Once Upon a Star: questions to ask and activities to try
Once upon a star, there were no stars at all. Once Upon a Star is a poetic, beautifully illustrated first look at the universe, the sun and our place in it.
What age is it for? Once Upon a Star is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Big questions about the sun, stars and how we got here.
Once Upon a Star (James Carter and Mar Hernández)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Big questions about the sun, stars and how we got here
Read it slowly, perhaps at night when the stars are out. Let your child's questions lead: you don't need all the answers, just the wondering.
What it helps with
- Big questions about space and time
- First science about the sun and planets
- Poetry and rhythm
- Wonder and curiosity
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 was there before the stars?”
- “What is the sun?”
- “How many planets can you name?”
- “What would happen without the sun?”
- “What would you like to know about space?”
- “Can you find a star tonight?”
5-minute activities to try together
Star watch
On a clear evening, look for stars and the moon together. Count the stars you can see.
Sun circle
Stand in the middle as the sun while toys circle round you as planets.
Free printables: Once Upon 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.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Astro Girl (Ken Wilson-Max)
- Best for
- Dreaming big, and girls who love space
- Age
- 3-6
Because of an Acorn (Lola M. Schaefer, Adam Schaefer and Frann Preston-Gannon)
- Best for
- How everything in nature is connected
- Age
- 3-7
Goodnight Moon (Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd)
- Best for
- Winding down at bedtime, and settling to sleep
- Age
- 0-4
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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.