Book: Painted Skies  
Author: Carolyn Mallory
Illustrator: Amei Zhao
Publisher: Inhabit Media Inc                              
Date: June 23, 2015    
Genre: Picture book; K-2; 5-7 yrs                               
Pages: hardcover, 36 pages
Price: $16.95                
My rating: Simply & artfully told, exquisitely illustrated

Last year I had the privilege of meeting Carolyn Mallory at a children’s book fair; of course I bought her book. Look at that title and beautiful cover!

Painted Skies tells the story of a young girl’s introduction to one of Nature’s most spectacular events, the Northern Lights. One night, as two friends are playing in the Arctic snow, the sky begins changing colour. When the colours swirl and move closer in ribbons across the sky, Leslie, who recently moved to the far North, starts getting nervous. Her new friend, Oolipika, reassures her and demonstrates what to do to keep them safe from the playful spirits. When Oolipika tells her the Inuit legend and that it’s about the Northern Lights, Leslie’s fear turns to awe.

Painted Skies by Carolyn Mallory is a beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations by Amei Zhao. The story is told and illustrated in a way that is interesting and educational at the same time, making it ideal in both an elementary classroom and in a child’s collection.

At the back of the book is an explanation of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis), what causes them and when they occur. I’ve felt the awe of seeing the Northern Lights a few times where I live, and would love to see them up close – the way they are depicted in this story.

You can find Painted Skies on my BUY THE BOOK page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings! 🙂

Book Review: Painted Skies – by Carolyn Mallory

Posted on January 13, 2017 | 10 Comments

This entry was posted in Mostly About Reading, Reviews & Interviews and tagged aurora borealis, Book review, Carolyn Mallory, children's book, ilustrator Amei Zhao, Northern Lights, Painted Skies, Picture book. Bookmark the permalink.

10 responses to “Book Review: Painted Skies – by Carolyn Mallory”

Patricia Tilton | January 13, 2017 at 10:56 AM | Reply

This is the first PB I’ve seen that focuses on the Northern Lights. Beautiful story.

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- Lynn | January 13, 2017 at 3:00 PM | Reply
  
  It really is. Did you get a chance to read it, Patricia? Thank you for your comment.
  
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Darlene | January 13, 2017 at 2:41 PM | Reply

Sounds like a great book combining Inuit folklore with a natural phenomenon. I love the cover.

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- Lynn | January 13, 2017 at 3:01 PM | Reply
  
  It is well told. I hope you can get a chance to read it, Darlene. The illustrations throughout are wonderful. 🙂
  
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Sue Harrison | January 16, 2017 at 8:16 PM | Reply

This sounds like a gem of a book, Lynn. You do such a great job of “finding” books for us!!

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- Lynn | January 17, 2017 at 7:47 PM | Reply
  
  Thanks, Sue; I’m glad you think so. 🙂
  
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ThisKidReviewsBooks | January 18, 2017 at 8:27 AM | Reply

The Aurora borealis is on my list of things-to-see. I guess I’ll need to read this book! 🙂

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- Lynn | January 18, 2017 at 2:43 PM | Reply
  
  I think you’ll be impressed, Erik. 🙂 And yes! you really must see the awesome aurora borealis (Northern Lights)!
  
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Alysha Kaye Mendez | March 4, 2017 at 2:17 PM | Reply

Love the review- definitely adding to my TBR 🙂 P.S. Hope you check out my debut novel- The Waiting Room!

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- Lynn | March 4, 2017 at 2:36 PM | Reply
  
  Thank you for your comment, Alysha. Congratulations on your debut novel.
  
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