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Oliver Jeffers
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How to Catch a Star: Celebrate twenty years of the modern classic illustrated picture-book adventure for children! Paperback – Picture Book, 23 May 2024

by Oliver Jeffers (Author, Illustrator)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,433 ratings
Teachers' pick for school years 1–9
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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…

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  1. Reading age
    2 - 5 years, from customers
  2. Book 1 of 4
    The Boy
  3. Print length
    32 pages
  4. Language
    English
  5. Dimensions
    25.9 x 0.2 x 26.5 cm
  6. Publisher
    HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks
  7. Publication date
    23 May 2024
  8. ISBN-10
    0007150342
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0007150342
  10. See all details
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The Way Back Home: Oliver Jeffers
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Lost and Found: Oliver Jeffers
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From the Publisher

Boy Books Jeffers
Boy Books Jeffers

Celebrate 20 years of Oliver Jeffers' beloved story How To Catch A Star...

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Boy Books Jeffers

Product description

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

“Hail to new talent… If only all picture books could be this good" The Bookseller

Book Description

Celebrate twenty years of the modern classic illustrated picture-book adventure for children!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks; 20th Anniversary edition (23 May 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0007150342
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0007150342
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 2 - 5 years, from customers
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25.9 x 0.2 x 26.5 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,433 ratings

About the author

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Oliver Jeffers

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

4.7 out of 5 stars
3,433 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the story lovely and delightful. They appreciate the beautiful illustrations. Readers describe the book as a nice, inspiring, and engaging read that is great for a child's soul. They also mention it's simple and quick, and perfect for preparation.

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Story qualityIllustrationsReading for childrenEase of readingImaginationComfort levelCompatibility
134 customers mention ‘Story quality’126 positive8 negative

Customers find the story lovely, exploring several ideas. They say it's a delightful tale of a boy who wants to catch a star. Readers also mention the book is easy to read and brilliant.

"...to words (more pictures than words), yet there's still a proper narrative to the book. It's perfect for really young children...." Read more

"...All in all, it's a beautiful story that I'll forever be reading...." Read more

"Good value for money" Read more

"...This would make a perfect story for bedtimes, to cuddle up with your little one and share...." Read more

82 customers mention ‘Illustrations’75 positive7 negative

Customers find the illustrations beautiful, lovely, and heartwarming. They also say the prose is nicely paced and the book is easy to read.

"A story that you can sit alongside your child and read. Beautiful illustrations." Read more

"...Not sure how to explain it best: the prose is so nicely paced and there's a really good ratio of illustrations to words (more pictures than words),..." Read more

"...The beautiful child-like innocence and awe we used to have is something he perfectly portrays in his writing and illustrations...." Read more

"really nice illustrations, something a little different to go on the book shelf, feels a bit different to read that other baby books but overall..." Read more

39 customers mention ‘Reading for children’39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring, engaging, and fun to read. They say it sparks their imagination and is perfect for really young children. Readers also mention the simple illustrations really add to the reading experience.

"...It's perfect for really young children. I got it for my son when he was about 18 months old and he still loves it at nearly two...." Read more

"...children would enjoy it mostly but it would also make a great book for young readers too." Read more

"...simply because of the beautiful illustrations but because it is an engaging and original story that my 6-month-old loves...." Read more

"A wonderful book for a young child, we've read it so many times, it's lovely and heart-warming...." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Ease of reading’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book simple and quick to read. They say it's fun for the imagination and perfect for preparing for tomorrow.

"...It is an easy, quick read and I’d say Early years children would enjoy it mostly but it would also make a great book for young readers too." Read more

"My sons loves this book, very easy to follow and a favourite before bed!" Read more

"...Dad liked it too. Simple but nice to relax by" Read more

"...Moreover he is off to see the play tomorrow and it is the perfect preparation. Great story and illustrations." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Imagination’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book imaginative and fun to read. They say it will relate to their space theme.

"Oliver Jeffers is a creative, brilliant author that really shows his amazing imagination through his books...." Read more

"...Great for one that loves stars, space and astronaut and very imaginative and funny too. Great ending, won’t spoil it for you." Read more

"...The kids love this story and it sparks their imagination." Read more

"I love reading this book with my baby girl. Great imagination and fun!! Another vocabulary builder" Read more

4 customers mention ‘Comfort level’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book comforting, touching, and heartwarming.

"...for some mysterious reason, this book always immediately comforts him from the opening page...." Read more

"...to describe the feeling it gave me but I know it was a warm, comforting feeling...." Read more

"...and grandchildren, it's a classic and is clever, funny and heart-warming just as you would expect from the author! <3" Read more

"What a gorgeous book! It was so touching and a pleasure to read. It makes an ideal present as well." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Compatibility’0 positive4 negative

Customers are dissatisfied with the book's compatibility. They mention it's lovely in print but doesn't work for Kindle.

"Sweet story but doesn't work well on an iPad. Pages fragmented, incomplete and unclear. Doesn't work on a Kindle Paperwhite." Read more

"...I'm sure this is a lovely book in print but does not work for kindle and should not be sold in this format until they sort it out...." Read more

"The format doesn't work on kindle - pages are cut across. Its a complete waste of money. Don't buy this book" Read more

"Doesn't work well in kindle /tablet..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Eileen
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 26 July 2024
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A story that you can sit alongside your child and read. Beautiful illustrations.
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Jtom
5.0 out of 5 stars I wasn't sure, but my toddler LOVES this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 July 2012
Verified Purchase
Nearly died when this book arrived - it's such a heavy, glossy, expensive looking boardbook. I haven't really seen one quite like it. It weighs an absolute tonne. Personally I wasn't sure about the illustrations, they're quite stylised, but this book has quickly become one of my son's favourites. Not sure how to explain it best: the prose is so nicely paced and there's a really good ratio of illustrations to words (more pictures than words), yet there's still a proper narrative to the book. It's perfect for really young children. I got it for my son when he was about 18 months old and he still loves it at nearly two. It's just a really gentle, calming, sweet story about a little boy who wants a star as a friend. Whenever my toddler wakes up from his afternoon nap in inconsolable tears, as he occasionally does for some mysterious reason, this book always immediately comforts him from the opening page. It works when all else fails, I can't give it any higher praise than that! Update: have seen some more of this author's work for slightly older children and appreciate the illustrations and the quirky style a bit better now. HIs books really are quite different. Looking forward to getting some more books by this author for my little boy to enjoy when he's a little older.
3 people found this helpful
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Shannon Briggs
5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart and the Bottle: A very beautiful, comforting and emotional story for all ages.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 November 2015
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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.
55 people found this helpful
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Emily
4.0 out of 5 stars nice book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 December 2022
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really nice illustrations, something a little different to go on the book shelf, feels a bit different to read that other baby books but overall feels really nice
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Mrs Jasmin Grisales
5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 13 March 2024
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Good value for money
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onLaurasbookshelf
5.0 out of 5 stars A great story, perfect for sharing at bedtime
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2021
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Beautiful story I purchased for the children i work with (aged 2-3). It has wonderful illustrations and text which both hold the attention of the children and from which they can follow independently after listening to the story.

The children in my setting loved the story, they are big fans of the nursery rhyme Twinkle twinkle little star, so I knew they would be interested in this.

This would make a perfect story for bedtimes, to cuddle up with your little one and share. It is an easy, quick read and I’d say Early years children would enjoy it mostly but it would also make a great book for young readers too.
One person found this helpful
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Calamity Jane
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 August 2023
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Lovely book, beautifully illustrated. Bought for our son, who adored it, so bought another copy for my nephew.
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Rosie Payne
5.0 out of 5 stars gorgeous baby book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 November 2010
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I am delighted with this book, not simply because of the beautiful illustrations but because it is an engaging and original story that my 6-month-old loves. He bounces on my knee in anticipation whenever I pick it up and really looks at the different elements on each page from the colourful rocket to the surreal trees. It's not a pretentious arty book, it's a well thought out story with a rhythm in the telling of it that will enchant babies and toddlers alike. The board book format is also a good size to hold and for baby to help turn the pages.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Ryan
5.0 out of 5 stars Sensacional
Reviewed in Brazil on 7 August 2023
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Excelente para ler em inglês com as crianças. A história prende a atenção e tem uma mensagem bonita.
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Omar
5.0 out of 5 stars Preciodo libro
Reviewed in Mexico on 18 December 2021
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Oliver Jeffers es un genio, si nunca ha leido algo de el, haga el esfuerzo. No se arrepentira.
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Sara Fulghesu
5.0 out of 5 stars Bellissimo
Reviewed in Italy on 14 November 2022
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Ottimo per chi vuole introdurre l'inglese da subito. Consigliato
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julie pome
5.0 out of 5 stars Superbe !
Reviewed in France on 10 October 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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Tamarul
5.0 out of 5 stars lovely story
Reviewed in Germany on 6 August 2021
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Got it for my 2.5 yo girl and she loves it. We enjoy reading it to her too!
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