A Song of Stars: An Asian Legend [Library Binding]

Tom Birdseye (Author), Ju-Hong Chen (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up

Although banished to opposite sides of the Milky Way, the princess weaver and the herdsman reunite each year on the seventh day of the seventh month.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In China and Japan, celebrations are held in honor of love and in memory of the two star-crossed lovers who appear in this gently told adaptation of the Asian legend. Princess Chauchau, a weaver, falls in love with the herdsman Newlang, but when the lovers neglect their duties, they are condemned by the Emperor of the Heavens to live on either side of the Milky Way and meet only once a year--on the seventh day of the seventh month. When rain prevents them from crossing the river of stars, the Emperor, approving of the love that was so "strong and sure, full of trust and warmth," sends a flock of magpies to make a "gently rustling bridge of birds" so they can be reunited for one day. Reminiscent of Brian Wildsmith's work, Chen's strong, brightly colored geometric designs and Birdseye's quiet tone provide the perfect accompaniment for the lovers who sing "the same soft song of love for all to hear." Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-- Chauchau, princess-weaver of the firmament, and Newlang, ox-herd, fall in love, and the Emperor of Heaven decrees that they shall marry. When their love distracts them from their work, the angry Emperor orders their separation--only once yearly will the herdsman cross the Milky Way to meet his love. On the appointed night a storm keeps them apart, but the merciful Emperor facilitates their reunion. The Emperor's actions seem arbitrary and harsh but are not criticized; in the forefront is the romantic and melancholy theme of lovers' unsatisfied longing. Both story and illustrations might appeal more to an adolescent than an elementary audience. Ju-Hong Chen's paintings move from bright and saturated hues for the happy lovers and the Emperor to a range of pale and blue-tinged shades during their yearning loneliness. The mosaiclike stylization of the pictures recalls popular art of the 50s; this abstraction succeeds in creating an otherworldly atmosphere, but it also distances readers from the drama and emotion of the tale. --Patricia Dooley, University of Washington, Seattle
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House; 1st edition (February 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082340790X
• ISBN-13: 978-0823407903
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,501,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.