OUR STARRY STARRY NIGHT

A shy child makes a friend.

The book’s young narrator misses Grandpa, who lives on a mountain, and Grandma, who's in heaven (the child lived with them until age 6). At home, Mama and Papa’s hushed arguments leave the youngster feeling isolated. When a solitary boy moves in nearby, the protagonist recognizes something familiar in him. Both are targets of school bullies; both carry a loneliness they struggle to name. Grandpa falls ill and dies; as the protagonist grieves his loss, the two children grow closer and embark on a transformative journey to Grandpa’s mountain home. Their friendship toggles between reality and fantasy, marked by stunning moments such as the protagonist’s triumphant transformation into a dragon and a dreamlike bus ride through an impossible landscape. Translated from Chinese, Liao’s remarkably understated story pairs contemplative prose with lush illustrations. Richly textured artwork weaves distinctly surrealist imagery and homages to famous works of art. Repeating visual motifs permeate the narrative, resurfacing in new forms across the pages. Each recurrence deepens symbolic weight, rewarding careful reading and rereading. Sweet, melancholy, and deeply compassionate, this is a tale that trusts readers of all ages to look inward as they pore over the visual delights on display. The protagonist’s straight hair is so dark it reads blue, and the boy’s is light brown. Both have tan skin.

Unforgettable.