Starlight Winter: Book 3
About
Starlight Winter (The Pumpkin Sisters Adventures, Book 3)
When winter's heart freezes, three sisters must race against an ancient frost spirit to collect twelve fallen stars—before their beloved neighbor is lost forever.
It's the coldest winter in years on the Pumpkin Farm, and something magical is stirring beneath the snow.
When elderly Mr. Fillbacker makes a desperate wish for one more Christmas with his late wife Mary, he falls into an enchanted sleep that's slowly erasing him from existence. The only way to wake him? Collect twelve star shards scattered across a frozen landscape and restore the balance between wishes and reality.
Armed with their magic wand, compass, and a mysterious glowing lantern, sisters Shan (12), Sheri (10), and Kelli (9) embark on their most dangerous quest yet. But they're not alone in their search. The First Frost—an ancient winter entity who feeds on loneliness and cold—wants the star shards for herself. If she succeeds, winter will reign forever, and spring will never come again.
To save Mr. Fillbacker, the sisters must:
- Navigate treacherous ice mazes that shift and change
- Bargain with magical ice sprites who guard fallen stars
- Face the Winter Wraith in the frozen caves
- Make impossible choices about sacrifice and balance
- Confront the First Frost herself in a battle of warmth versus eternal cold
But the greatest challenge isn't collecting the shards—it's understanding what Mr. Fillbacker truly needs to wake up. Sometimes the most powerful magic comes from realizing you don't have to face the cold alone.
Praise for this book
My 10-year-old devoured this series and by Book 3, I was reading along with her. Thompson balances thrilling adventure (ice mazes! star shards!) with genuine emotion. We had meaningful conversations about grief and moving forward. The three sisters each bring different strengths, and the writing never talks down to young readers. I've recommended this to countless parents. Already asking when Book 4 comes out!
Perfect for ages 8-12, fans of The Penderwicks.Sarah M., Elementary School Librarian
AMAZING! The First Frost is so creepy-cool and the ice maze was my favorite part. Kelli is my favorite sister because she's brave, but I love how each one is different. Mr. Fillbacker's story made me cry in a good way (my grandpa died last year so I get it). I want to know MORE about the magical items in Book 4! And I really want a border collie like Taboo now.
Start with Book 1. I'm giving this 5 stars and I NEVER give 5 stars!Emma L., Age 11
The First Frost is Thompson's most complex villain yet—defeated through warmth and community, not violence. The twelve star shard quest showcases each sister's strengths perfectly. Thompson handles grief with sensitivity that will resonate with readers of all ages. The magic system stays consistent, and I'm already eager for Book 4.
Minor quibbles: sprites need more personality, Taboo deserved a bigger role. But these are small concerns in an exceptional middle-grade fantasy.
Comparable to The Penderwicks, Greenglass House. Highly recommended ages 8-12.BookishAdventures Blog