Phoebe loves hanging out with her father at his shop, Night Sky, where she can use telescopes to look at stars and planets. Longing to see Mars and Saturn, which are obscured by the city's many lights, Phoebe wishes for "the bright lights to disappear . . . Just to give the night sky a chance." As if in answer to her wish, a storm rolls through and knocks out the neighborhood's power to reveal hundreds of "glowing, sparkling, gleaming lights" in the sky. Phoebe, her father, and many townspeople venture out to marvel at the sight of the planets, stars, and constellations. Full-page and spot illustrations of watercolor, acrylic, pencil, pastel chalk, and digital collage use a deep, dusky palette that results in vivid skyscapes and an interesting use of white space. Back matter offers information about the solar system and light pollution and includes a glossary and bibliography. This story of a young girl of color with a passion for science will fill a gap in many collections.

Gr 2-5 Phoebe loves everything about the stars. She draws the planets on the sidewalk outside of her dad's store after helping him set up the telescope. Saturn and Mars are going to be visible tonight up in the night sky. But Dad warns her that they might be hard to see, since the city lights "always turned the night sky gray and dull." Phoebe is disappointed and wishes that the lights would go out, just for a while. Sicuro's mixed-media illustrations help children understand the story from the girl's point of view. From her chalk drawings of the planets to the up-close view of Phoebe making her wish, readers are in the moment, hoping that Phoebe will get to see the stars. Several informational pages offer "More About Our Night Sky," including facts about the solar system, telescopes, and light pollution. VERDICT This fictional story will pair nicely with nonfiction titles on the topic, such as Jacqueline Mitton's Zoo in the Sky (1998) and Once Upon a Starry Night (2004, both National Geographic). Annette Herbert, F. E. Smith Elementary School, Cortland, NY