Beautiful, etherial illustrations; even more lovely story of a multigenerational friendship. ( )

I liked this book a lot. The illustrations were my favorite component. The book is not illustrated with realistic colors, but it adds to the story. This is very true to the definition of a picture book in that the pictures are necessary to tell the story. The illustrations switch colors based on if it’s the present or the past being told. There is also a large amount of figurative language, like “[the star] was warm and smooth as an egg straight from the hen” and “when all of a sudden he saw his hand purple as a church window.” The text is written like poetry and it keeps the reader captivated. The stories that are told make the reader imagine bigger ideas that go beyond normal understanding. Perspective is broadened outside the typical box of truth and accurate storytelling. The big idea of the book is that it is important to tell stories from your life, even if the details don’t seem realistic. ( )

This book I did not quite understand the first time around. It is a tale about a little girl who befriends an older man who claims he has caught a star, and eventually gives her the star to hold too. Its a great little book about friendship, and how friendship has no limits. I wouldn't say it is one of my favorite books I have ever read, but it has its moments that make you smile. ( )

I enjoyed the whimiscal elements of the story, especially the illustrations. ( )

Inspired by a storytelling elder from her own childhood, children's author George Ella Lyon has crafted this poetic tale of a young girl's friendship with an elderly neighbor, who sits on his porch and spins tall tales. From the falling star he caught one day, to the rainbow "bath" that he experienced, but was unable to keep - save as a story to be passed on to others - the old man transports the girl with his fantastic flights of fancy.

I don't know, all told, that I was completely won over by My Friend, the Starfinder - certainly not to the same extent as the friend who recommended it to me - but I am glad that I picked it up, because I thought the artwork, done by Stephen Gammell in pastel, watercolor, pencil and gouache, was really quite interesting. It was the cover illustration, in fact, that convinced me to give this one a try. There is an arresting quality to these paintings, I find, that holds my attention, even when some of the elements (the depiction of the human faces) are not really to my taste. I love the splatters of color, and the use of light! Still this was a mixed bag for me - I appreciated the idea of the narrative more than the narrative itself - so my rating is a low three stars, and my recommendation is primarily for the artwork. ( )