Oliver Jeffers
(HarperCollins Children’s Books)
Very few illustrators have caught the hearts of those in the Library Mice household quite like Oliver Jeffers has. We have been fans for ever, and I mean ALL of us. We have laughed at cried at all his picturebooks. We even travelled all the way to London just so we could see his work and meet him at the Illustration Cupboard many years ago. But it not just us. So big is his influence on the picturebook world today, it is quite amazing to think that his début book was published only ten years ago. And to celebrate, HarperCollins have released a 10th Anniversary edition of that very book, How to Catch a Star.
A story of determination, ingenuity and believing that anything is possible, How to Catch a Star, like all of Jeffers’ books, is a gentle tale in which episodes of utter poignancy and sheer elation alternate. Jeffers excels at conveying emotions; as my daughter once said he is the “man that always makes me cry in the middle of his books but then makes me happy again”. In his books, the lines between reality and abstract are blurred, paving the way for magical whimsical and imaginative tales and ingenuous artwork. He is a master at depicting the endless possibilities only made possible by the innocence of a child’s mind. So whether you are (re)dicovering this beautiful story yourself, or want to introduce the Joy of Jeffers to a new family, do have a look at this sumptuous new edition. It comes with a new introduction from Oliver Jeffers himself
Later on in the year, a foiled gift box containing a very special limited edition of How to Catch a Star along with an exclusive, signed art print featuring never-before published artwork will be released.
Buy How to Catch a Star from an independent online bookshop
Source: review copy from publisher
I can’t believe Jeffers has only been on the scene for ten years! What an impact; he’s one of my very favorites. Your daughter’s quote sums his work up perfectly!
Yes, it really does show what an incredible artist is!