Rosa By Starlight

By Author / Illustrator

Hilary McKay, Keith Robinson

Genre

Magical Realism

Age range(s)

Publisher

Macmillan Children's Books

ISBN

9781529074581

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

10-07-2025

Synopsis

From the Costa Award-winning author of The Skylarks' War, comes Rosa by Starlight by Hilary McKay, the story of a young girl looking for magic in the world, and the feline family who help her to find it. With gorgeous black and white illustrations by Keith Robinson.

Rosa lives in a world where she discovers there is magic. It arrives with Balthazar, a large black cat, just when she needs it most. Even so, it takes all her courage to stay hopeful and adventurous when her dreadful aunt and uncle move into her life. And when she finds herself abandoned in the ancient city of Venice, can magic help her then? Perhaps it can. The stars are watching, and there are lots of cats in Venice . . .

'A star-filled story of courage, belonging and the particular magic of feline friends. A treasure of a tale, beautifully told.' - A.F. Steadman, author of the Skandar series. 'Beautiful, captivating, such a joy to read I didn't want it to end!' - Sophie Anderson, bestselling author of The House with Chicken Legs and The Snow Girl. 'A charming Ghibli-esque tale of a girl whose only friends are cats. Surprising and magical in equal measures.' - M. G. Leonard, bestselling author of The Adventure on Trains Series, The Twitchers series, and The Ice Children

_{*Hilary McKay won the Costa Children's Book Award in 2018 with The Skylarks' War}

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Reviews

Lorraine

Rosa's life is turned upside down when her parents are lost in an accident. A strange aunt and uncle arrive and take over her home and her life. As she grows, Rosa struggles to remember her real parents and a life full of love and laughter. With only a magical cat named Balthazar to keep her company, Rosa feels trapped and helpless.

When a school trip is suddenly cancelled Rosa finds herself dumped at a hotel in Venice by her aunt and uncle. Left to fend for herself whilst also trying to avoid their murderous intent, Rosa discovers the true nature of her magic and suddenly a whole new life of wonder and love seems possible.

Rosa by Starlight is a tale of two halves. The first is set in Rosa's home and introduces us to a little magic by way of a black cat, Balthazar. We don't learn too much about the cat, just that he loves ordering his dinner and is Rosa's only real confidante. Magic is hinted at several times but with no real direction or explanation, however, this allows the reader to understand Rosa's feelings of hope and belief that there is good in the world. Similarly, the aunt and uncle characters, although sinister, are never truly explored, but instead remain mysterious ideal 'baddies' who, in turn, show Rosa's questioning and progressive understanding of her precarious position.

Once the tale arrives in Venice, the adventure and magic truly begin and I absolutely loved the author's depictions of an Italian hotel and city. From the staid and sterile home that Rosa is used to, she is dropped into a world full of chatter, life and love, which help her have courage and determination against some difficult situations.

The book is realistically illustrated throughout in monotones by the talented Keith Robinson and the contrast of reality amongst an almost fairytale magical story is well considered and reminds me of the old Penguin storybooks. An engaging and exciting book for middle grade readers, it will appeal to those that enjoy mystery, adventure, magic and good versus evil; a modern-day fairytale without being twee and of course, with two delightful nefarious characters for good measure. An enjoyable and easy read with good pacing.

240 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian