Where to hide a star by Oliver Jeffers

Fans of Jeffers’ picture books starring a boy, a star, a Martian and a penguin, Lost and Found (2006), How To Catch a Star (2004), The Way Back Home (2008), and Up and Down (2010), will be delighted with Where to find a star, meeting once again a little boy in a red and white striped pullover, a penguin and a star. This time the trio are playing hide-and-seek, a game that they love. The star is always easy to find, but one day the boy can not find it anywhere. He asks his friend the Martian for help and soon they are on their way to the North Pole in the Martian’s flying saucer. But a surprise awaits them there. A little girl has found the star, something she has always wanted for a friend. What will they do?

The illustrations are beautiful, from the beguiling cover with its beautiful pink and blue sky, to the blues of the North Pole, the dark and frightening blue black of the sea during a storm and the little figures at home against a white background.

The narrative is easy to read aloud and young children will be intrigued by the dilemma of who is going to keep the star as a friend. Can there be a solution that will make them all happy? The theme of loving and letting go could be discussed after reading the book.

Jeffers is an award-winning author and illustrator and Where to find a star is sure to be a hit with young readers. Those new to his books will want to read some of the other books in the series.

Themes: Stars, Love, Friendship, Hide-and-Seek, North Pole.

Pat Pledger