  | Stars just up the street Author: Soltis, Sue | |
| Price: $21.88 | ||
Summary:
Mabel loves the stars. She can count a few from her bedroom window and even more from the tree in her backyard. But her grandfather saw thousands of stars when he was a boy, and Mabel is determined to see that many herself. So begins Mabel's quest for a better view of the night sky. When she realizes that the glow from nearby houses and streetlights blocks her view, she enlists help from her neighbors and the town's mayor. Can they work together to discover the stars waiting just up the street?
| Illustrator: | Davenier, Christine |
Download a Teacher's GuideReviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/19)
School Library Journal (00/02/20)
Booklist (01/01/20)
The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (A) (00/02/20)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 02/01/2020 K-Gr 2—Mabel loves star-gazing and is intrigued when she hears that her grandfather used to be able to see thousands of them in the night sky when he was a child. Mabel is inspired when she learns that all that needs to happen to see a multitude of stars is to gaze at the night sky in complete darkness. She starts a campaign to have the community engage in a lights-out night to create the perfect environment for star-gazing. Her efforts require tenacity and perseverance, but Mabel ultimately achieves her goal and brings a community together in the process. One voice, one idea, really can make a difference. The idea that anyone, even a young child, with a passion for change can impact an entire community is extremely powerful. Readers will be inspired to stick with and pursue their dreams, undaunted by naysayers. The illustrations, done in ink, are soft and dreamy and depict the gradual progression of a sky with few stars to one covered in spectacular light. Readers will be left curious about real-life efforts to enjoy the natural beauty of the night without the interference of manufactured light. VERDICT A story that inspires all ages to speak up and take action to positively affect the world around them.—Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE - Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
Booklist - 01/01/2020 Mabel loves looking at the stars. On a clear night, she can count 19 from her backyard. But Grandpa remembers seeing thousands when he was growing up on the prairie. So they ask their neighbors to darken their windows and porches. Next, they ask the mayor to turn off streetlamps. At first, she makes excuses, but others in town join the cause. Finally, Mabel asks the mayor, “When was the last time you saw thousands of stars?” and she agrees to dim the lights and join them for an evening of stargazing. That night, they began a tradition: gathering to enjoy the stars on the night of the new moon. This appealing story shows how one or two people can make a difference by working toward change. The narrative and dialogue flow quite naturally, and Davenier’s artwork, created with fluid black line drawings and colored inks, is captivating, particularly in the final series of spreads showing the contented townsfolk gazing up at the deep blue, star-spangled sky. An inviting picture book to share with children. - Copyright 2020 Booklist.
