How to Catch a Star

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   May 6, 2007
DangermouseZilla (Doncaster, Yorkshire, UK.)
22 out of 22 found this review helpful


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   September 11, 2005
28 out of 31 found this review helpful

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!


Beautiful modern book for young children.   November 25, 2007
Mamamellow (East Sussex UK Best Universe)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is a lovely book. I was drawn to buy it from the great reviews it had received and I'm truly glad I did. The story is so poignant that I actually feel quite tearful each time I read it and my 34 month old absolutely adores it - I don't think she quite understands the concept of trying to catch star as she told me the other day that she wants to buy the moon in Tesco! However, it's the futility of trying to catch a real star that makes this story so sad but so sweet at the same time - and the ending, without wanting to spoil it, is perfect. The illustrations are just beautiful and the story is brilliant. I can't put this one down. I usually prefer classic children's stories as I can't bare 'political correctness' but this story is wonderful. I can't wait for my 12 month old to get into it too. Oliver Jeffers is a genius.


Classic in the making!   August 23, 2004
18 out of 24 found this review helpful

I read this in a book shop, as it's a children's book it didn't take me long. It's a lovely story of a boy trying to catch a star from the sky. I'm not a child anymore, nor do i have any children but I fell in love with this story and had to buy it!

Could easily become a classic!!