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

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

⭐ "Absorbing, exquisitely illustrated...will likely compel its audience to look at human-created illumination in a whole new light." ―Shelf Awareness (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).

Danio Miserocchi is a coauthor of The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon) and Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans). He is an Italian naturalist and teacher who works with museums and community organizations on conservation and biodiversity initiatives.   Follow Danio on Instagram @daniomiserocchi.

Maciej Michno is an editor at Cocai Books, which creates educational, scientifically verified books focused on often-overlooked natural subjects.  His previous titles include Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans) and The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon).

Valentina Gottardi has pursued her dual passions of art and nature since childhood. At Cocai Books, she serves as artistic director and designer for all projects, including this book, Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans), and The Tomorrow Tree (Phaidon).

Sylvia Notini has translated over 200 titles from Italian into English, including Who Hid the Stars? (Eerdmans) and Sea Wonders (Princeton Architectural). Her translation of Just a Girl (HarperCollins) won the 2023 Mildred L. Batchelder Award, and her translation of Chickenology (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.