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.

All work and no play does more than make Alien a dull guy.Alien's job is to shine stars, and that's all he does--no play, no hobbies, no fun, no friends. That is, until the day when the stars go out completely. Alien follows his manual, but the stars are still dark, so he calls the Star Helpline. They suggest a magic star varnish sold only on faraway Earth. Off Alien goes. But he's going to need lots of help--where to find the varnish?--and to add to his problems, aliens float on Earth. Luckily, a young white, blond boy named George and his dog happen along to lend a hand. After getting so much help from George, it would seem rude to refuse his invitation to play despite how dire Alien's problem is. But perhaps play--and a friend--is just what Alien needs after all. Readers never really feel Alien's tension, as the book seemingly flits from one problem to the next, each easily solved quite serendipitously. Hughes' illustrations, which appear to be digital, show Alien as a rounded blue cylinder with ink arms, legs, ears, and antennae and a darker blue nose that begins at the top of his head and looks like an upside-down T. Inexplicably, the duo's having fun on the playground in daytime, until Alien's smile triggers the stars' shining, and all of a sudden, it's night. This friendship tale doesn't shine. (Picture book. 4-7) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2016
All work and no play does more than make Alien a dull guy.Aliens job is to shine stars, and thats all he doesno play, no hobbies, no fun, no friends. That is, until the day when the stars go out completely. Alien follows his manual, but the stars are still dark, so he calls the Star Helpline. They suggest a magic star varnish sold only on faraway Earth. Off Alien goes. But hes going to need lots of helpwhere to find the varnish?and to add to his problems, aliens float on Earth. Luckily, a young white, blond boy named George and his dog happen along to lend a hand. After getting so much help from George, it would seem rude to refuse his invitation to play despite how dire Aliens problem is. But perhaps playand a friendis just what Alien needs after all. Readers never really feel Aliens tension, as the book seemingly flits from one problem to the next, each easily solved quite serendipitously. Hughes illustrations, which appear to be digital, show Alien as a rounded blue cylinder with ink arms, legs, ears, and antennae and a darker blue nose that begins at the top of his head and looks like an upside-down T. Inexplicably, the duos having fun on the playground in daytime, until Aliens smile triggers the stars shining, and all of a sudden, its night. This friendship tale doesnt shine. (Picture book. 4-7)

COPYRIGHT(2016) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.