How to Catch an Idea
By Author / Illustrator
Forest Xiao
Genre
Personal Growth
Age range(s)
5+
Publisher
Orchard Children's Books
ISBN
9781408366981
Format
Paperback / softback
Published
29-01-2026
Synopsis
Where do ideas come from?
Maybe they grow in the ground like a seed.
Maybe you bake them like a bun.
Perhaps you can catch a shimmering idea from the sea, or pluck a ripe one from the branches of a tree . . .
Follow a curious little girl as she tries to find the answer to this very big question. This is a playful celebration of creativity, imagination and discovery from award-winning debut creator, Forest Xiao.

Spread from How to Catch an Idea by Forest Xiao
Reviews
Sue
A little girl searches everywhere, trying to catch an idea. As she looks, she asks everyone and everything she meets for help . . .
How to Catch an Idea is an absolutely delightful story which celebrates insatiable curiosity and the wonders of wondering! As the little girl sets out to catch 'a super-shiny, sparkling, brand-new' idea, she asks advice from those she meets along the way, offering plenty to discuss and reflect on as the story is shared again and again.
Children are sure to have plenty of their own thoughts about where ideas come from and how they should be nurtured and developed. Just as the girl a note book to record her ideas, they might be inspired to start one of their own, allowing them to draw, note, write and scribble as ideas and thoughts come to them. The lovely language used to explore girl's search is matched by fabulous illustrations, brimming with humour and things to notice.
It is such a joyful book, one which teachers will enjoy sharing with classes, perhaps discussing the way different people answered her questions and perhaps considering how other people might answer - a teacher or sweetshop owner, for example! Children could draw themselves in a swirl of ideas like the one of the little girl or, if they are currently chasing a big idea, leave space to add these as they occur to them! What a lovely book!
Picture book / Reviewed by Sue Wilsher, teacher
Suggested Reading Age 3+
Who Will You Be When You Grow Up?: A Let's Talk picture book to help children talk about the future
I Am Strong Just Being Me
The World Within Me
So Devin Wore a Skirt
