Chasing the Light

by Amanda Davis, Faryn Hughes (Illustrator)

In the spirit of Owl Moon, Chasing the Light invites readers on a nighttime adventure to spot the Northern Lights.On a cold winter's night, mother and daughter play a game of hide and seek with the Northern Lights. Yet there is so much else to see and hear in the moment . . . so much beauty to appreciate and remember―especially time spent together."Come out, come out, Show us your colors. Show us your light."Gorgeously written and exquisitely illustrated, Chasing the Light is a book to treasure and an experience to share.

Genres: Nature, Picture Books, Family, Adventure

32 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2026

About the author

Amanda Davis is a teacher, artist, writer, and innovator who uses her words and pictures to light up the world with kindness. After losing her father at a young age, Amanda turned to art and writing as an outlet. It became her voice. A way to cope. A way to escape. And a way to tell her story. She was thus inspired to teach art and pursue her passion for writing and illustrating children's books. Through her work, Amanda empowers younger generations to tell their own stories and offers children and adults an entryway into a world of discovery. A world that can help them make sense of themselves, others, and the community around them. A world where they can navigate, imagine, and feel inspired—over and over again. When she’s not busy creating, you can find her sipping tea, petting dogs, and exploring the natural wonders of The Bay State with her family and rescue pup.

Reviews

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrically-written and beautifully-illustrated book takes us on a nighttime adventure as mother and daughter seek the northern lights. They see so many other lovely things as they explore the forest and nearby ocean, and then, finally, they find their lights.

[Claire Bobrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book about a mother and child on a nighttime adventure to spot the Northern Lights. The words and pictures paint a beautiful portrait of their walk through the snowy landscape, highlighting the wild creatures who live there, all beneath a wild, dark sky. There's a nice message about being in the moment and enjoying what's in front of you, even if things don't go exactly as expected. A wonderful book for bedtime.

[Rebecca Hirsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous book that follows a mother and daughter chasing the Northern Lights on an Arctic night. I loved it!

[Nathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quiet, beautiful story about slowing down and noticing the world around you. I really felt the sense of wonder throughout, and the illustrations are super gorgeous. It left us with a warm, cozy feeling. A lovely read-aloud.

[Deb Adamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

With a nod to the tone of Jane Yolan's classic, OWL MOON, this lovely mother-daughter nighttime adventure in search of the Northern Lights is sure to be open the door to discussions about searching out and discovering, or not, nature's gifts. The illustrations by Faryn Hughes are dreamy, like the text and are a perfect pairing. Highly recommend!

[Shannon Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, a mother and daughter wait, expectantly for the beautiful northern lights to appear. Gorgeous illustrations and poetic language guide you through to the end. If you loved Owl Moon, you'll enjoy this too!

[Kimberly Delude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Light is a beautifully written and illustrated story that transports readers on a magical journey through the woods. This lyrical tale follows a mother and daughter as they venture out into the night in search of the northern lights, creating an experience that feels both intimate and awe-inspiring. The gentle, poetic text invites readers to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and beauty of the natural world alongside the characters.

As they travel through the forest, the story offers meaningful reminders about the importance of being present, appreciating the people we share our experiences with, and finding harmony with our surroundings. The relationship between the mother and daughter is portrayed with warmth and tenderness, adding an emotional depth that makes their adventure even more memorable. Rather than rushing toward the destination, the book celebrates the journey itself and the small moments of wonder that can be found along the way.

The illustrations are stunning and perfectly complement the text, capturing the quiet magic of the nighttime landscape and the anticipation of witnessing the northern lights. Every page radiates a sense of peace, curiosity, and wonder, encouraging readers to pause and reflect. Thoughtful, beautifully crafted, and rich with atmosphere, Chasing the Light is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages and is sure to become a cherished favorite for families and classrooms alike.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read Chasing the Light with my 4- and 8-year-old granddaughters, and while we enjoyed reading it together, we all came away a little confused at first.

The story is very gentle and focuses on a mother and daughter searching for the Northern Lights, but my granddaughters didn't really understand what they were searching for until the very end. Once we finished, I explained what the Northern Lights are, and that actually turned into the best part of the experience. It sparked a fun conversation and gave us a chance to learn something new together.

I also wasn't completely sold on the illustrations. They fit the quiet tone of the story, but I found myself wishing they were a little more vibrant and engaging, especially for younger readers.

Overall, it's a sweet, calming book with a nice message about spending time together and appreciating nature, but I think it works best if the child already knows what the Northern Lights are—or if you're planning to use it as a learning opportunity afterward.

My granddaughters gave it 3 stars, and I'd agree with that rating.

[Judith Valdés B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Light is simply beautiful. Amanda Davis’s poetic language reads like a song, drawing you into a magical nighttime adventure where sensory makes you feel as though you are right in the story. Faryn Hughes’s illustrations are out of this world! Dreamy, atmospheric, and filled with wonder, they bring the wintry landscape to life in a way that makes you want to linger on every page.

I love most the tender relationship between the mother and daughter. I also love how the story invites us to slow down and notice the beauty surrounding us, even when we are looking for something else. This is the kind of picture book that stays with you long after you turn the last page. A beautiful reading experience and converstation started with your kids.

[Susannah Aziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't help but be captivated by the words and illustrations of Chasing the Light by Amanda Davis! This book teaches children to find beauty in the nature around us, and to live in the moment, which is so important...especially living in a world where everyone is in such a hurry. I love how this book slows down this special bonding moment between mother and child. There are no disappointments, and the night-time illustrations are so warm, cozy and glowy! So many of our real-life experiences shape the stories we tell, and this one is inspired by the author's personal travels! This book will inspire readers to discover and explore!

[Christina Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh gosh, these illustrations are so beautiful! And they pair perfectly with the gorgeous lyrical language. These creators have drawn us into a mysterious and mystical world of nature. I was fully enthralled in their search, and captivated by all of the beauty they found. The subtle reminder to slow down and be present for the beauty that surrounds us is demonstrated in the detail of the illustrations and the deliciousness of language. I'll need this one for my collection so I can read it over and over again.
P.S. I had a similar experience (to the author's note) in Iceland, searching for the Northern Lights and finding everything except the lights.

[Heather Morris · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

This gorgeous picture book captures the mystery and wonder of a search for the Northern Lights. A mother and daughter bundle up and venture out into the Arctic woods in search of the Northern Lights. They trek and tramp and tread through woods, up hills, down into valleys, along the way finding Arctic animals and unique landscapes. Finally, they turn for home, cold and tired and thinking they may not find the elusive Northern Lights. But around a bend, when they least expect them...

Amanda Davis's prose sparkles and Faryn Hughes's illustrations are sure to captivate young readers. A delightful, cozy adventure perfect for the winter season.

[Louise Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this cozy picture book, mother and daughter journey through a wintery landscape in search of the elusive Northern Lights. Along the way, they pass through mystical nighttime landscapes full of wildlife for keen-eyed readers to spot. A repeated refrain beckons: "Come out, come out, Show me your colors. Show me your lights." Sparse language and flowing artwork adds to the deliciously dreamy mood. Be sure to read the author's note for sweet inspiration about being present in the moment. A lovely book about how the journey itself can bring the sweetest reward.

[LJ Todaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Chasing the Light a mother and daughter hike at night in a wooded Arctic landscape with the hope of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Davis conveys the magic of a cold night with lyrical language about winter wildlife. “Harbor seals snore. The Arctic sea sings.” She uses incantatory rhythms as parent and child call up to the sky: “Come out, come out. Show me your colors. Show me your lights.” Hughes’ palette of deep blues, silvery whites and midnight greens meld mystery with coziness. This book is a lovely reminder to be in the present, especially when exploring the natural world.

[Suhasini Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING THE LIGHT by Amanda Davis, with stunning art by Faryn Hughes, is a sweet and adventurous story about a mother and daughter traveling through an icy landscape in hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, never quite sure if they'll reach their destination. With a gentle reminder to appreciate the present moment, the story beautifully weaves together wonder, patience, and connection. The breathtaking illustrations perfectly capture the magic of the natural world, making this a joyful read that deserves a place on every bookshelf. Love the inspiring author's note at the end.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow this mother and daughter on a nighttime trek to find the light. Throughout the book, the reader may be unsure as to exactly what the duo is searching for —but that just adds to the fun! And, in the end, let’s just say that the journey is worth the effort!

Davis’s spare text adds to the mystery and Hughes’s illustrations are over-the-top beautiful! This joyful book will make a great addition to bookshelves!

[Candace Spizzirri · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING THE LIGHT follows a mother and daughter on a nighttime trek, their destination a mystery that keeps readers guessing and adds to the fun. As they cross the quiet, wintry landscape, the journey becomes its own reward—full of wonder, patience, and connection. Amanda Davis’s spare text heightens the sense of discovery, while Faryn Hughes’s stunning artwork brings the icy world to life. It’s a joyful, beautiful book that will shine on any bookshelf.

[Christine Zandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book takes us on a lovely, lyrical journey as a mother and daughter face the cold in hopes of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. I very much felt that it was as much "it's the journey not the destination" which is reinforced by the author's message at the end of how she learned to appreciate what was there rather than the Northern Lights which may or may not appear at that moment in time. Reminded me of Jane Yolen's classic OWL MOON.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come out, come out,
Show me your colors,
Show me your lights....

Stunning picture book about the relationship between a mother and daughter while chasing the aurora borealis, the northern lights. Beautifully crafted lyrical text is paired with stunning illustrations to create an enchanting story for readers of all ages.

Many thanks to the author for sharing an advance copy with me for review. I can't wait to see this one in person!

[Nadia Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING THE LIGHT is a sweet, calm, and beautiful adventure! A mother and daughter set out in the night to see the Northern Lights, and Amanda Davis's beautiful words keep us captivated as the duo patiently tries to catch the light. The artwork by Faryn Hughes is absolutely stunning and complements Davis's words beautifully. There is a serenity that accompanies the intrigue, and it's incredible. A must have book for your bookshelf!

[Pam Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this book.
This story is a journey that is cozy to the core! Every page is engaging to the eyes with luminous illustrations full of the wonders of nature, wildlife, and landscape. It is also engaging to the heart, with lyrical prose, that gently pulls readers through tender moments of wonder, anticipation, and being present. Readers will be enchanted and enthralled from the brilliant first page to the glorious last.

[Kris Tarantino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This poetic story by Amanda Davis follows a mom and daughter on a nighttime hike to see the northern lights. The poetic read-a-loud is highlighted with dreamy illustrations by Faryn Hughes. You can almost feel the crisp, icy, cold. A lush and exceptionally engaging story about nature, wildlife, and Arctic landscapes that will leave you breathless. A light into our wonderous world. Highly recommend.

[Alexandra MH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations and playful, lyrical text tell a story about a parent and child searching for the northern lights, discovering the wonders all around them. Magical and wintery, this book evokes the awe and wonder in long, cold Arctic nights. Themes of patience, slowing down to notice, and appreciating the glow in being together make it extra satisfying when the spectacular lights finally appear.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a lover of winter nights, or want to inspire that love in a little one, this is your book. It's ostensibly about searching for the northern lights, but encompasses so much more than just that. What it really captures is the magic of any cold, snowy night, which might look and sound still and silent on the surface, but is rich with life and wonder just beyond our perception. It made me want to take a midnight walk of my own!

[Megan Litwin · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

An enchanting read-aloud about a mother and daughter looking for the Northern Lights. It is when they slow down and stop that they are finally gifted the brilliant sight – and what an illustration it is!! A beautiful book for all who have seen (or hope to see) this special light show, and a gentle reminder (as the Author’s Note suggests) to look for the magic right in front of you each night and day.

[Delano Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING THE LIGHT is a pleasant romp through the Arctic cold to look for more than the stars, harbor seals, Arctic snow owls, and ice glaciers! It's a wonderful read-aloud, with dreamy words that float across the pages, making it easy to endure the cold. Willfully watching, waiting as each page turn brings us closer to the light we're chasing.

[Laura De · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHASING THE LIGHT is a beautiful and inspiring picture book about a mother and daughter in search of the Northern Lights. Lyrical language and magical illustrations guide readers as the pair travels across an icy, wintery landscape. Their journey becomes more than just a search—it’s a shared experience filled with wonder, patience, and connection.

[Kimberly Horch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lyrical story follows a mother and daughter on a nighttime hike to see the northern lights. They pass through beautiful, colorful landscapes with amazing animals, and decide that even if they didn't see the lights it was still amazing.

A great book for learning about expectations and finding joy in the journey!

[Moni Ritchie Hadley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written and illustrated poetic book is truly a gift for all who read it. Davis' verses evoke a sense of wonder and connection to the natural world. Thoughtfully crafted pages and stunning illustrations immerse readers in a heartfelt love letter from nature, inviting them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.

[Maria Wen Adcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical and beautifully written, Chasing the Light shows young readers the magic of winter nights and being present in the moment. Soft illustrations capture the heart of the story. In the author's note at the end, she mentions that she was inspired by a trip to Iceland, where she hoped to see the Northern Lights. Magical and beautiful!