Dot to Dot in the Sky: Stories of the Aurora
High above Earth, glowing bands of color dance, shimmer, and soar across the night sky. Whether you know them as the northern or southern lights, auroras are one of nature’s most dazzling spectacles. It’s hard not to marvel—why do they exist? Joan Marie Galat explores the answer in this addition to the Dot to Dot in the Sky series, revealing the incredible cosmic circumstances that lead to such brilliant displays of light.
Find out what happens when solar winds strike the Earth’s atmosphere and electrical and magnetic forces react together. Then go back in time to discover how ancient cultures explained the mysterious lights. Meet a Norse frost giant that refuses to marry, a chief who follows his son across the Milky Way, and a seven-headed monster yet to lose a fight. From celestial fires to dancing spirits, auroras have taken many meanings over time. These rich tales, with stunning illustrations and full-colour photographs, are the perfect way to discover this spectacular phenomenon for yourself.
- Ages 9-13
- Winner, Crystal Kite Award – Canada, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), 2017
- Skipping Stones Award, 2017
- Second Place, Outdoor Writers of Canada Award, 2017
- Honorable Mention, Canadian Authors Association Exporting Alberta Award, 2017
- Shortlisted, Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award in Atlantic Canada (2017/18)
- Shortlisted, Red Cedar Children’s Choice Book Award, British Columbia (2017/18)
“[From back cover]
There are two ways to look at the Northern Lights; scientifically, as a stream of energetic particles shot out from the sun colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, or mythologically, as a wondrous dance of spirits in the sky. Joan Marie Galat provides both in this delightful blend of science and stories from around the world, that capture the most beautiful and magical celestial show to be seen by human eyes.” —Bob McDonald, Science Journalist/Host of CBC’s Quirks & Quarks
Watch the book trailer.
Author: Joan Marie Galat
Illustrator: Lorna Bennett
Publisher: Whitecap Books
Series: Dot to Dot in the Sky
Juvenile nonfiction
ISBN-10: 1770502106
ISBN-13: 978-1770502109
Pages: 68
REVIEWS
“Clear graphic art and gorgeous photographs reinforce the readable text. Original artwork by Lorna Bennett brings the legends to life. This recommended title would make a welcome addition to any school or classroom library. Sections could be used in science, art, language arts, and social studies classes.” — Resource Links Magazine
“Galat gives a thorough survey of different peoples’ beliefs about signs in the sky…This beautiful book, enhanced by Lorna Bennett’s illustrations, holds two ideas in perfect tension: the aurora is a comprehensible scientific phenomenon yet remains a mysterious force that provokes universal wonder.” Read more.” —Rebecca Foster on Foreword Reviews
[From back cover] Having watched the aurora from space, I’ve known the unique thrill of seeing the lights swirl over the planet. Joan Marie Galat captures the science and remarkable folklore of the aurora in Stories of the Aurora, an inspirational collection of tales that makes the reader want to experience their beauty first hand. —Dr. Dave Williams, Canadian Astronaut
[From back cover] “Stories of the Aurora by Joan Marie Galat is an engaging book that delves into why auroras both amazed and frightened our ancestors. The next time you look skyward in hopes of seeing the northern or southern lights, think of the early storytellers and their lively interpretations of this natural marvel. — James Foster, Ph.D. scientist emeritus, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
“An excellent complementary resource for Grade 6 students studying sky science; for language arts topics exploring mythology; and, for inquiring students fascinated by celestial phenomena and particularly by those dancing lights in the night sky.” — Linda Macdougall on ASLC Lit Picks
| Weight | 0.227 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20.32 × 0.51 × 22.86 cm |
