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How to Catch a StarAmazon Video

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How to Catch a Star Hardcover – Picture Book, June 3, 2004

by Oliver Jeffers (Author, Illustrator)

3,508 ratings

Book 1 of 4: The Boy

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From the illustrator of the #1 smash hit The Day the Crayons Quit comes a story about wishing, persevering, and reaching for the stars.

Once there was a boy, and that boy loved stars very much. So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Waiting for them to grow tired from being up in the sky all night doesn't work. Climbing to the top of the tallest tree? No, not tall enough. The boy has a rocket ship . . . but it is made of paper and doesn't fly well at all. Finally, just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be.

Oliver Jeffers offers a simple, childlike tale of reaching for the stars, and emerging with a friend.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-K–In this whimsical picture book, a young stargazer decides he wants to catch a star. He ventures out at sunrise since he believes the stars will be "tired from being up in the sky all night." He waits all day, only to see one at sunset. The many schemes he concocts prove ineffective, and the sad child heads home along the beach. When he sees a sea star washed up on the sand, he is happy at last to have a star of his own. While the boy's original plan is counterintuitive, the rest of his schemes hold true for what a young child might dream up. The stylized watercolor cartoons are droll and lighthearted, resonating well with the tone of the story. Pair this with Kevin Henkes's Kitten's First Full Moon (Greenwillow, 2004) to share some nighttime adventures at storytime.–Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

PreS-Gr. 2. Oliver is a young boy who loves stars and wants one for himself. But no matter how high he reaches, the stars he chooses are out of reach. The seagull can't help him; perhaps a rocket ship might. Even when it appears that a star has fallen into the water, Oliver finds he's only grasping at a reflection. Jeffers uses a panoply of geometric figures (Oliver's head is ball, trees are lines topped with circles and decorated with squares) colored in jewel tones to tell the story. Although the pictures are spare, they have a haunting quality and much child appeal. Kids will like the end of the story, as well: Oliver finds a starfish on the beach that satisfies his longing. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Philomel Books; Illustrated edition (June 3, 2004)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0399242864
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0399242861
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 4 years, from customers
Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ AD480L
Grade level ‏ : ‎ Preschool - 2
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 10.56 x 0.4 x 10.75 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #13,748 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #109 in Children's Nature Books (Books)
- #282 in Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings (Books)
- #455 in Children's Friendship Books

Customer Reviews:
3,508 ratings

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Oliver Jeffers

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Oliver Jeffers is an artist, illustrator and writer from Northern Ireland.

From figurative painting, collage and installation to illustration and award winning picture-books, Oliver Jeffers practice takes many forms.

His distinctive paintings have been exhibited in multiple cities, including the National Portrait Gallery in London and the Brooklyn Museum New York.

HarperCollins UK and Penguin USA publish his picture books, now translated into over 36 languages, including The Incredible Book Eating Boy, and the New York Times Bestseller This Moose Belongs to Me and #1 New York Times Bestseller The Day The Crayons Quit.

Oliver won an Emmy in 2010 for his collaborative work with artist and filmmaker Mac Premo. He has made art for Newsweek, The New York Times, United Airlines, TED, Nintendo, and has illustrated a a number of novels.

In 2007, Jeffers was the official illustrator for World Book Day.

Lost and Found became Oliver's first book to made into animation by London based Studio AKA, screening on Christmas Eve 2008 on Channel 4 in the UK and on Nickelodeon in the US and Australia.

In 2013, Jeffers illustrated the vinyl cover (a drawing of Nelson Mandela) for the U2 song "Ordinary Love". Jeffers also co-directed (with Mac Premo) the video for the U2 song "Ordinary Love".

Oliver grew up in Belfast Northern Ireland and now lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.

See more at www.oliverjeffers.com, or visit his instagram, facebook, and twitter @oliverjeffers

Customer reviews

3,508 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's beautiful illustrations and sweet story with a happy ending. The book is perfect for young kids, with one customer noting it's a calming read for preschool classes. The writing style receives positive feedback, with customers describing it as well-written.

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Illustrations Story quality Reading level Writing style

45 customers mention "Illustrations"45 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the beautiful illustrations in the book, describing them as imaginative.

"Wonderful story. Well illustrated. I was a librarian k-5 and so enjoyed exploring and choosing books. This one is top shelf." Read more

"...The story is very simple, but the art really brings it to life. You really feel the imagination it takes for a little one to decide to catch a star!..." Read more

"...The pictures are lovely and the story plays out at a pace that invites conversation...." Read more

"...The illustrations are very well done. The shadows move under the trees as the time changes from dawn to morning to lunch to afternoon to evening...." Read more

39 customers mention "Story quality"36 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this children's book, describing it as sweet and cute, with a happy ending that is easy to follow.

"Wonderful story. Well illustrated. I was a librarian k-5 and so enjoyed exploring and choosing books. This one is top shelf." Read more

"...The story is very simple, but the art really brings it to life. You really feel the imagination it takes for a little one to decide to catch a star!..." Read more

"...The pictures are lovely and the story plays out at a pace that invites conversation...." Read more

"...The story is simple, but you can talk to your child about what they would do the same or differently on each page in trying to catch a star...." Read more

17 customers mention "Reading level"17 positive0 negative

Customers find this book perfect for young kids, with one customer noting it's simple enough for children to understand.

"...The pictures are lovely and the story plays out at a pace that invites conversation...." Read more

"...And the lessons and conversations sparked are abundant. A must have for any home or class library!" Read more

"A quiet, calming read for my preschool classes and, of course, the artwork is stunning!!..." Read more

"Books are the foundation of learning and innovation. Spark the imagination and watch kids grow." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"12 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, with one customer noting that the words are simple and another mentioning that the author and illustrator are top of the line.

"This is a perfect book for 3+. The words are simple, yet sophisticated enough for toddlers and preschoolers...." Read more

"Beautifully written with lovely illustrations, this is a book with a great ending and ALL will enjoy reading again and again..." Read more

"Such a cute book. Simple reading and great pictures" Read more

"...I read is constantly to my grandkids. It is written so well and the pictures are so colorful. Highly recommend this book. My grandkids are 5 & 7." Read more

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Sunking
Great
Reviewed in the United States on October 17, 2024
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Wonderful story. Well illustrated. I was a librarian k-5 and so enjoyed exploring and choosing books. This one is top shelf.

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2 people found this helpful

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Ashley
Thoughtful & Beautiful
Reviewed in the United States on April 16, 2015
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This is a really cute story about a boy who wants to catch a star in the sky and how he goes about trying to do it. If I had to pick one word to describe this book it would be whimsical. The story is very simple, but the art really brings it to life. You really feel the imagination it takes for a little one to decide to catch a star! As an adult, I wouldn't ever even think of trying to catch a star, but this encompasses the essence of being a child and believing that you can do anything! It isn't very often that a board book makes me think deeply like this one has.

On top of that, the artwork is absolutely gorgeous! This is one of the best illustrated board books I have come across! It helps the story come to life for both my son and I. What more can you ask for in a book than to take you somewhere special and make you think about life!

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15 people found this helpful

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Tina BeeGee
As an elementary school counselor, I use this book ...
Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2017
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As an elementary school counselor, I use this book to teach K-2nd about persistence, planning and goals. The boy wants to catch a star and makes multiple plans and attempts to do so. The pictures are lovely and the story plays out at a pace that invites conversation. The Oliver Jeffers' site has activities to compliment some of his books.

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One person found this helpful

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N. Shipp
My son's favorite book
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2007
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My 3 year old son absolutely loves this book. He relates so much to what the boy goes through. Having a rocketship that doesn't work too well. Trying to find a seagull that will help fly him up. Finding a tall tree to climb up. He has the entire story memorized and when we read it, we really do read it together.

The illustrations are very well done. The shadows move under the trees as the time changes from dawn to morning to lunch to afternoon to evening. The story is simple, but you can talk to your child about what they would do the same or differently on each page in trying to catch a star.

Each page can be viewed from an adult perspective or a child's perspective. Does the boy just find a starfish? Or did the boy find the shooting star from three pages back?

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11 people found this helpful

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Kkmalmgren
Not about rockets
Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2020
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I think this book is pretty cute, but my husband thinks it’s a little strange of an ending. So first off, I thought it was going to have more then one line in it about rockets, but it doesn’t. It is all about how this little boy is going to get a star but no way will work. He gets sad and then finds a starfish.

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5 people found this helpful

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J. Lambrakos
Aww...soo cute!
Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2012
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I first saw this book at the Tate Modern Museum on a trip to London. It is the story about a boy trying to catch a star with no luck until he finds one washed up on the beach in the form of a starfish. I live in Charleston, S.C. and grew up on the beach. This story reminded my of one my grandmother told me when I told her that wishing on a star was a waste of time. She said, "Oh, darlin' the falling star falls into the ocean, and the wish only comes true when you find that star once it washes up on the beach." I loved that idea and in the late summer of 1998 we had a strange marine occurence here in Charleston causing hundreds of starfish to wash up on local beaches. No, ALL my dreams didn't come true but I called my grandmother to remind her of the story and she said she'd made it up on the spot because she didn't want me to lose hope in making wishes.....I love her for that....

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48 people found this helpful

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Kristen
Adorable book, toddler loves it
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2022
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I just love Oliver jeffers. This book is so lovely. Sweet, simple story and beautiful illustrations. Highly recommend.

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Zesti
Perfect for Preschoolers and older toddlers!
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2018
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This is a perfect book for 3+. The words are simple, yet sophisticated enough for toddlers and preschoolers. And the lessons and conversations sparked are abundant. A must have for any home or class library!

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julie pome
Superbe !
Reviewed in France on October 10, 2022
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Ma fille adore ce livre ! (Elle avait 20 mois lorsqu’on lui a offert mais je pense qu’il convient très bien à des enfants bien plus grands, peut-être jusqu’à 4 ou 5 ans).
Très poétique et plein d’imagination.
J’adore aussi ce grand format.

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Robyn Leatherland
A fabulous book for children exploring perseverance.
Reviewed in Australia on May 12, 2022
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A lovely book to read with children, exploring wants, perseverance and gratitude in what we have.

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Denise Antler
Kids will love it
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2020
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Now this little fella has 5 more starry friends. I bought this book as part of a baby shower gift and it’ll be a perfect partner to the baby blanket with stars I crocheted. I hope the parents and the little twinkle in their eyes love it. On top of that, the story is cute and simple and I’m sure that a lot of the kids getting this book will adore it.

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Shannon Briggs
The Heart and the Bottle: A very beautiful, comforting and emotional story for all ages.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 7, 2015
Verified Purchase
Oliver Jeffers is a creative, brilliant author that really shows his amazing imagination through his books. The beautiful child-like innocence and awe we used to have is something he perfectly portrays in his writing and illustrations.

My dad had multiple heart attacks a few years ago and I felt that pain of almost losing someone. I was honestly convinced he wouldn't survive. It was painful and reading this book brought back all those memories. Yet, it also gave me this sense of... you know what? It's hard to describe the feeling it gave me but I know it was a warm, comforting feeling.

It made me realise that while losing someone is, indeed, horrible but shutting yourself away in a protective shell doesn't help the situation nor is it something that person would ever want.

I saw myself as that girl. I live at the seaside, my dad and I are very creative and we are very close. When my dad was in the ICU having his second heart attack, I felt myself shutting down. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest and I just wanted it to stop. I would have done the same thing as this girl had my dad died. And I don't think I would have been as lucky as finding someone "small and still curious about the world" like she had.

All in all, it's a beautiful story that I'll forever be reading. I could see this as a good way to teach children about rather heavy subjects such as depression, anxiety, loss and mourning.

When my mum and/or dad dies, I'll be sure to not put my heart in a bottle and will, instead, accept those feelings of loss and pain. I will get through it, and when I do, I'll make sure to treasure every memory I have of them and tell myself that they are not truly dead, because they'll live long in the memories I have of them.

Gosh, I must end this review now before I start bawling my eyes out.

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One person found this helpful
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Clacle
Bonita historia, buena encuadernación
Reviewed in Spain on January 7, 2021
Verified Purchase
Hay varias opciones de encuadernación. Yo compré el libro de cartón y es de muy buena calidad, tapas muy duras y páginas de cartón resistente. De tamaño es algo mayor que un palmo, unos 20 x 20 cm. Las ilustraciones son simples pero bonitas, del estilo de éste autor, con colores muy bien elegidos. La historia tiene siempre un toque de optimismo al final. Las frases son cortas, un par de frases por cada dos páginas, en algunas algo más. El vocabulario es sencillo a mi parecer.
Compré el libro en una oferta por 4 euros. Los libros de Oliver Jeffers suelen ser caros.
Espero haberte sido de ayuda. 🙂

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Clacle

Bonita historia, buena encuadernación

Reviewed in Spain on January 7, 2021
Hay varias opciones de encuadernación. Yo compré el libro de cartón y es de muy buena calidad, tapas muy duras y páginas de cartón resistente. De tamaño es algo mayor que un palmo, unos 20 x 20 cm. Las ilustraciones son simples pero bonitas, del estilo de éste autor, con colores muy bien elegidos. La historia tiene siempre un toque de optimismo al final. Las frases son cortas, un par de frases por cada dos páginas, en algunas algo más. El vocabulario es sencillo a mi parecer.
Compré el libro en una oferta por 4 euros. Los libros de Oliver Jeffers suelen ser caros.
Espero haberte sido de ayuda. 🙂

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