The moon has disappeared in the distant Clear Sky Village! But no one seems to have noticed this, except for a boy named Rendi, who ran away from home and now works as an au pair at a village inn. The secretive and observant Rendi had many questions. Where did the hotel owner's son go? Why are Master Chao and Widow Yan always quarreling? What kind of crying does Rendi hear at night? And is old Mr. Shan really so weak in mind that he cannot distinguish a toad from a rabbit? One day, a guest appears at the hotel - mysterious and beautiful, endowed with a special gift of telling stories. But these are not simple stories: they gradually transform the lives of everyone who listens to them, including Rendi himself. Maybe the answers to all his questions lie in his own story? Newbery Award winner Grace Lin once again brings readers a thrilling fantasy novel - and, as always, the book is decorated with magnificent full-color illustrations by Grace herself. Star River is Chinese folklore , unforgettable characters and adventures that you can’t tear yourself away from.