Children of the Northlights

2012
Authors:

Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire

A spellbinding evocation and celebration of Sami people and culture from two Caldecott-honored authors and illustrators

Long out of print, Children of the Northlights was directly inspired by a remarkable journey Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire took to northern Europe and their time spent living among the Sami. It is a brightly illustrated portrait and celebration of the Sami people and the snow-covered landscapes of the frozen north from two of the twentieth century’s greatest storytellers.

The d’Aulaires were, of course, the singularly gifted author-illustrators, creators, by the score, of timeless children’s books. . . . A number of their books . . . are still in print, classics that make for perfect gifts each and every year.

Smithsonian

From the beloved authors of D’Aulaires’ Book of Norse Myths and other classics comes a new edition of one of their most beguiling children’s books. Long out of print, Children of the Northlights introduces readers young and old to siblings Lise and Lasse and to the unique Sami people and culture of northern Scandinavia. At times mischievous and at others quite courageous, Lise and Lasse, and their Sami culture, are brought brilliantly to life in the captivating text and illustrations of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire.

This sister and brother live at the very top of Norway—to Lise and Lasse, when they look at the globe of the world at school, seemingly at the very top of the world. Bundled up against the polar winter in their coats of fur and furry shoes, they look like two little bears rolling in the snow. Beneath the bright dancing of the northern lights, we follow Lise and Lasse as they enjoy the long winter days and polar nights: playing pranks on their family, chasing and playing with their reindeer Silverside and Snowwhitedeer, skiing, taking hot saunas to stay clean, and keeping warm while snowstorms rage across the land. Lise and Lasse hunker down in their warm tent and wait for the sun to return, which, of course, it always does. When the sun comes back in spring, it’s time to go to school in the village (which Lise and Lasse happily do only after instructing their dogs to take good care of Silverside and Snowwhitedeer while they’re away).

Inspired directly by a remarkable journey the d’Aulaires took to northern Europe and their time spent living among the Sami, Children of the Northlights is a brightly illustrated portrait and celebration of the Sami people and the snow-covered landscapes of the frozen north from two of the twentieth century’s greatest storytellers.

Known for their vibrant and imaginative interpretations of Scandinavian folklore, Greek and Norse mythology, and American history, the books of Ingri and Edgar Parin d’Aulaire have entertained readers for more than seventy-five years. The couple received the Caldecott Medal for their book Abraham Lincoln and were later awarded the Regina Medal for their distinguished contribution to children’s literature.

The loveliest book the d’Aulaires have given us . . . a book to own and cherish.

Library Journal

A distinguished book full of color, fun, and the charm of ways that are just different enough to be fascinating.

Horn Book Magazine

The d'Aulaires are not ordinary travelers. On their journeys to Norway and Lapland they have looked about them with the clear-eyed pleasure that children take in new sights and strange lands, and into their book has gone the magic of the North and the romance of snow-covered countries.

New York Times

The d’Aulaires were, of course, the singularly gifted author-illustrators, creators, by the score, of timeless children’s books. . . . A number of their books . . . are still in print, classics that make for perfect gifts each and every year.

Smithsonian

For children or adults... The sweet, lively drawings introduce readers young and old to Lise and Lasse, siblings who live at the very top of Norway.

Lavender

Children of the Northlights introduces readers young and old to siblings Lise and Lasse. At times mischevious and at other times quite courageous, these two characters, living at the very top of Norway, are brought to life brilliantly.

Minnesota Parent

The book, Children of the Northlights, is a classic.

New World Finn

Like collections of fairy tales and legends, this story is not meant to be an elementary reader.

Minnesota History

Through captivating texts and illustrations, the authors bring life the children’s adventures, at times mischievous and at other times quite courageous.

Scandinavian Review