How to Catch a Star: Celebrate twenty years of the modern classic illustrated picture-book adventure for children!

Lovely story book bought for our grandson Thick solid pages initially stuck together on edges so carefully tease apart before using

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.

This is the most delightful story about a little boy trying to catch a star. Will buy again!

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

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.

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.

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.

Great story, lovely pictures. Recommended.