Book Review for Aurora of the Northern Lights

Here is the book review for Aurora of the Northern Lights.


Summary:

The story begins with a maid named Mistletoe who lived in the cold and ice. She meets a man and they fall in love. However, William could not live in the cold like Mistletoe, so they move away, which is hard for Mistletoe because she will be away from her family and the people who care about her, but she makes the sacrifice for love. As time passes, they have a child, Aurora, and she grows up with the comforting warmth of love surrounding her. But, her parents become ill and die, and it leaves Aurora with no one to take care of her or to even want to associate with her because she is different than everyone else. This of course saddens the little girl and causes her to roam the land looking for her own kind. Along the way Aurora meets friends who help her find her way home.








My Review:

Overall, I really enjoyed Aurora of the Northern Lights. The illustrations were whimsical and delightful, taking the reader to the world that reminds me of Candy Land. The words that were written in rhyme were fun to read and understand. The moral of acceptance and understanding regardless of where one comes from, is evident throughout the story. I love reading books that have a meaning to them, and this is a good one for children to be able to relate too. This is definetly going to be a christmas favorite for children.


The Interview:

Joining us today is Holly Hardin, author of Aurora of the Northern Lights. We’re going to talk to Holly about her new picture book.

Welcome, Holly. It’s great to have you with us.

How did your writing career begin?

I wrote my first play, Peter Rabbit and Missing Easter Egg Mystery, when I was nine and have been writing ever since.

Tell us about Aurora of the Northern Lights.

Aurora of the Northern Lights is a holiday story of adventure, sprites and magical charms with a subtle message of tolerance.

The book follows the journey of Aurora, who is left alone and friendless after losing her parents. But Aurora isn’t the same as everybody else, and as she sets out alone, she finds it hard to find anyone who cares about her story¾even at Christmastime¾because of her differences.

As her trek continues, Aurora receives three special gifts to keep her safe, along with important clues about her true home. Before it’s over, she’ll encounter a host of bizarre-looking creatures until she winds up at the location of the world’s most famous bearded man.

What age group is this book for?

This book is geared for kids aged 8-12

This is a beautiful picture book. What inspired you to write it?

Thank you. After 9/11, I wanted to write a story to teach my nieces to not judge people by their differences.

In what forms is your book available? Is it available in e-book, hard cover or traditional paperback, or all?

Aurora of the Northern Lights is available in e-book, soft cover and kindle.


Have you written other books? If so, tell us about them.

I have two other picture books coming out next year. Be on the look out for Wendy Wrydwitch and the Sunflower Pumpkin and The Smallest Kid in the Choir.

I have read that you have written various articles. What are those about?

Most of my articles deal with spirituality and meditation.

What kind of research did you have to do for this story, if any?

I researched the different legends of Santa Claus and his elves. I also studied various forms of poetry.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Readers and fans can learn more about me or contact me through my website. http://www.hollyhardin.net/

Where can readers purchase your books and how much do they cost?

My book is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles.com, Books-a-Million.com and Ripple Reader.

I have read that your story is compared to The Night Before Christmas. What lesson can children learn after reading it?

Hopefully, kids will learn perseverance and tolerance for other cultures.

What's next for you? Is there anything else that you are involved in or working on?

I have three adult novels, Clipped, Return to the Grove, and Truce, which will be out in 2011.

Has writing always been a passion for you?

Yes, I love creating other worlds for my readers.

Is there anything else that you would like to add or share?

I will be on book tour during this holiday season.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to our readers today. Good luck in all of your future endeavors. Please check out this picture book by Holly.