Arctic Lights, Arctic Nights

Lovely reference book. Too old for my 4-6 year old group.

I read this book as an adult simply for pleasure. I think it goes beyond being appealing only to children; because it captures with an intense sense of wonder this faraway place in the world, it speaks to people of any age who still feel a thrill when they view a beautiful sunset.The collaboration of author and illustrator is almost musical - Debbie S. Miller is a natural lyrical writer, and Jon Van Zyle meets her with very moving acrylic paintings on the same level. And that level is artistry at its best. In fact, I am so impressed that I put several more collaborations of the two on my wish list for future enjoyment.The enjoyment of this particular book is being introduced to a faraway place that, for me at least, one knows little about. It is like opening a door to a treasure trove: here is the snowshoe hare whose coat is brown in summer, white in winter; here is the cow moose that I had never even heard of; bears, ground squirrels, wolves, trumpeter swans are just a few of the Artic inhabitants.One learns of the most extraordinary weather, formation of clouds and what "blinks" are, the awesome changing light, what "sun dogs" are, and what is exactly meant by the term "Midnight Sun." And, of course, the northern lights which I have always longed to see.Enchanting is the best word I can think of to sum up this book. Ms. Miller has a natural gift for choosing the right words. And the illustrations are perfect.

This book is wonderful. Each page represents a month, Jan 21, Feb. 21, etc. The hours of daylight/night are listed at the top. The illustrations are beautifully done. As you go through the book it describes in a story-like way how each animal reacts to the change of seasons. I just used this for a read along. The kids and parents all loved the book. I highly recommend it!

This is a beautifully done little book. My kids and I enjoy reading it together.

Beautiful pictures! Informative story.