Chasing the Light

by Amanda Davis, Faryn Hughes (Illustrator)

32 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication 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

[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.

[Louise M. 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.

[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!

[Paola Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Light by Amanda Davis is a beautiful tale of love and mindfulness. A mother and child set out to find the Northern Lights, and what feels like a gentle game of hide-and-seek becomes a quiet exploration of the wonders of a frozen world.

Amanda Davis’s lyrical text is beautifully paired with Faryn Hughes’s soft, dreamy illustrations. Highly recommended!

[Charlotte Cheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations paired with gorgeous words bring you directly into an intimate adventure through the snow. As someone who has tried to chase northern lights, the lyrical language and the dynamic imagery makes me feel like I'm actually there alongside parent and child. There's also a nice author's note if readers want to learn more about northern lights!

[Leslie Piotrowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lovely, lyrical story is not only about a mother and daughter’s quest to find the Northern Lights. It’s about the magical moments they accidentally encounter along the way. It reminds us to keep our eyes and hearts open to the wonders of the world.

[Karen Gebbia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother and young daughter set off on a frosty night journey filled with hope and wonder, and finally, the Aurora Borealis! Beautifully told and gorgeously illustrated.

[Ann Koffsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyrical, lovely and breathtaking artwork. Beautiful!

[Kelly Crull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chasing the Light is a tender story of connection and finding beauty in the moment even when circumstances change.

[Stephanie Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lyrical, luminous journey that reminds us the real magic often lies not in what we chase, but in who we hold along the way.

[Katrina Tangen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous illustrations of a frosty far northern mother-daughter expedition. Reminiscent of Owl Moon, but peppier.