How To Catch A Star

Story

There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wanted one of his very own. He dreamed that if he had a star they could be friends forever. He set about catching himself a star, but found it harder than expected…

Why we chose it

This beautifully illustrated picture book for young children introduced a new talent to children’s literature. It is a sweet and simple tale about wishing and waiting that gently reveals that patience and persistence can pay off in the end.

Where it came from

This was Oliver Jeffers first children’s picture book. He had taken a year out of art college and drew while he was travelling, which planted the seed of the idea for this book. When he returned to college he used this idea in his final project. He drew inspiration from his childhood and the book is dedicated to his parents.

Where it went next

How To Catch A Star was shortlisted for the Booktrust Early Years Award.

Associated stories

This is the first of over 20 books (and counting!) that Oliver Jeffers has written and illustrated. The same boy goes on further adventures in The Way Back Home, Lost and Found and Up and Down.

Other books written and illustrated by Jeffers include The Incredible Book Eating Boy, The Great Paper Caper, The Heart and the Bottle, Stuck, This Moose Belongs to Me and The Fate of Fausto. He has also illustrated books for other writers, including The Day the Crayons Quit, The Day the Crayons Came Home and The Crayons’ Christmas by Drew Daywelt and Imaginary Fred by Eoin Colfer.

Find How To Catch A Star in the Night Safe in Small Worlds.