Who Hid the Stars?: How Light Pollution Changes Our World - Hardcover

by Valentina Gottardi (Illustrator), Danio Miserocchi (Author), Maciej Michno (Author)

⭐"Beautiful...concise yet engaging." --Booklist (STARRED REVIEW)

A richly illustrated picture book exploring light pollution and its surprising impact on nature and wildlife.

When streetlights outshine the stars, what does that mean for plants, animals, and us? This absorbing nonfiction picture book investigates artificial light and its unexpected impact on our planet. Who Hid the Stars? explores fascinating topics including:

• How artificial light developed throughout history--from fire to LEDs
• How city lights interrupt bird migration patterns
• How streetlights gather insects--and their predators
• How turtles struggle to hatch without darkness
• How plant growth changes in artificial light
• How humans can fight light pollution and stop it from harming nature!

With lush ink, acrylic, and digital illustrations and scientifically sound, yet approachable text, Who Hid the Stars? is a memorable way to explore conservation and biodiversity. This book will ignite children's curiosity and inspire them to take care of Earth--starting by turning out the lights.

Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Who Hid the Stars? includes a glossary of terms, a further reading list, and a link to the authors' bibliography. The browsable book is ideal for STEAM units along with Earth Day and World Wildlife Day celebrations.

Part of Eerdmans' Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series. The book's original edition was shortlisted for Italy's Premio Piccolo Galileo (Little Galileo Award).

Author Biography

Danio Miserocchi is an Italian naturalist and teacher who works with museums and community organizations on conservation and biodiversity initiatives. He enjoys researching and exploring neglected species of flora and fauna in their environments. Follow Danio on Instagram @daniomiserocchi.

Maciej Michno earned a degree in computer science and now uses his skills to help communicate science and technology through text and images. At the Italian publisher Cocai Books, based in the city of Rovereto, he is an editor and administrative manager passionate about writing, proofreading, and all other sorts of processes.

Valentina Gottardi has pursued her dual passions of art and nature since childhood. At the Italian publisher Cocai Books, she serves as artistic director and designer for all projects, including this one. Learn more about Cocai Books on Instagram @cocaidesign.

Sylvia Notini has translated over 200 titles from Italian into English. Her translation of Just A Girl: A True Story of World War II (HarperCollins) won the 2023 Mildred L. Batchelder Award, and her translation of Chickenology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia (Princeton Architectural) was a finalist for the AAAS Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Sylvia lives in Castenaso, just outside of Bologna, Italy. Visit her website at sylvianotini.com.