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“Where to Hide a Star” - Oliver Jeffers

Language of book for review:

English - “Where to Hide a Star”

Published also in: n/a

"Where to Hide a Star" by Oliver Jeffers is a whimsical and heartfelt addition to the beloved Boy series, marking twenty years since the debut of "How to Catch a Star." Aimed at children aged 4–8, this picture book follows the Boy, his Penguin, and their Star as a game of hide-and-seek spirals into a cosmic adventure. When the Star goes missing, the Boy enlists the Martian for a spaceship rescue mission to the North Pole, only to discover a girl who has also dreamed of befriending a star. Jeffers weaves a tender tale of friendship, sharing, and letting go, culminating in a resolution that balances joy with a touch of melancholy, though its sweetness might oversimplify the emotional complexity of loss for some readers.

Jeffers’ illustrations, as always, are a triumph, with textured watercolors shifting from warm, playful hues to stark, starry contrasts, capturing both the intimacy of friendship and the vastness of the universe. The Penguin’s background antics, like building a snowman, add delightful humor, while the introduction of the girl as a new character freshens the series without disrupting its nostalgic charm. However, the story’s resolution—while heartwarming—leans heavily on idealized problem-solving, potentially glossing over the messier realities of sharing or parting, which might warrant deeper discussion with young readers. "Where to Hide a Star" is a charming, visually stunning read, perfect for fans of the series, though its rose-tinted lens could benefit from a more nuanced exploration of its themes.