Caspar and the Star
What’s inside...
All his life Caspar has been watching for one special star. It finally appears in the night sky above his house and he can hardly believe it. It leads him on a quest that changes his life. The book was selected for the Illustrators' Exhibition at the 1990 Bolgna International Children's Book Fair. The three wise men pursue a roundabout journey following a great star and eventually find the Christ Child.
Age
7-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite thing about Caspar's adventure to find the star?
How do you think Caspar felt when he was searching for the star, and why?
What would you do if you were on a quest to find something special like Caspar?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like Caspar helped the animals he met?
What does the star symbolize in the story, and what does it mean to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and facial expressions while reading to reflect the emotions in the scenes, making the story come alive for your child.
Pause after key moments in the book to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, promoting empathy and understanding.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book. Discuss what they chose to illustrate and why, deepening their connection to the story.
After reading, relate the book's themes to your child’s experiences, like moments of helping others or pursuing a goal, to personalize the messages in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Caspar and the Star', Caspar shows compassion by helping a stranded star find its way back to the sky, teaching readers about the significance of helping others in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to assist their friends or siblings in simple tasks or share their belongings, fostering an environment of kindness and cooperation in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance leads to success
Explanation: Throughout the story, Caspar faces several challenges in his quest to help the star, yet he never gives up. This persistence is crucial in teaching children the value of determination.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by continuing to work hard on their school assignments or when learning a new skill, even if it initially seems difficult.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Caspar's journey is filled with creative solutions that he imagines to overcome obstacles. This highlights the role of imagination in solving problems and navigating the world.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity to think outside the box whether it’s in playing, storytelling, or coming up with unique solutions to everyday problems.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care for nature
Explanation: By taking it upon himself to return the star to the sky, Caspar shows a deep sense of responsibility towards nature and its elements, emphasizing the importance of caring for our environment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their surroundings by engaging in activities like recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-ups.