Lights Out: Saving the Night Sky

“Marnie Ogg’s Lights Out: Saving the Night Sky introduces upper-primary readers to the science of natural and artificial light, exploring the ways humans, plants and animals depend on light for safety, navigation and survival. At its heart is a clear conservation message: light pollution is increasing, but there are practical things we can all do to reduce it.

The book combines accessible explanations with photographs, fact boxes and interviews, giving it the feel of classic children’s science and reference books. It is packed with surprising information – including how dung beetles use the Milky Way to navigate – and will particularly appeal to curious readers aged 9–12.

A strong feature is the series of Q&A interviews with scientists working across different fields, offering young readers a glimpse into real-world research and adding another dimension to the science.

While the book contains a substantial amount of information, its conversational tone helps make complex ideas approachable. Its strong environmental focus also encourages children to consider how their own choices can affect the natural world.

Together with the free teacher resources available online, Lights Out provides a rich starting point for classroom discussion and investigation into light, wildlife, astronomy and conservation.”

CSIRO Publishing

Review by Anica Boulanger-Mashberg