Holiday Reading: Starry River of the Sky

My daughter (age 7) and I just finished reading Grace Lin's newest novel Starry River of the Sky (Little and Brown, 2012). This magical story is about a young boy, Rendi, and the people he meets--both human and mystical--in the small, remote Village of Clear Sky. Who is Rendi? Who are these people he meets? And where did the moon go? These are some of the questions that you will ask yourself as you read this mysterious tale.

Lin's book is considered a companion book to her 2010 Newberry Honor novel Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. Like her earlier book, Starry River of the Sky is full of Chinese legends, which have been adapted by Lin and told as stories by the main characters. Lin seamlessly alternates between Chinese legends and the plot unfolding at Village of Clear Sky. The effect is spellbinding and also gives the story a timeless quality--as if the story takes place in a time long past, but resisting to be tied down to a particular era (or dynasty).

Colorful, jewel-tone illustrations, which bring to mind traditional Chinese papercuts, mark the beginning of each chapter. And six full-color illustrations, resembling Chinese wood block prints, intersperse the story text.  The warm, vibrant illustrations are beautiful works of art by themselves. They bring to life in the reader's imagination a magical world the reader will be reluctant to leave.

My daughter was enchanted with the main characters in this story--Rendi, Peiyi, Madame Chang, Master Chao, and Mr. Shan. When we reached the last page, she asked me, with concern in her voice, "Is that it?" As a side note, she asks me this every time we reach the last page of one of Grace Lin's novels--I think this is a sign of an excellent book!

Starry River of the Sky would be a wonderful book to read with your child or grandchild over the upcoming holidays. Not only is it a page-turner, the magical story will be sure to provoke much conversation afterward.

Be sure to check out Grace Lin's website where you can view her mini-documentary "Behind the Story" and related activities--including instructions on how to make a toad lantern!