If You Can See the Dark

A dark sky is one where artificial light does not interfere with the view of the natural starry environment. One hundred years ago, anyone could look up at the night sky and see thousands of stars above, but due to the increased and widespread use of artificial light over the last century, 80 percent of the world’s population lives under skyglow, and in the United States and Europe, 99 percent of the public can’t experience a natural night.

If You Can See The Dark--the first ever children’s picture book from the Appalachian Mountain Club--teaches children about the importance of dark skies for animals, plants, and ourselves. Paired with stunning and evocative art, kids learn about dark skies in a way that will resonate with kids and adults alike.

Timothy Mudieis Senior Books Editor for AMC Books and an author whose stories have appeared on the podcast LeVar Burton Reads and in various magazines. He lives in Weymouth, Massachusetts.

Jenny Ward led Appalachian Mountain Club’s effort to become the first International Dark Sky Park in New England. She lives on the shores of Moosehead Lake and finds inspiration and fortitude in the star-filled dark skies she writes about and advocates for.

Mattie Rose Templeton’s work is inspired by the wild. She creates using an old-fashioned ink well and watercolor. Her work often incorporates organic geometric shapes, in a style that is uniquely her own.