Introducing a story about reaching for your dreams~ featured in MaiStoryBook Library Collection:

“How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers

Book Synopsis and Review

There once was a boy who really, really, really, realllyyyy loved stars. So much so, that his one and only dream was to catch a star of his very own! But the stars are so very high up~ and he is so very down low on Earth…the challenge is~ how to come up with a plan to catch a star and make his dreams come true~ Our little friend, using his young logic~ crafts clever kid-ideas to catch his star- from waiting until morning when the stars would fall from being too tired from staying up all night~ to harnessing the help of a seagull to fly up to the sky to catch him a star. Unfortunately, his numerous attempts continue to be unyielding – the stars actually disappear in the morning…and all through the day… and the seagull is quite uncooperative… But, just when the boy was about to give up hope *even though he still really dreamed for the star in his heart*~ he stumbles across an *unexpected* surprise~*

Author and Illustrator Oliver Jeffers has created another beloved masterpiece~ a tale of sweet simplicity that speaks volumes to the heart and imagination of a young child. His understanding and presentation of how a young child’s mind works is impeccable, and creates a story that little ones can connect with, and that adults value for the brief glimpse into a child’s thinking and beliefs. This story will have you and your little ones searching and striving for *shiny star* dreams of their very own~ and will encourage them to think creatively, believe fiercely, and always keep their dream alive in their heart.

Vocabulary List

• Appear (p. 8) Now you can see it!
• Lasso (p. 15) a rope with a hoop around the end that you toss to hook something
• Life preserver (p. 15) a circle hoop that floats
• Floating (p. 22) something that stays above water and doesn’t sink
• Rippled (p. 24) small, tiny waves

Themes/Main ideas

• Anything is possible: Never give up on your dreams. Dreams can come true in the most unexpected ways.
• Creative thinking: What are all the different ways you can imagine to catch a star? When you have a problem~ use creative thinking to try and solve it!

YouTube Video: Guided Shared-Reading Read Aloud Example

Example of a shared-reading, interactive Read Aloud of “How to Catch a Star” – how to subtly introduce the vocabulary list words within the text, ask guided questions, and spark conversation!

*~Check it Out~*

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*Star Charm* Craft

How many of you all create a summer bucket list with new goals for the summer? With all the free summertime, it’s the perfect opportunity to try something new and reach for the stars! One way I’ll be reaching for the stars this summer~~ is to take singing lessons again! Before my Masters and credential program began, me and *Mai* love had been taking singing lessons weekly for about a year~ but once school started, due to the high work load and intense coursework… singing lessons had to go on pause 🙁 BUT- Summer gives me the perfect opportunity with enough time to pursue this shiny star dream of mine to sing my heart out! What shiny star dream will you be reaching for??? Well, for this week’s craft, we will be making a *star charm* to help remind you to always pursue your dreams~ because, with persistence and faith, your dream just might come true in the most *unexpected* of ways! Prepare for an afternoon of shiny stars and *possible* dreams!

Materials

• 5 popsicle craft sticks (definitely could buy a box of actual popsicles for a summer treat, and wash and save the sticks! 2 in 1 popsicle ~*)
• Hot glue gun
• Paint ~ any colors you want to use for your store
• Paint brush
• Paper plate for paint
• Star Decorations~ glitter, sequins, puffy paint, glitter glue
• 1 pipe cleaner (any color)

Directions

• Using the hot glue gun, glue the 5 popsicle sticks together in a star-shape. Check out the photos below for step-by-step directions to form your star shape.

• Once dry, squeeze your paint colors onto the plate, and use your paintbrush to paint the popsicle stick star. Paint front and back.
• Then *while your paint is still wet (this way you don’t have to use glue!)* Sprinkle on the glitter and/or sequins

• Use puffy paint or glitter glue to decorate.
• Wait until it’s dry. Then, take the pipe cleaner and loop it through one corner of the star.
• Twist the pipe cleaner ends together to make a loop to hang your star charm.

Enjoy Your *Star Charm* Craft

• Use your *star charm* as a reading buddy as you re-read the story. Lift it up high as the boy reaches high for the star!
• Share your star charm with friends and family members to help you share about your own shiny star dreams. Ask them about their own shiny star dreams.
• Hang the star charm in your room to remind you to reach for your dreams and never give up!

*~Overall, have fun creating and acting with your  *Star Charm* Craft,  and I hope you and your little ones have a lovely time reaching for your dreams!  – tag me on Instagram @MaiStoryBookLibrary  – or post on FaceBook to share your photos of your own *Star Charm* Crafts and dreams, and your own reading adventures! I’d love to hear from you!~*

*Check Back on Next Friday for our New Reading Adventure*

*~Until next time, Happy Reading~*