Product Description

An inspirational story of a boy who loved the stars so much, he decided to catch one of his very own. The beautifully illustrated, original debut picture book from shining talent, Oliver Jeffers. There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. Every night he watched the stars in the sky from his bedroom window and dreamed of how he could be their friend and how they could play hide-and-go-seek together. So, one day, he decided to set about catching a star of his very own!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #477 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

Review
"!the best recent picture book by light years, is stylishly spellbinding" Telegraph "A story about possibilities and disappointments with a triumphant ending, all of which Jeffers captures through the beautifully expressive changing moods of his little boy." Guardian "This is a magical, beautifully illustrated tale about reaching for dreams! Adults tend to think of waiting as tedious, but the magic of this book is that it understands waiting as children wait -- alert, apprehensive and using their imaginations." Mail on Sunday "If the title sounds magical and optimistic to you, it's probably because that's exactly what this book is" Junior (BOOK OF THE MONTH) "A stunning debut!" Books for Keeps (NEW TALENT) " How To Catch A Star is a beautiful debut picture book from an extremely talented and innovative illustrator. This is a fantastic story which teaches children that if you wish hard enough your dreams just may come true" The Bookseller "Hail to new talent! If only all picture books could be this good" The Bookseller

Guardian
"A story about possibilities and disappointments with a triumphant ending..."

Mail on Sunday
"This is a magical, beautifully illustrated tale about reaching for dreams…"

Customer Reviews

Simply fantastic
Once there was a boy and the boy lived stars very much…’

How to Catch a Star was the first book by the young writer and artist Oliver Jeffers. It proved to be a stunning and quite unforgettable debut, winning a number of awards. The story is set around a boy, who loves stars and wishes that he has one of his very own so that they could take long walks together and play hide and seek. So, he decides to do something about it and try to catch one for himself. Unfortunately when he wakes up in the morning, there are no stars to be found, ‘so he waited…and he waited…and ate lunch…and waited. And after dinner he waited some more.’

Finally, just as the sun is setting he eventually sees one and sets about catching it. Unfortunately the trees simply aren’t tall enough and because he happened to use all his petrol on his spaceship last Tuesday whilst travelling to the moon, he finds himself starless once again.
Does he finally get a star? I’m not going to tell you, but it does have a very happy ending.

This book really should not be missed. The colours that Jeffers has used in his illustrations, should have you pulling it off the shelf alone. The story is very simple, and young children will absolutely adore it, as well as parents and adults. Oliver Jeffers has exhibited paintings all around the world, and it’s not hard to understand why. This book is a visual feast and the whole family will enjoy it.

The book is 32 pages long and was first published in June 2004. Jeffers has just released another book called Lost and Found, and is soon to be releasing another later this year.

Funny and enchanting

Oliver Jeffers is my favourite childrens author. And this book is another fine example of why...

...The story itself is simple, but not patronising. It is a lovely story about a little boy who wants a star, and his quest is detailed in such a humourous way (he couldn't travel in his rocket as he'd used up all the petrol last Tuesday). For the story alone this book would be an asset to any childs story collection - but Oliver Jeffers' books have a little something else - the illustrations!

Oliver Jeffers does his own illustrations, they are unique in style, and genuinely quite beautiful. They make every page turn a joy, and you find yourself immersed in the story, and loving the art you have in front of you.

Your child will love this book - and you will too.

Simply Magic
My two year old daughter just loves this wonderful book. Every night we read it and the magic continues... Gorgeous illustrations, a simple heartwarming story and best of all - a happy ending!