This paper asks what we mean when we speak of the ‘spirit’ of a picturebook, given that this elusive element, that has broadly been equated in adaptation theory with the ‘story’ (Hutcheon, A Theory of Adaptation, 2006) cannot be located solely within the verbal narrative of picturebooks, but rather resides in a complex interplay of words and pictures and that the full meaning of these narratives is only actualized when the reader engages in a performative relationship with the book. This paper provides a detailed case study of the 2017 stage adaptation created by the Irish-language theatre-company, Branar Téatar do Pháistí an adaptation that has been highly praised for the manner in which it captures ‘the spirit’ of Jeffers’ original text. Use your imagination to describe how you could catch a star.Oliver Jeffers’ best-selling picturebook How to Catch a Star (2004) has been the subject of several recent theatre adaptations for children.Describe the characteristics of a good friend.Hang it up to display! Some possible writing prompts to go with the artwork and story, How to Catch a Star: Cut out a yellow star from your construction paper and glue it onto your paper.Ħ.

Both worked, but looked slightly different. We tried both regular salt and epsom salts. The salt creates such an interesting effect on the wet paint! We used blue, turquoise, and green to resemble ocean water.Ĭontinue until the paper is completely covered in color.ģ. Use droppers or pipettes to drop liquid watercolors onto your paper. Start by painting a layer of water over your entire sheet of watercolor paper.Ģ. We decided to make some watercolor art inspired by that page! Watercolor Art Activity for Kids Inspired by How to Catch a Star Materials for Art Activityġ. Lucy has always brainstormed ways to catch stars ever since she could speak it seems! (She used to ask my husband if he could a rope, climb to the top of a nearby mountain and try to catch one!)Īs we were rereading How to Catch a Star, the illustration of the star in the ocean water reminded us of a recent painting technique we had tried, painting with watercolors and droppers. We are huge fans of children’s books by Oliver Jeffers! (Some of our favorites being Stuck, The Day the Crayons Quit, and Lost and Found.) How to Catch a Starhas always been a favorite not only because it’s a sweet story of friendship, but because it seemed to always hit home with my kids. We were inspired by the beautiful illustrations in the story to create this watercolor ocean and star art for kids! Follow our Children’s Book Activities Pinterest board! How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers is one of our favorite children’s books.

Oliver jeffers how to catch a star