You could use an op amp with a photocell or other light sensitive device to produce a voltage that is proportional to the level of light. Configure another op amp as a comparator so that the output of the op amp/comparator will change from low to high - or high to low at some light level. Been done many times, not new - but it's something to do.
'The Art Of Electronics' is instructional, and requires time and desire to learn in order to be of any value. The book might not be useful to the OP because of a short deadline.
That said, I prefer stevez's answer. It's unfair to presume an unwillingness to work at this stage.