The Lost Stars by Hannah Cumming (Child's Play International Ltd)

Last night, on a frosty bonfire night, despite the smoke and sulphur from countless fireworks, we could look up at the night sky in our locale and see the beautiful stars. Charlotte's a little space cadet and has inherited a slightly geeky interest in space from her lovely mummy and me (The Strolling Mum was lucky enough to go to Florida and the amazing NASA Space Centre there, I'm so jealous!)

So we loved this book and also loved the message it conveys.

Hannah Cumming has expertly woven a tale that describes how the people of the world are so wrapped up with a love for bright lights, new technology and gadgetry that they stop noticing the dazzling display the stars perform each night. Tired of being unappreciated, the stars decide to disappear, to see if anyone notices - and at first no one does...

So what happens next? We won't spoil it for you but this is a lovely (and non-preachy) tale of how easy it is to take things for granted that are ours for free.

It'll be a cold night tonight again. Stop for a second if you can, even if you're in the brightest busiest city, and see if you can spot those tiny twinkling lights in the sky. Give them a nod and a wink, just to let them know that you still look occasionally.

Charlotte's best bit: The way the stars creep up their ladders every night to 'go to work'

Daddy's favourite bit: A great message conveyed with thought and care. Fantastic illustrations and cityscapes as the people bustle and busy themselves with their day.

(The Lost Stars was kindly sent to us for review by Child's Play International Ltd)