Beyond the Northern Lights

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

In this gentle northern lullaby, a young girl, not yet ready to sleep,
calls on Raven (of Native myth) to take her on a magical journey.
Together they fly to a land where, in summer, the sun never sets and in
winter, the northern lights dance across the sky. Down into the icy
depths of the ocean they dive to where northern fishes, whales, and
dolphins dwell. Then, seeking warmth, they gather around the fire to
listen to the stories of the elders. Tired at last and lulled by the
comfort and security of her own room, the girl entreats Raven to take
her home and “return another night.”

The design of Beyond the Northern Lights is particularly beautiful and
effective. The image of the moon incorporated into the title is worth
noting. The double-spaced text with large type is printed on alternating
blue, yellow, and red backgrounds. Facing each page is one of
Blaikie’s exuberant, brightly coloured batik art designs. Several
wordless double-page spreads are included and add to the enjoyment. Even
the endpapers are decorated. Observant young readers will discover that
the colour and design of the little girl’s parka differ from one
illustration to another.

The language of the poem is rich and expressive. The author talks about
children’s dreams that “twinkle,” ancient wisdom that
“blesses,” and northern lights initiated by children’s laughter.

Beyond the Northern Lights will be a welcome addition to primary-school
libraries; used as a bedtime read-aloud, it would be unsurpassed. Highly
recommended.