From bestselling author Grace Lin comes the companion to the Newbery Honor winner Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and the National Book Award finalist When the Sea Turned to Silver.
The moon is missing from the remote Village of Clear Sky, but only a young boy named Rendi seems to notice! Rendi has run away from home and is now working as a chore boy at the village inn. He can't help but notice the village's peculiar inhabitants and their problems.
But one day, a mysterious lady arrives at the Inn with the gift of storytelling, and slowly transforms the villagers and Rendi himself. As she tells more stories and the days pass in the Village of Clear Sky, Rendi begins to realize that perhaps it is his own story that holds the answers to all those questions.
Newbery Honor author Grace Lin brings readers another enthralling fantasy featuring her marvelous full-color illustrations. Starry River of the Sky is filled with Chinese folklore, fascinating characters, and exciting new adventures.
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"Starry River of the Sky is a similar story to Lin's novel, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, which makes the experience and story come to life with the continued writing about a young boy Rendi. Rendi comes from a small and poor village with vast legends. One night Rendi realizes that the moon was missing and starts his journey to look for it. Lin creates a familiar character in Rendi where there his curiosity knows no limits and takes him to places and people that will lead to his answers. While finding his answers and learning about the many legends and stories of the world around him, Rendi finds himself prepared to take on new challenges along with new friends."
— Karina (4 out of 5 stars)
“Masterfully told…Lin’s signature device of interspersing the plot with stories told by various characters enriches this story on many levels…The lively mix of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, supported by compelling character development and spellbinding language, will captivate a wide swath of readers.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)“Kim Mai Guest narrates with a delicate and ethereal voice that adds depth and mystery to the drama in both the story and the folktales.”
— AudioFile“Mesmerizing…Lin’s writing is clear and lyrical, her plotting complex…magical.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Nothing short of enchanting.”
— School Library Journal“Lin artfully wraps her hero’s story in alternating layers of Chinese folklore, providing rich cultural context…A worthy companion to Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)* "The lively mixture of adventure, mystery, and fantasy, supported by compelling character development and spellbinding language, will captivate a wide swath of readers.
— Publishers Weekly, starred review* "The writing and themes are lovely and readers feel the story long after it has ended...With the layers of myth, folklore, and superb storytelling, readers will be moved. Read this book; share this book; send Grace Lin a thank you card for sharing this story.
— Library Media Connection, starred review* "This tight and cyclical plotting, combined with Lin's vibrant, full-color paintings and chapter decorations, creates a work that is nothing short of enchanting. Like the restored moon, Starry River outshines the previous work.
— School Library Journal, starred review* "Lin artfully wraps her hero's story in alternating layers of Chinese folklore, providing rich cultural context. Detailed, jewel-toned illustrations and spot art reminiscent of Chinese painting highlight key scenes and themes and serve as the focus of an overall exquisite design. A worthy companion to Lin's Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
— Kirkus, starred review* "This mesmerizing companion to the Newbery Honor Book Where the Mountain Meets the Moon does not disappoint...Lin's writing is clear and lyrical, her plotting complex, and her illustrations magical, all of which make this a book to be savored.
— Booklist, starred review* "This companion novel to Lin's Newbery Honor-winning Where the Mountain Meets the Moon surpasses that book in both plot and prose, again using interspersed stories that neatly circle around one another. The message that anger distorts while forgiveness transforms runs throughout the novel, never seeming repetitive and always feeling fresh while adroitly bolstering the connections among the various characters...[A]n enthrallingly told and handsomely illustrated tale.
— The Horn Book, starred reviewA Publishers Weekly Best Book of the YearAn Atlantic Wire Best Middle Grade Book of the Year
A Booklist Editor's Choice
" I was nervous starting this book since I had not read the novel it is a companion to, but I didn't feel lost at all and quite loved it. It isn't often that a non-picture book feels made so well and thoughtfully, from the paper stock, to the images and the text and the cover. I loved the characters and the ways that the main narrative and the folk stories wove together. "
— Diana, 2/6/2014" I loved this story almost as much as "Where the Mountain Meets the Moon". Chinese folk tales retold with new twists. Grace Lin's writing is beautiful and evocative. One of my favorite sayings from the book is the secret to peace is forgiveness. "
— Tara, 2/3/2014" Not as good as where the mountain meets the moon, but pretty good nonetheless. "
— Charon, 1/30/2014" Another great book by Grace Lin. I read this to my three boys and they were excited that the main character is a boy this time. This book contains plenty of adventure, Chinese culture and folk tales, and subtle lessons about unselfishness, forgiveness, and family. "
— Nichole, 1/27/2014" Loved how the folktales were interspersed with the story. But what happens to the main character? Maybe s follow up story to come? "
— Evon, 1/19/2014" For fairy tale ease and taut, to-the-word apt diction, Grace Lin hasn't got an equal in the soi-disant 'children's fiction' line. Although like any story, well-told and true, it doesn't really stick in a single readership circle -- anyone who loves words, and a good yarn, will love this. "
— C.j., 1/15/2014" An absolutely delightful book. A very worthy companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon but works as a stand-alone as well. Loved it. "
— Susan, 1/14/2014" A great mentor text to show the art of story telling and to spark discussions about why story telling was used and how story telling was used. "
— Christy, 1/11/2014" I love Grace Lin writing. She does such a great job of bringing you into the story and loving the characters, that you don't put the book down until your done. I love recommending these at Off the Beaten Path Bookstore to everyone. Young and old alike. "
— Christina, 1/5/2014" Absolutely gorgeous. I've never been a fan of folk story types, or stories within stories, but I always forget that when I'm reading one of Grace Lin's books. I just fall into the story and love it. Beautiful writing, well drawn characters and a wonderful story. I loved it. "
— Shelley, 12/21/2013" Good companion to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon... though there aren't many direct ties. "
— Britt,, 12/19/2013" It was really good, a great sequel. It wasn't as good as the first one, but it really was a great book. "
— Danie, 12/12/2013" What a beautifully written book. I have a few third graders who may be up to the challenge (and reward) of this treasure. "
— Erika, 11/30/2013" incredibly seamless weaving of folklore and story telling. "
— Nancy, 11/22/2013" I actually loved this even more than the first one, but same feeling that it really will not be picked up much. "
— Ms.Patterson, 11/7/2013" Great retelling of Chinese fairy tales. I love the story of the old sage in chapter 11... BURP... "
— Ollie, 7/3/2013" wonderful, as usual, from grace lin. same format as "where the mountain meets the moon" narrative alternating with folk tales that reflect upon the story. wonderful lessons for kids. "
— Linda, 6/25/2013" But what about Rendi's return? Will there be a third companion book? What will Magistrate Tiger think? "
— Kathy, 3/24/2013" A most unique book. It was a quick and easy read. I enjoyed all of the characters and how they tied the story together. "
— Vicki, 1/17/2013" Grace Lin weaves together various Chinese folktales into an entertaining story that also teaches morals. This is very similar to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, another favorite that everyone should read. "
— Melissa, 11/11/2012" I loved this one also, great literature and a good learning experience for children. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because I think I prefer the story in Where the Mountain Meets the Moon a little more, but still a great book. "
— Amy, 11/7/2012" this was the same format as wmmm but totally different story. very enjoyable. would be a great family read. "
— Jewell, 9/12/2012Grace Lin is the bestselling author and illustrator of over thirty books, including A Big Mooncake for Little Star, which was a Caldecott Honor Book, and Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, a Newbery Honor Book, among other titles. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Visit her at gracelin.com.
Kim Mai Guest is an award-winning voice actor for audiobooks and video games. She can also be heard on television shows, such as G.I. Joe: Renegades, Batman: the Brave and the Bold, and Avatar, and in movies such asChill Out Scooby Doo and Dead Space: Aftermath. Her video game work includes Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy, and The Lord of the Rings.