Northern Lights A to Z

US Books > Children's Books > Ages 4-8 > General

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is one of nature's wonders and a major attraction for those lucky enough to view it. For those who can't, this book makes a wonderful introduction to this curious and colorful planetary phenomenon. Mindy Dwyer's enchanting illustrations make the lights dance before young readers' eyes. The book's 26 facts and legends — one for each letter of the alphabet — explain both the science behind it (solar winds hitting the earth's magnetic fields) and the legends it has inspired, such as the fascinating Makah Indian myth that pots of boiling whale blubber created it.