Gathering StarDust

by Victor Villaseñor

Discover the magic of Victor Villaseñor's storytelling in his latest book, Gathering StarDust, a touching story of his early childhood with his grandmother, featuring 100 vivid watercolor illustrations..

“Who are You? Who am I? Who are We?” the book begins as Victor invites the reader, “Come and take my hand, and let us be children once again, and this time be raised up together by my Yaqui Native American grandmother.”

In his book, Rain of Gold, bestselling author Villaseñor wrote about his grandmother, Doña Guadalupe. Now, in his new book, Victor imparts the Native Wisdom he learned from his grandmother as he takes you along on their childhood adventures in the Barrio of Carlsbad, California, where he and his family lived.

Through enchanting storytelling and the stunning illustrations of Jack Wiens, Gathering StarDust is a tender true story, destined to become a favorite, inspiring wonder for readers of all ages and timeless imagination for generations to come.

Genres: Memoir, Indigenous

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

Victor Villaseñor is an acclaimed Mexican-American writer, best known for the New York Times bestseller novel Rain of Gold. Villaseñor's works are often taught in American schools. He went on to write Thirteen Senses: A Memoir (2001), a continuation of Rain of Gold. His book Burro Genius: A Memoir (2004) describes his life. The author has received awards and endorsements, including an appointment to serve as the founding Steinbeck Chair at Hartnell College and the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, from February 2003 to March 2004.

Reviews

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Goodreads for this free Kindle version. It was a little disjointed, but a cute story of the circle of life and our connection to nature imo. The illustrations were beautiful.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this wasn't Villasenor's typical novel, it was still amazing! Written and illustrated in a very simple format, this intergenerational rendering of our interconnectedness to one another, the world, and a loving creator is powerful and peaceful. The flow of the book won't be new to anyone familiar with Villasenor's novels and memoirs. This book is a lyrical memory of his younger years spent with his mamagrande, his maternal grandmother, as she teaches him how to live, love, and see with more than just his eyes.

This book, though brief, gave me so much joy and peace. I read it on my kindle, which did not do justice to the illustrations (which were powerful even in grayscale). This is one I will definitely be purchasing a hard copy of to enjoy and share in full color.

[Carmen Blum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh! What endearing, tender and funny stories! It touched my heart and brought me memories of my grandmother in my early years! Mamagrande and little Victor’s daily appreciation of their star’s ancestry and the Universe (One United Verse), the appreciation of nature and connection sharing with their neighbors in the Barrio of Carlsbad. Mamagrande's passing remained in Victor's little heart and soul, as she continued wisely advising and guiding him. Oh, it left me wanting to know more. Jack’s illustrations capture the beautiful and inspiring Victor's writing on each page like magic. I didn’t want the stories to end…I closed my eyes and held it close to my heart. What a GIFT this little book is! Gathering StarDust

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my normal kind of read, but a very cute children's book which is a memoir of the author's life growing up in Carlsbad. Villaseñor does a great job vividly recollecting memories of growing up - more specifically his relationship with his grandmother - and relating those to his readers, especially those who also had close relationships with their own grandparents. The illustrations pair perfectly with the story and really brings his memories to life. It's a very heartwarming view of death and grieving for kids.

Thank you Goodreads for the free copy.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gathering Stardust filled me with such joy the entire time I read it. Villasenor’s relationship with his mamagrande reads like a fairytale, but it’s real! If everyone had been raised with a grandmother like her, we’d have a kind, loving, peaceful world. And while the story itself is absolutely beautiful, the illustrations make this book magical! I am in awe of Jack Weins’ talent and heart in bringing the characters and settings and feelings to life. This book is like a literary hug.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and illustrated. I love the grandmother’s advice. “This is why you and every child are so very special, and need to be so very, very careful with what it is you plant. Do you plant anger and yelling or do you plant kindness and lots of hugging and LoveAmor?” A power message for all ages.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽✍🏽

[Elizabeth Lowry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Womderful!

This book was so positive and uplifting! It connects the heart with memories. It felt like being there with him and mama grande.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read for all depicting precious moments spent learning about all things with his Grandmother, especially their love for each other.

[Jessica Keesling · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not religious at all.... and found this story so sweet!