THE NIGHT THE STARS WENT OUT

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.