A Search for the Northern Lights

K-Gr 3–In this informational picture book, a young girl is fascinated with celestial phenomena. After watching a solar eclipse, Alix yearns to also witness the beauty of auroras. The child does her research and learns where the best viewing spots are in the world. Science facts are straightforwardly conveyed: “Auroras erupt in 27-day cycles. The new moon is coming up, too. That makes it dark, and even easier to see.” Alix jumps at the chance to join her mother on a trip to Alaska, and together they look for the “nighttime rainbow.” Although rainy weather prevents them from seeing a full display, the sky-watchers catch a glimpse of a spectacular “green glow” and hope for more sightings. They also take a road trip to Montana’s Glacier National Park. Lee’s acrylic illustrations show swirling Northern Lights and birch trees below bathed in deep purple and blue luminosity. Back matter provides further scientific information, along with a “Step-by-Step Guide to Aurora Hunting.”