Where to Hide a Star

August 1, 2024
A boy, a star, a Martian, and a penguin all return for a tale of games gone awry. Jeffers reintroduces his droll hero, who appeared in his previous picture booksLost and Found (2006), How To Catch a Star (2004), The Way Back Home (2008), andUp and Down (2010). The boy loves playing games of hide-and-seek with two of his friends, a penguin and a star. The star isn't adept at hiding, while the penguin is overly fond of the same hiding spot. When the penguin accidentally gets wedged among some rocks, the boy places the star in a rowboat while attempting to dislodge the penguin. The boat immediately sets sail for the North Pole. Unable to find his missing friend, the boy enlists the aid of his Martian pal and, with the penguin in tow, they head out on a rescue mission. A rescue, that is, until they find that someone else has befriended the star. What will become of the star? Like Jeffers' other boy-related tales, this one is distinguished by its tone; the author/illustrator excels at cultivating a rose-hued melancholy sweetness that will linger long after the book is closed. The palette of the textured watercolors changes according to location and emotion, with the firmament above appearing in a striking final black-and-white culmination. A gratifying story of loving and letting go.(Picture book. 4-6)

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Starred review from October 15, 2024
Preschool-Grade 3 *Starred Review* Twenty years ago, Jeffers' picture book How to Catch a Star introduced the boy, who longed to have a star as a playmate. Several books later, the boy has three friends: a star, a penguin, and a helpful Martian. The new sequel reunites these characters and introduces one more. The boy, the star, and the penguin are playing hide-and-seek when the penguin gets stuck. While the boy works to free him, the star floats away in a little boat. After a frantic search, the boy radios for help. The Martian locates the star at the North Pole with a new friend, a girl. They all meet at the pole. Both children want to keep the star, but neither wants to make the other unhappy. Instead, the Martian starts a new hide-and-seek game by placing the star in a place where everyone can find him. Notable for its simplicity, insight, and charm, this book will entertain longtime fans of the boy and his adventures as well as kids unfamiliar with the series. The narrative reads aloud well, and the watercolor illustrations are notable for their use of subtly shaded colors as well as the drawings of the lovable characters. A welcome addition to this captivating series.

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December 6, 2024

K-Gr 2-In Jeffers's latest, a boy is best friends with a penguin and a star. When the star is forgotten at sea, the boy and the penguin embark on a quest to find her-but the star drifts to a far-off shore and finds a friend of her own. The boy calls a Martian on the phone to aid in the search. An impromptu game of hide-and-seek ensues, after which the star is hung in the sky so that everyone can appreciate her. The penguin, a memorable character, becomes a background feature, and is eclipsed by the action. As with most picture books, the interplay of words and art creates multiple levels of understanding and perception. The use of panels will help readers anticipate what the characters can't possibly know is coming. The book's intended message is a good one, but with so many elements in the plot, young readers may struggle to grasp it. VERDICT Any new title from Jeffers is sure to attract attention. Due to the book's complex plot line, young readers will be more enamored of the whimsical, characteristic artwork.-Benjamin Ludwig

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