The Night the Stars Went Out

September 5, 2016
It’s Alien’s job to shine all the stars in the universe, which leaves no time for fun. When every star suddenly goes out, the roly-poly blue alien puts on his “favorite human disguise” (it involves a fake mustache and an “I heart Earth” T-shirt) and travels to the only planet that sells star varnish. Unfortunately, Alien floats on Earth, so it’s up to a boy named George to help Alien get the stars shining once more. After acquiring the needed varnish, Alien accepts George’s offer to play, and Alien’s resulting happiness magically turns the stars back on (here’s hoping they kept their receipt from the hardware store). In her first picture book, British illustrator Hughes uses bright blues, pinks, and yellows to create a vivid backdrop for Alien and George’s adventure, but the mild story is a mixed bag. Neither George or Alien is given much personality, and the message about maintaining a reasonable work-life balance seems more apropos for adults reading the book than the young listening audience, most of whom probably don’t need to be told twice to make room in their lives for fun. Ages 4–7.