How to Catch a Star: questions to ask and activities to try
A boy loves stars so much that he wants to catch one. How to Catch a Star is Oliver Jeffers' magical first picture book about big dreams and not giving up.
What age is it for? How to Catch a Star is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Big dreams, trying again, and finding them in unexpected places.
How to Catch a Star (Oliver Jeffers)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Big dreams, trying again, and finding them in unexpected places
Read it at bedtime with the stars outside. Ask what your child dreams of, and celebrate the boy's never-give-up attitude.
What it helps with
- Big dreams
- Trying again and again
- Finding answers in unexpected places
- Imagination
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did the boy want?”
- “How did he try to catch a star?”
- “Why didn’t it work?”
- “Where did he find his star?”
- “What would you love to catch?”
- “What do you never give up on?”
5-minute activities to try together
Star catcher
Cut out paper stars and hide them around the house to catch.
Dream jar
Write or draw a dream on paper and keep it in a jar.
Free printables: How to Catch a Star worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Way Back Home (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Problem solving, and helping someone in the same trouble
- Age
- 3-7
The Dot (Peter H. Reynolds)
- Best for
- Children who say 'I can't' before they've tried
- Age
- 4-8
Once Upon a Star (James Carter and Mar Hernández)
- Best for
- Big questions about the sun, stars and how we got here
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.