Publisher: David Fickling Books

Can You See the Stars Tonight is a gentle tale that brings the topic of light pollution into sharp focus for young readers.

This picture book tells the story of a spirited young girl, Nora, who, alongside her companion Puffin and her two dads, embarks on a mission to help lost baby puffins, or pufflings, find their way back home. The story begins with Nora, an avid stargazer, noticing that the stars outside her window are dimmer than the ones in her books. This curious observation quickly turns into a call to action when a puffling crashes through her window in a panic—one of many that have been disoriented and blown off course by the lights of the town. What unfolds is a heartwarming and determined journey, as Nora and her family set off to Puffin Island to investigate.

Through her discovery that pufflings rely on the natural guidance of the moon and stars, Nora learns how the town’s bright lights are disrupting this instinctive navigation. The solution isn’t found in grand gestures, but in small, thoughtful actions: making light shields, closing curtains, and rallying her classmates and neighbours to reduce unnecessary artificial light.

The book’s illustrations are charming—soft, expressive, and full of character, particularly the puffins, who are irresistibly cute. This book does more than tell a story—it encourages young readers to notice the world around them, to ask questions, and to believe in their power to make a difference, no matter how small they may seem.