating from the Chinese Qixi Festival. I've not heard of this festival but it celebrates the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair) separated by the Milky Way. According to legend they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

The story is about a modern girl and her mother and grandmother getting ready for the festival. At the festival the young girl relates her experiences to those of the stars in the legend. She puts her own twist on the story as they search for Oba (grandmother).

I've heard the Chinese legend of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl and variations on it but this Japanese version is new to me. I don't know how I missed it except that the festival is mostly popular in two specific regions and my honorary sister's mother is Christian so I don't know how many traditional festivals they celebrated when she was growing up. The street foods they eat are traditional like soba noodles and shaved ice. It looks like a Japanese version of a street festival. They also write wishes on paper and tie them to a tree. This I've heard of and I think we did it once with our exchange student. Maybe the kids did it in Japan camp while the Japanese girls learned English.

The story is cute and charming for young readers/listeners. It's a little tense when Oba (grandmother) is missing. Keiko is calm and brave, leading her mother through the crowd so it never gets scary. Oba is happy as a clam on the other side with her shaved ice!

Supplementary material includes information on the festival including food, decorations and how to make a tanzaku.

The illustrations are modern but cute. The backgrounds are busy and beautiful. The author is a self-described " half-Japanese, military brat bounced back and forth from the USA to Japan as a child." The illustrator is Japanese currently living in Europe.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Star Festival is a really cute and wholesome book. I really enjoyed reading it. Hearing the story of the two stars was really wonderful, I can definitely see myself telling the story to my younger nephew. I also liked how the author did not make the whole book just the story about the two stars. Instead the author incorporated the story of the two stars into a much larger story about Keiko. The primary genre of the book is folklore. One thing people can learn from this book is to appreciate other cultures. Every culture has their own stories that we can all learn from. This is a WOW book for me because I enjoy learning about other cultures, so I really liked reading it, so much so that I read it three times. The author’s writing was amazing. The book rhymed at parts and the author would emphasize certain words by capitalizing them to draw more attention to the sentence. For example, when the author is talking about the story of two stars she writes “if I was them I would SWIM across the river” the author here capitalizes “swim” to show the little girls passion about the story.

[Set · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love astronomy and the constellations, I enjoy reading Greek Mythology as just that, mythology. These Japanese festivals are religious and their mythology of constellations are based on their many deity worship. They wish and pray on these festivals/religious holidays.

The illustrations are very nice but the little girl and her mother look Caucasian, with western features, whilst dressed in their cultural attire. It would be nice for Asian children to see their beautiful slanted eyes represented in their modern art and media.

The story is touching but without any real moral, just a simple happy go lucky story.

[Alison Marcotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mixed-raced Japanese American living in Illinois, I'm always trying to learn more about my family history and Japan's culture, traditions, and celebrations. I had never heard of Tanabata Matsuri (The Star Festival) before reading this book, and it was so fun learning about this wonderful celebration. I know both kids and adults (like me) will love this book.

Not only is THE STAR FESTIVAL educational, but the language and artwork is gorgeous. Moni's storytelling ability is phenomenal. Moni is able to teach readers about Tanabata Matsuri, while also making readers fall in love with the characters Keiko, her mother, and her grandmother. The illustrations by Mizuho Fujisawa are breathtaking and make me want to go to Tanabata Matsuri in the future when the pandemic is over! I'm so excited to see it debut in 2021! Thank you Albert Whitman for the advanced copy to provide an honest review.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[IvyInThePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 leaves out of 5
Characters:5/5
Cover: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Genre: Picture Book/Children
Type: Book
Worth?: Yes

[Amanda Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow along with Keiko, her mama, and grandmother Oba as they navigate their way around the Tanabata Matsuri, or Star Festival and make tanzaku wishes, that they hope will come true. As Keiko and her family relish in the joys of the Star Festival, Obo gets lost in the crowd and Keiko and Mama must look to the stars to help them reunite. The Star Festival is a heartwarming read about familial love, legends, and long-lasting traditions. The story includes additional information and activities in the back matter where readers can learn more about the Japanese Tanabata Festival, which celebrates the reunion of the mythological lovers Orihime and Hikobashi. This was a delightful read that I highly recommend for children and families! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Keiko, Mama, and Oba and learning more about this special festival!

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers on many levels. The lovely text and colorful illustrations combine to create an intergenerational story that weaves in Japanese traditions and folklore. I found myself rereading this book to learn more and delve deeper. The informative back matter adds another layer as well as a craft. This book would be a welcome addition in home or school libraries.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Albert Whitman for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 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.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn't previously been familiar with Tanabata Matsuri, the star festival referred to in the title. It was interesting to learn a bit about it, and it is overall a very cute story with lovely illustrations. Recommended!

[Adrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Star Festival" is such a lovely story detailing a Japanese cultural festival and the sweet relationship between a young girl and her grandmother (Oba). I love how the story parallels the festival's origin story, and those little details that bring the characters to life. The artwork complements the story and is gorgeous.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful telling and illustration of a revered Japanese myth. Creatively spun around a family about to attend and celebrate the Star Festival, this colorful picture book introduces children to Japanese culture, food and the power of love.

[Tina Shepardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tanabata Matsuri is a beautiful Japanese holiday also known as the Star Festival. This stunning story written by Moni Ritchie Hadley is based on mythology and the story behind two stars. The characters Keiko, her mama, and Oba, take the reader on an exciting journey of this tradition featuring the most colorful, magical illustrations by Mizuho Fujisawa, and lovely language that educates us all in cultural foods, decorations, and customs associated with this yearly event. The story has many wonderful layers that emotionally lure the reader in to develop a deeper sense of the world around them. This would make an excellent choice in every child, teacher, and librarian's collection.

[Arminzerella · Rating 4 out of 5]

After learning the story behind the Tanabata Matsuri celebration, Keiko and her mother and Oba (grandmother) attend one themselves. Keiko rushes off and her mama is hard-pressed to keep up with her. In the process they lose Oba! Eventually Keiko spots her across the crowd and they "swim" through the performers to reach her (reuniting like the separated stars in the story). Colorful illustrations bring the festival's traditions to life and an afterward provides more information about the festival, food, decorations, and instructions for making tanzaku (paper wishes). A sweet family story that also paints a lovely picture of the Tanabata Matsuri. (I was pleased to see that the goldfish Keiko picks out at the festival end up in a fish bowl at the end - I kept worrying about them surviving transport home in their plastic bag amidst all of the excitement!)

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply magical! What a wonderfully woven story using Japanese folklore, to let the character Keiko digest and solve the problem of losing her Oba at the local festival. I read this book to a fidgety 3 year old and she was mesmerized by both he illustrations and Keiko's worry in finding her Oba. I also love that this particular 3 year old, who is also Japanese, was able to see herself in a character like Keiko.

[Patti Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE STAR FESTIVAL invites the reader into a celebration that expertly weaves an ancient story with a story of today for young readers. Traditional Japanese dress, foods and customs are the perfect backdrops for festival activities to which all readers can relate. And the quest to find Oba makes the ending even more satisfying!

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fun way to learn about a festival and myth I was unaware of. I think this could maybe be used to create a fun library program around (with input and help from Japanese and/or American Japanese partners).

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun and informative story about the Star festival and all the traditions involved.

[Scott Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the day of the Tanabata Festival, and Keiko and her grandmother, Oba, are excited to celebrate. Oba shares the story behind the legend, how two mythological lovers are separated for neglecting their duties. In a twist of fate, Keika and Oba’s own experience mirror that of the legend when they too are separated at the bustling festival. The Star Festival is a fantastic book for families to rediscover the meaning behind celebrations while exploring those of others.