Ulaq and the Northern Lights

by Harriet Peck Taylor

Book Overview

A celebration of the aurora borealis. Ulaq, an arctic fox, is enchanted by the northern lights. So are his friends Seal, Wolf, Polar Bear, Caribou, Rabbit, and Snowy Owl. But just what are those... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374380635
• ISBN13: 9780374380632
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.93 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.1" x 10.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

The quest of a curious fox

"In the far cold north lived Ulaq, the fox. Ulaq was a very curious fox." So begins "Ulaq and the Northern Lights," a wonderful picture book by Harriet Peck Taylor. Ulaq is intrigued by the shimmering lights that appear in the sky, so he asks the other Arctic animals what they are. Each animal--Wolf, Caribou, etc.--gives Ulaq a different answer that reflects the unique perspective of a particular species."Ulaq" is a fun book with excellent illustrations. The art has a surreal, glowing quality which captures the magnificence of the northern landscape. Each animal character is rendered with great charm. The curious Ulaq is a character to whom, I believe, many kids could relate! And an author's note at the end gives the scientific explanation behind the Northern Lights.

An adventure for children of all ages!

Ulaq, a curious fox, who is mesmerized by the magical aurora borealis asks several of his friends what they are. Each tells him their interpretation which is based on the many legends which surround this miraculous occurance. My four year old daughter loves this book. It sparks her interest both in the northern lights and in the idea that people interpret things very differently-a topic that we have later discussed in many instances. Furthermore, it encourages curiousity and the persuit of knowledge as well as introducing the concept of legend verses scientific fact (the scientific cause for the auroras is explained in the end notes). This book is the perfect balance of adventure, spirituality and education in a format which appeals to the young reader.