The Star Festival

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.

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  • 32 Pages
  • 8" x 10"
  • 9780807575956
  • April 2021

Buy from Albert Whitman

  • 32 Pages
  • 8" x 10"
  • 9780807576021
  • March 2023

Buy from Albert Whitman

  • 9780807576007
  • April 2021

Reviews

  • 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

Awards & Accolades

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

Illustrator

Mizuho Fujisawa

Activities & Resources

 

  • Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5
  • ATOS Level: 3.6