Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie

by Jami Gigot

A starry-eyed ode to self-expression and staying true to yourself, inspired by the life and lyrics of beloved icon David Bowie.

For as long as David could remember, he felt like a stranger on his own planet.
As if he’d fallen to Earth from outer space…

David Bowie is one of the most influential artists of our time, beloved for his joyful self-expression and fierce individuality. But how did he come to be this iconic Starman, celebrated by millions around the world?

Inspired by the life and lyrics of David Bowie, author-illustrator Jami Gigot imagines the story of a lonely young boy enchanted by the music of the stars―yet no one else can hear the shimmy-shake rhythm that moves through his body. At first misunderstood and ignored, David ultimately finds the courage to be true to himself, sparking a dazzling revolution…

At once vibrantly imaginative and true to the spirit of Bowie, Starboy is about embracing your individuality and discovering the cosmic rhythm that hums within each of us.

Genres: Picture Books, Music, Biography, Childrens, Art, Nonfiction, Musicians

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 18, 2021

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meet young David who loves to twitch, move, and find his magic/music.
Jami Gigot writes and illustrates a WONDROUS AND COLORFUL story about young David Bowie.
The powers of creative expression, art, music, and identity shine!

Some cool facts you may not know about the Starboy, David Bowie, are added to show even more of the real guy behind the fame!

[Talmadgio D’Gulager · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is suuuuper cute! I can see why the author was inspired to write a fictional tale about the beginning of Bowie's life and how he could have been as a kid. I was annoyed (at first) that they depicted him with mismatched eyes from a young age, when in reality he got punched in the face by his friend when he was 15 and that is what caused the wonky pupil in one eye. At the end, though, there was a list of facts about nonfictional Bowie where they clarified this as an artistic choice. (Not that it's THAT big of a deal... but it mattered to me as a Bowie stan.) Anyway, would recommend!!

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely charming. Although I have to admit that I feel like it downplayed the difficulties that come from being so different and thus so ostracized by peers. Still, beautiful illustrations and a wonderful story.

[JJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A kick ass book about a kick ass guy, super cute!

[Aliza Werner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the narrative and creative feel of the storytelling, but I felt I didn’t get a grasp on how or why he was different or ostracized. It would be beneficial to dig deeper on that while also remaining a lyrical text.

There is also an egregious depiction of an Asian girl on a spread with Bowie’s classmates. Her skin is literally yellow. Compared to the other kids with authentically hued skin tones, this one is way off. Beware ingrained stereotypes.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboy, Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie, is dreamy and poetic. Created by Jami Gigot as a fictional narrative, it captures the essence of David Bowie’s originality—and also the emotional ups and downs of travelling the world as someone distinctly different from everyone else. Gigot’s illustrations are vibrant and colorful, capturing the spirit of both Bowie’s personality and music. The backmatter includes fascinating Facts About David Bowie, including how his eyes came to be different colors (a fight at fifteen over a girl) and how he inspired the naming of a spider (Heteropoda Davidbowie). But please remember, this book goes beyond a tribute to Bowie. Gigot’s ability to convey the highs and lows of being original makes it a beautiful read for anyone who feels that our world wasn’t quite made for them.

[Becky Shillington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fictional narrative of singer/songwriter David Bowie’s childhood, author/illustrator Jami Gigot’s whimsical artwork and charming text combine to create a sparkly, tip-tappy read. Zooming in on Bowie’s special way of experiencing the world, Gigot artistically conveys the difficulties of growing up feeling different, and the joy of finding one’s place in the world, at last. Readers unfamiliar with Bowie will be enchanted by this story of a young boy’s voyage of self-discovery, and Bowie fans will enjoy this imaginative glimpse into the artist’s childhood.

[Michelle (FabBookReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When David heard this star chatter, his entire body would vibrate with far-out energy. His eyes would FLASH. His legs would SHIMMY-SHAKE, and all ten toes would TIP-TAP. As David danced, he felt connected to the universe and the rhythm of the stars. If only he could share this feeling with someone else.” Jami Gigot, the Vancouver-based author and illustrator of titles such as Seb and the Sun, and Mae and the Moon, brings readers Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie. A glimpse inside an imagined part of young David Bowie’s life, Starboy tells readers about the intrinsically rhythmic, musical, unique, and ethereal David Bowie. Readers are also shown that, due to his singular musical affinity and connection to the universe humming around him, a young David could also feel quite lonely: while David liked to add “a FLASH of color wherever he went and let his imagination run wild”… “some of the kids didn’t feel the same rhythm. They thought David was strange” and would laugh at him, asking what planet he was from. As Starboy tells us, however, although it was not easy, David does indeed keep listening to “the star chatter” and “rhythm of the stars”. When he feels brave enough to share “his discoveries” again with those around him, it ends up that those around him now share and feel the same joyful, inescapable “star energy” that he does. As a longtime listener and fan of the incomparable David Bowie- who as Gigot writes, “was an otherworldly talent [we were] lucky to have had…on planet Earth…”- I felt so much of the essence and exhilaration of Bowie’s music- Space Oddity and Aladdin Sane in particular- coursing through Starboy. Gigot’s illustrations, depicting a young David in school uniform and pajamas, to snapshots of David as “a pirate, a duke, an astronaut, a goblin king” (what would later become his well-known personas) are beautiful and fluid, culminating in a vibrant, rich spread (also featured on the cover!) featuring young David with Aladdin Sane’s signature bolt. A loving ode to arguably one of the greatest artists of all time, Starboy is a stirring and hopeful story about listening to ourselves and being courageous enough to follow and share the passions of our heart. Bonus: Back matter includes a beautifully warm and informative Note from the Author-Illustrator; Facts About David Bowie; and a Sources list. A special visual treat can also be found under the dusk jacket!

I received a copy of this title courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starboy by Jami Gigot is a Science Fiction picture book that was published in 2021. Starboy is recommended for early elementary students and was reviewed by Kirkus Reviews. Kirkus Reviews stated, “As a tribute to a glorified star, it’s sure to have high appeal. Illustrations depict background characters with light to dark brown skin. A visually striking pedestal for an idolized music icon.”

David always felt he was different from others by the way he looked to the way he felt. He felt as though he came from another planet with how different he was from everyone around him. David could hear the “faint cosmic murmur. A chattering of stars” which would cause his body to shake. He would have this feeling happen again at school but he noticed that no one else quite understood the movement and the dancing urge he had. Instead, his peers were judgmental and would ask “what planet are you from?”. One day as David laid in bed at night he heard a noise, and within seconds his radio exploded with music and filled the air with incredible energy and rhythm that matched David’s passion. David learned that this “chatter” he heard was a rhythm that would be a part of him for the rest of his life.

I read Starboy on a digital version of the text on an iPad. The print and illustrations were clear and bright. However, the text was smaller than the physical paper copy of the book which could impact students who need larger text due to visual impairments.

Starboy is a creative and unique story that was inspired by David Bowie. This book could be incorporated into the classroom where students can talk about following their passion and expressing themselves. David has a passion for music and dancing and shows the reader how he listened to his heart to follow his dreams despite the judgement from others. This book would be a great book to open discussions with students to talk about a time where they felt different from their peers and how they overcame these obstacles. This could be both a discussion-based activity or a writing activity for students to share how they can connect to David in the story.

[Michelle Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

STARBOY: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie is such a cool book! It takes the reader on a journey of what life must have been like for the iconic star. The illustrations are as magical as he was—it’s truly a beautiful book. What makes this story so unique is Gigot’s ability to make the reader feel connected to someone who so often felt disconnected from others. As readers, we are left with a feeling of empowerment, a sense of owning one’s uniqueness, and an appreciation for David Bowie’s individualism and boldness. This gorgeous book is not just for Bowie fans, it’s for anyone who loves a good story.

[Stef Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Give me all the musician picture books! I love this fictional take on the childhood of David Bowie. With a magical use of color on black and white, this book feels like a dream you want to fall in to. Gigot's tale takes us into the mind of David, who's life is often clouded by his feeling of not fitting in. STARBOY shows us that being different, while sometimes difficult, can be what makes us great. This book also contains an informative biography of David Bowie in the back as well as a list of fun facts. Sharing this story and David's music with your kids will be a treat.

Be who you are. Follow you heart. Listen to the music inside of you.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

For David Bowie fans and fans-to-be (which everyone will be after reading this book!). Gigot's fictional story of Bowie's childhood feels completely grounded in the essence of this remarkable individual. Her illustrations convey how magical and unusual Bowie must have always seemed to his peers growing up. Within the story is also a powerful message of finding the courage to follow what is in your heart and being true to yourself. For hard-core Bowie fans, the backmatter contains a nice summary of facts about his life. Full of imagination and creativity, this book is a worthy tribute to the artist.

[Katelyn Aronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now here's a book that just glows! I've always been a fan of Jami Gigot's work and, well, she just outdid herself. She tells the story of David Bowie's young life through text that sings and pictures that sparkle. Every page captures the very magical, musical, other-wordly energy that pulsed through Bowie. This is the kind of book that can help a child who "marches to the beat of a different drum" to feel seen, to feel special, to feel endowed with a special mission to be true to their own tune.
STARBOY gets all my stars!

[Karla Valenti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!! To take on the ambitious task of telling a story about David Bowie is no small thing. How to capture the enigmatic magic that was this larger-than-life persona? How to show both his vulnerability and his power? How to honor the transformative legacy that Bowie's work represents? Ask Jami Gigot - she pulled it off brilliantly in STARBOY. This book is an explosion of color and an experience in magic. It is sure to become a fast favorite!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboy is the kind of book that makes you wish you could crawl inside its pages and live there, even for a moment. Jami Gigot creates a stunningly beautiful world that feels true to David Bowie's lived experience in every way. From the lyrical, zippy text to the rich, star-studded illustrations, this book is a treasure. Starboy is for fans of David Bowie, and also for kids who have never heard of him but have their own star chatter inside of them.

[Patricia Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Bowie fans, this is a must-read. Jami Gigot's admiraton for the famous rock star shines through in every word, in every image. Although STARBOY is a work of fiction, Gigot deftly imagines what childhood must have been like to a budding musician who marched to the beat of his own drummer and shows how Bowie must have stayed true to himself to acheive his goals. Gigot's use of black and white to contrast with Bowie's colorful personality is brilliant.

[Karen Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable story about a child who "felt like a stranger on his own planet" and how music and movement helped him reconnect with himself and spread the joy of creativity to others. The illustrations help create a fantastical world where multicolored passion sweeps through the story—the vivid spark that defines the David Bowie-inspired character—and the satisfying back matter pays further tribute to the real Bowie.

[Raven Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

Step out of the fact this is based on the idea of Bowie's childhood and you have a picture book that tells us to dance to the stars and the cosmos. To be yourself. And to hear what others cannot. Crazy artistic illustrious polish everything off giving it both a realistic and surreal feeling. Colorful in images, details, text and the actual colors, this is a great book for fans of Bowie or for those of us who dance not just to our own drummer, but our own Star Band.

[Lindsay Bonilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for anyone who has ever felt different or like they just don’t fit in. This fantastical look at the early life of David Bowie depicts the struggle that takes place inside many creative people who, like Bowie, don’t fit the ‘norm’. Gigot’s story and art poignantly remind us to be true to ourselves and that wonderful things can happen when we stop fighting our truest self and allow our uniqueness to shine through. Back matter features interesting facts about David Bowie as well.

[Johnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by David Bowie's life, Gigot's version of Starboy is as cosmic as he was. The illustrations masterfully capture the color and drama Bowie infused into his music and the theatrics he embraced to take his fans on their own inter-stellar journey. Bowie's flights of fancy will resonate with imaginative child readers who have a hard time keeping their feet on the ground.

[Benson Shum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starboy by Jami gigot wrote a wonderful book about David Bowie. Instead of a straight biography, I loved how Jami told the story through David’s imagination and how he saw the world around him. Jami captures the spirit of David Bowie’s rhythm, courage and otherworldly talent with Starboy. Definitely recommend this book! Starboy will inspire kids and adults to find courage to be true to oneself.

[Sophia Gholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say this book is beautiful would be an extreme understatement. This is a masterpiece of art and the perfect ode to David Bowie. Just like Bowie, this book is unique, fantastical, uplifting, complicated, and incredible in every way. Adults and kids alike will be swept away with Starboy. A must-have for all!

[Shelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I typically prefer more biographical style formats when reading about an individual, the author created exactly what he was hoping to do from his own description in the afterward, "I wanted to encapsulate this in an unusual and interesting way, an homage of sorts to David Bowie's own unique character."

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often I see picture books that are truly for adults or a certain generation. I expected this to be one such book, but instead the author described David Bowie's childhood experience in a way that children can relate to. The nonfiction features are interesting at the end, such as, I did not know that he had a constellation and a spider named for him.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute - to read on a big tablet

It’s very cute and a nice way to introduce kids to this phenomenal artist that was David Bowie. Only thing, don’t try to read it on a mobile ( I made the mistake), you’d miss out on the beautiful art, and it’s not adapted and very hard to read the text on the phone.

[Erin Dealey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept away by this fantastical tale. Both Gigot's art and stellar word combinations ("a chattering of stars" --wow!) capture the Starboy spirit of the book's inspiration, David Bowie. Beautiful!

[JaNay Brown-Wood]

A vibrant and colorful story about the power of imagination, the importance of dancing to your own tune, and the necessity of accepting yourself and letting your inner light shine through! Includes an interesting author's note about David Bowie, who is the inspiration of the story.

[Julie Abery · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a homage of words and beautiful art Jami Gigot creates her own tribute to David Bowie. Unique and vibrant, Gigot captures young Bowie's sense of not fitting into his world, until dancing to his own tune he eventually finds acceptance.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A picture book inspired by David Bowie. Although the story is completely fictional, the backmatter contains biographical information and sources regarding Bowie's life. The use of purple to illuminate the rhythms young David hears in his head is absolutely perfect.

[Rakisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written and illustrated book inspired by the life and lyrics of David Bowie. David is a lonely boy who is attuned to the music of the stars until he is teased. Try as he might to ignore the stars, they still speak to him and inspires him to be his true sel.