Lights Out, written by Marsha Diane Arnold and illustrated by Susan Reagan. Creative Editions, Raincoast. 2020. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"Fox and Beetle wonder
if Night is only lost. 
Out there. Somewhere. 

And so, together, they set out. 
Across the wide, wide world, 

they search ... 

for the Dark of Night." 

The author begins with a note about light pollution, knowing that readers are likely to be far more familiar with both air and water pollution. She wrote this book to address the problems that come from having too much artificial light in our world: birds are confused, frogs don't sing, fireflies cannot communicate as they once did, and it's not dark enough for nocturnal animals to find food. It can also change body rhythms in both humans and animals. 

When Fox and Beetle notice that there is too much light for them, they set out on an adventurous journey to find darkness once again. They remember how it once was, and wonder where Night has gone. They want to find it again. They set out together, aware that the lack of darkness is affecting so many creatures. No matter where they wander, they cannot find Dark. Always lights ... everywhere. 

Bird, Frog, and Bear join them on their search. When they finally get to the sea, they find tiny turtle hatchlings unable to find a path to the water. They are, instead, being attracted to the light. With determination the travellers run to the water, encouraging the hatchlings to follow them. Firefly joins in, as they make their way across the water to a nearby island. Blessed darkness awaits them there. 

Susan Reagan's illustrations move readers from the brightness of artificial light to the beauty of night skies. Each are important and necessary, but we must be ever-cognizant that light pollution is too prevalent, and often overlooked as a source of concern for the continued good health of the earth and its inhabitants. 

The closing artwork reminds us of the beauty to be found in the night sky - if we can see it!