How to Catch a Star

Posted on October 14, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

How to Catch a Star (2004)
by Oliver Jeffers

This picture book, about a boy who wants to catch a star, is a simple story. The boy wishes he had a star. He makes a plan to catch one, he runs into conflicts, and eventually, his wish comes true. Simple, and yet such a wonderful picture book. Oliver Jeffers, of The Day the Crayons Quit fame, has illustrated How to Catch a Star beautifully. The pictures accompanying this sweet story are child-like, while still remaining fresh. The book as a whole is a winner!

Themes: stars, goals, brainstorming, perseverance, happy endings

(Search for the YouTube stop motions of this book. While they aren’t exactly true to the book, they are seriously darling!)

How to Catch a Star (2004)

The Curious Garden

Posted on October 13, 2016June 16, 2023 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Curious Garden (2009)
by Peter Brown

A young boy living in a dreary city happens upon a small bit of earth and decides to take care of it. As the boy’s garden grows and thrives under his care, the rest of the city begins to join in, creating unique gardens of their own.

While so many “environmental” books end up leaving the reader feeling overwhelmed or even a bit discouraged, this enchanting and subtle picture book leaves the reader feeling irresistibly optimistic. By doing something he’s drawn to do, young Liam inspires change that is wide-reaching and quite beautiful.

I can’t wait to read more of Peter Brown’s books!

Visit Peter’s website, peterbrownstudio.com, for wonderful interviews, unique items for sale, and free, downloadable activities, including coloring pages, activity pages, and a poster.

Also check out videos about the Highline. Highline history, Walking the Highline or check out their website

The Curious Garden (2009)

Me, Jane

Posted on July 11, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

Me, Jane (2011)
written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

The moment I spotted this book at a friend’s house, I knew it was a must-have for us. This Caldecott Honor book has delightful illustrations by MUTTS comic creator, Patrick McDonnell. The picture book tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall as a young girl dreaming about living in Africa and helping animals. It’s short and sweet and has inspired me to learn more about this amazing woman. Filled with true anecdotes and even a page of puzzles and drawings that Jane made as a young girl, Me, Jane is a book I can’t wait to add to our collection. And, yes, this mama did get choked up on the final page, which is always evidence of a great book.

The Little Yellow Leaf

Posted on July 11, 2016July 3, 2020 by keepinthesunlightblog@gmail.com

The Little Yellow Leaf (2008)
by Carin Berger

This is one of my new favorite books! Unlike all the other fall leaves, this little yellow leaf just isn’t quite ready to let go. This is such a simple story, and yet has so much packed into it about doing things in our own time, finding courage, discovering friends, and, of course, letting go. The artwork is beautiful and unique, created with a “mixed media” look. But the story itself is what has me adding this book to our “must own” list. Fabulous.

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Fall (Autumn) books