Current Gone!: Stars Shine Brighter in a Blackout

by Neesa Bally, Geeta Ladi (Illustrator)

A sudden blackout turns into a neighborhood-wide sleepover in this lovely, lyrical picture book about family, community, and how much fun it can be to unplug from technologyFilled with joy and community bonding, Neesa Bally’s lyrical text and Geeta Ladi’s warm and striking art style, this book paints a vivid picture of Trinidadian life while showing that when the lights go out, that’s when the most fun can be had.It happens suddenly―
Darkness descends,
without wish or want.
An uninvited guest,
overstaying its welcome.“Current gone! Power’s out!” A blackout overtakes a family’s neighborhood one evening. As lights, fans, air conditioners, and electronic devices all lose power, there’s only one thing left to do―go outside and play!Joining their neighbors in the sticky tropical heat of Trinidad, the family enjoys playing board games by candlelight, making shadow puppets, and sharing grilled cheese sandwiches and ice cream with their friends and neighbors. As they begin to fall asleep under the star-filled sky, the lights come back on, leaving everyone with memories that will last.

Genres: Picture Books, Family

40 pages, Hardcover

Published June 9, 2026

About the author

Neesa lives in the beautiful twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago with one husband, two daughters and three dogs. She spends endless days lazing on the crystal blue beaches drinking coconuts. Clearly from that last line you can tell she has an awesome sense of humor.
She enjoys writing funny, quirky stories almost as much as she hopes you love reading them.

Reviews

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family is enjoying a night at home together when all of a sudden the electricity goes out. Candles are lit, windows are opened and neighbors visit neighbors to beat the boredom until the electricity comes back on.

A great example of things to do when the lights go out.

[Bookworm4Life · Rating 3 out of 5]

When the power goes out one evening, a family spends time together playing games, making shadow puppets, eating ice cream and looking up at the stars with their neighbors. A comforting read about learning to appreciate the things beyond the screens and noise. A story based on the author's experience growing up and dealing with blackouts in Trinidad.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a hot and sticky tropical location, a family must figure out what to do when the power goes out.
No fans, no charging electronic devices, no lights.
Without current, neighbors interact face to face and make the best of the situation.