Glitter Everywhere!: Where It Came From, Where It’s Found & Where It’s Going
by Chris Barton; illus. by Chaaya Prabhat
Primary    Charlesbridge    48 pp.
6/23    9781623542528    $19.99

Barton explores glitter, a source of fascination (and frustration), diving into the science, history, and entrepreneurship that created the material we know today. He doesn’t shy away from the drawbacks, from everyday irritations to the serious environmental impact of microplastics to the exploitation of child labor in the mining industry. But he also explores the joys of glitter, including why people have always been attracted to things that shine and sparkle. From the early days of using mica and beetle shells to create something shiny to new innovations intended to make glitter more ecologically friendly, Prabhat’s colorful, layered, collage-style digital illustrations capture its messy allure. Many spreads are flecked with small shapes, evoking glitter’s ubiquitous quality. Whether they love the stuff or loathe it, readers will find something here to pique their curiosity. Back matter includes an author’s note on Barton’s research process, an illustrator’s note, sources, and suggestions for further reading.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.