The Polar Star gleamed through the top of the tent

Many are familiar with Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire for their Greek Myths and series on American folk heroes.  But they are the authors of many books for children, and their earliest works focus on Ingri's native Scandinavia.  This is the case with today's book, Children of the Northlights, published in 1932.  Children of the Northlights tells the story of a year in the life of two Lapplander children, Lasse-Lapp and his sister, Lappe-Lise.

I enjoyed this book because it is the only work I have ever read about Lapp (now usually known as Sami) culture.  Historically, the Sami people have resided in the far north of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, their entire subsistence depending on the vast reindeer herds of upper Scandinavia, which they follow around in nomadic family groups.  I think it benefits children to learn about how children their age live in other societies, especially ones with far fewer material comforts.  The protagonists have few possessions and endure bitter cold and months of darkness, but nevertheless experience joy.  No matter how terribly the wind blows outside, they always have a warm fire and loving family waiting for them inside the tent.

As always, the D'Aulaires enrich the story with their instantly recognizable illustrations, completed using painstaking stone lithography.  This allows them to create a beautiful warmth and depth of color.  Furthermore, they traveled and spent time with the Lapp people to do research for the book, which you can see in the detailed renderings of Lapp attire and habits (I particularly like the little babies in their papoose-like carriers).  You don't feel like you are reading a textbook, however.  Lise and Lasse are real children, with all their antics, ups, and downs, and Children of the Northlights gives you an unparalleled peek at this forgotten way of life.

Age: 5-7 for read aloud, 7-9 for read alone

Rating: A