The Stars Just Up the Street

A grandpa’s memories of brilliant night skies inspire a little girl to take action in a tale for budding community organizers and star lovers alike.

Mabel loves stars. She counts five from her window and thirty-seven from her backyard. But her grandfather tells her that, as a child, he could see thousands. Could it be true? Mabel climbs a hill looking for more stars — only to discover that the glow from the nearby town makes them hard to see. What would it take for her neighbors to turn off their lights, just for one night, so that everyone could see the starlit sky? Sue Soltis’s tale of a young activist and Christine Davenier’s luminous illustrations will leave readers curious about the dark-sky movement — and the wonder that is waiting for them just up the street.

Sue Soltis is the author of the picture book Nothing Like a Puffin, illustrated by Bob Kolar. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Christine Davenier is the award-winning illustrator of many picture books, including Nadia: The Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still by Karlin Gray and The Cat With Seven Names by Tony Johnston. Christine Davenier lives in Paris.