Who Hid the Stars? How Light Pollution Changes Our World

Gr 2-5–Absorbing nightscapes and intricate diagrams are at the center of this Italian import, a concise and information-rich introduction to light pollution and its far-reaching effects. Opening with a brief history of artificial light’s development, each subsequent section spotlights different corners of the plant and animal kingdoms, illustrating both the positive and negative impacts of nighttime illumination. Two levels of text on each spread create a degree of browsability that will be appealing to a wide range of readers. Each topic overview is paired with more detailed examples, including how bird and insect flight patterns can be disrupted by artificial light and how perennial plants may experience lengthened growing seasons. Three wordless spreads invite readers to pause and absorb the atmosphere, though for some, these interruptions may feel a bit out of place or without purpose. The artwork, done in acrylic paint, digital media, and ballpoint pen, will draw in young readers. Dark, velvety backgrounds allow vivid colors to break through, and in some spreads, show animals cleverly camouflaged in the shadows. This immersive approach underscores the book’s central message about what is lost when true darkness disappears and perhaps will inspire young readers to look at the night and light in a new way.