The night sky has always been a close part of Polly Carlson-Voiles' life. She vividly remembers seeing the milky way for the first time as a kid in the BWCA and taking her own children out to the dock on Lake Vermillion. After retiring to northern Minnesota, she has had countless "star parties" at her home.
The author took inspiration from these experiences and crafted them into the award-winning story Star Party, illustrated by Consie Powell. The children's book follows Nora and her grandparents as they show her the wonders of night in the north woods. It encapsulates the mystery and awe of the cosmos while introducing the modern threat of light pollution.
To Carlson-Voiles, the purpose of this book is "to remind children if they live in places where they can't see the stars, that there are places where they could see the stars."
You can pick up a copy of Star Party at the library, online, or at most independent bookstores in northern Minnesota.
Minnesota Reads is produced at The North 103.3 with funding provided in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.