How to Catch a Star



Last updated Sunday, January 31, 2021

Author: Oliver Jeffers
Date of Publication: 2004
ISBN: 0399242864
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Jan. 2021

Synopsis: Once there was a boy, and that boy loved stars very much. So much so that he decided to catch one of his very own. But how? Waiting for them to grow tired from being up in the sky all night doesn't work. Climbing to the top of the tallest tree? No, not tall enough. The boy has a rocket ship . . . but it is made of paper and doesn't fly well at all. Finally, just when the boy is ready to give up, he learns that sometimes things aren't where, or what, we expect them to be.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  How does someone catch a star?
•  Why do you think someone would catch a star?
•  What would you do with a star once you caught it?

Vocabulary

•  lasso - a long rope with a noose at the end
•  life preserver- a device used to help a person float in water and not drown
•  seagull - a gull that lives on or near the sea

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you think he's going to catch the star?
•  Since the life preserver did not work, what do you think he's going to do next to catch the star?
•  Do you think there is someone else he can ask to help him catch the star?

Craft ideas:
•  We can draw stars using markers and/or crayons
•  We can make a star out of paper plates or paper
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/january-2021-mysteries-new-adventures/

Special activities:
•  We can listen (and sing!) songs about stars on YouTube like Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star at https://youtu.be/yCjJyiqpAuU and Star Light, Star Bright which could be found here: https://youtu.be/OWip7yvXukI https://youtu.be/OWip7yvXukI

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!