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When the Sky Glows
Uncover the science behind the beautiful and vast array of natural events that make the sky glow all over the world in this enlightening nonfiction picture book.
Sunrises and lightning storms, rainbows and volcanoes, meteors and eclipses—these beautiful, awe-inspiring events that light up the sky might seem like magic. But there is a fascinating scientific explanation for each. Nell Cross Beckerman’s playful and illuminating text and David Litchfield’s vibrant illustrations are certain to capture the curiosity of young sky watchers everywhere.
Sunrises and lightning storms, rainbows and volcanoes, meteors and eclipses—these beautiful, awe-inspiring events that light up the sky might seem like magic. But there is a fascinating scientific explanation for each. Nell Cross Beckerman’s playful and illuminating text and David Litchfield’s vibrant illustrations are certain to capture the curiosity of young sky watchers everywhere.
Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
January 20, 2023
I found this natural science picture book after enjoying the same author's "Caves."
Dedicated to skywatchers (I count myself among them), informing and inspiring future skywatchers. Dazzling illustrations! Cool science facts!
But as it progressed, I was nagged by the knowledge that one of the reasons the sky glows is light pollution, and I didn't think I could fully enjoy this book with that reality looming unmentioned behind all the natural wonders that light up the sky.
Because of that, I thought it was a strong 4-stars, until the sources and author's note page, where the author completed the package by addressing light pollution! What it is, why it's not good, how we can help reduce it, and a portion of the author's proceeds from the book will be donated to the International Dark Sky Association.
Five glowing stars!
Dedicated to skywatchers (I count myself among them), informing and inspiring future skywatchers. Dazzling illustrations! Cool science facts!
But as it progressed, I was nagged by the knowledge that one of the reasons the sky glows is light pollution, and I didn't think I could fully enjoy this book with that reality looming unmentioned behind all the natural wonders that light up the sky.
Because of that, I thought it was a strong 4-stars, until the sources and author's note page, where the author completed the package by addressing light pollution! What it is, why it's not good, how we can help reduce it, and a portion of the author's proceeds from the book will be donated to the International Dark Sky Association.
Five glowing stars!
September 11, 2022
A luminously illustrated picture book explaining the science behind arouras, sunrises, lightning storms, rainbows, eclipses, and other extraordinary natural phenomena.
September 15, 2022
Amazing illustrations and so interesting how the illustrations help convey the scientific descriptions.
May 7, 2025
Just the right amount of a scientific explanation and wonder if our world is presented in each page. My three year old loves her books.
December 12, 2022
This is the most beautiful picture book EVER.
February 17, 2023
A book full of wonder and delight with the world around us.
The illustrations just shine: David Litchfield makes light and weather that draws in and fascinates the reader. It’s hard not to look at these pictures again and again.
The text begins with a simple poetic thread that describes a wide variety of ways that the sky lights up and glows. Each situation, from sunrises to lightning to rainbows, is punctuated by brief descriptive asides that offer context to each scientific phenomenon.
Gorgeous.
The illustrations just shine: David Litchfield makes light and weather that draws in and fascinates the reader. It’s hard not to look at these pictures again and again.
The text begins with a simple poetic thread that describes a wide variety of ways that the sky lights up and glows. Each situation, from sunrises to lightning to rainbows, is punctuated by brief descriptive asides that offer context to each scientific phenomenon.
Gorgeous.
October 31, 2022
Great for a variety of readers- simple text and bright engaging pictures are great for the littlest of readers, while more in depth text is better for more advanced readers.
August 15, 2024
Beautiful illustrations.
September 22, 2022
Prepare to OOH and AAH over this one. It's a firework of a book, for sky-watchers of all ages. I've never seen such a glowingly colorful picture book! And the icing on the cake is the facts sprinkled throughout, showcasing spectacular sky phenomena from places all over the world: Hawaii, Venezuela, Iceland, an African watering hole, Scandinavia, Canada, New Zealand. Eye candy meets brain food--who could ask for more?
September 18, 2022
This book goes beyond lovely. It is breathtaking in every sense of the word. Nell Cross Beckerman's lyrical language, and David Litchfield's gorgeous illustrations, make this book shine as much as the sky's glow that they describe. However, it's not just a beautifully poetic book, it is science at its best. Along with the description of a particular glowing sky, Beckerman includes facts that tell young readers what they are actually seeing...the science behind it all. This is a book that can be read by different age groups and one that will be read over and over again.
September 20, 2022
This gorgeous picture book is vibrant and glorious! With a spare word count (plus informational sidebars), the author has captured specific moments of wonder “when the sky glows.” From sunrise and sunset to volcanic eruptions and rainbows, each glittering event above is revealed with a double spread illustration “when the sky glows.” The color palette is rich and fanciful with stunning details that spark the imagination. I adored this magical journey!
September 14, 2022
Oh my word! This BOOK! The lyrically flowing language paired with the beautifully glowing illustrations -- it blew me away.
Nell Cross Beckerman and David Litchfield have broken new ground with their book, When the Sky Glows. Each page turn introduces us to a new world, stocked with interesting facts about natural wonders around the globe that light up the sky and spreads that literally light up our worlds! I have too many favorite spreads...ugh I love it all so much!
This book is a musical, a museum, and a moment in time that connects us all. It's a must have for any and all libraries!
Nell Cross Beckerman and David Litchfield have broken new ground with their book, When the Sky Glows. Each page turn introduces us to a new world, stocked with interesting facts about natural wonders around the globe that light up the sky and spreads that literally light up our worlds! I have too many favorite spreads...ugh I love it all so much!
This book is a musical, a museum, and a moment in time that connects us all. It's a must have for any and all libraries!
September 12, 2022
This book glows! It actually does. It’s an absolutely stunning piece of art. Through David Litchfield beautiful illustrations and Nell Cross Beckerman’s poetic language we learn about all the wonders that light up our skies.
The build up for each page turn feels like being on top of a rollercoaster, just before you’re about to drop and you’re holding your breath not knowing what to expect. Then you turn the page and you swish down the ramp, hands up in the air, shouting and smiling seeing the reveal of the sky glow on the page. Wee! I love this book.
The build up for each page turn feels like being on top of a rollercoaster, just before you’re about to drop and you’re holding your breath not knowing what to expect. Then you turn the page and you swish down the ramp, hands up in the air, shouting and smiling seeing the reveal of the sky glow on the page. Wee! I love this book.
September 15, 2022
Loved reading this story with its simple, beautiful text about how the sky glows. Enjoyed the use of sparse, but impactful information behind the "glow" throughout the book. It's a beautiful story with illustrations to match.
September 12, 2022
What a fun approach to turning readers on to the wonders of nature! Combination of a line or two of poetic text to intrigue us, with longer, more detailed information about rainbows, auroras, sunsets, eclipses, lighting, fireflies to satisfy our curiosity. Incredible stunning illustrations will send you racing out to see what's lighting up your sky. Gorgeous gorgeous book.
January 17, 2023
This is a colorful representation of all the ways a sky can glow! This book is great for early readers and those who want to learn more. Each page continues the story but also includes a little paragraph about the science behind each example. Very cute and informative picture book!
Find it on our SHARE Catalog today!
Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it on our SHARE Catalog today!
Ashley C. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
February 1, 2023
When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman has some pretty amazing illustrations by David Litchfield. I'd venture to say the illustrations are its most compelling characteristics. It is also a layered picture book in that one layer is a few simple words, such as "the sky glows," while the other layer is straight nonfiction textbook-type explanation of rainbows, fireflies, volcano eruptions and other light-centered phenomena. In other words, two age groups and abilities could find something to enjoy or learn about in this book.
February 6, 2023
The giant screen above our heads plays a pretty scene every time. First, there are everyday wonders like sunrise, sunset, and city skyline. Then, there are seasonal sensations like a rainbow, thunder, and eclipse. After that comes those marvels like volcanos, meteor showers, and auroras. There are no two shows alike.
We picked this book for its cover. The book covers all the classic phenomena of the majestic sky. The book will help you become a fan of the sky. The illustrations are frame-worthy, doing every bit of justice to the storyline. Children can learn about the sky.
David Litchfield perfectly captures the eternal mystical beauty of the sky through its various phenomena in the must-read When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
We picked this book for its cover. The book covers all the classic phenomena of the majestic sky. The book will help you become a fan of the sky. The illustrations are frame-worthy, doing every bit of justice to the storyline. Children can learn about the sky.
David Litchfield perfectly captures the eternal mystical beauty of the sky through its various phenomena in the must-read When the Sky Glows by Nell Cross Beckerman.
Read the full review at Nothing But Picture Books
April 2, 2023
WHEN THE SKY GLOWS teaches children about the different reasons the sky is lit up. While they're all fascinating, my favorite one is how the author explains one cause is the rare breed of fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that make a light show in the trees. It sounds magical and makes me want to take a trip there with my daughter. So in a way, this book inspires you to explore outside of your home area. The illustrations and vibrant and use bold color to express minute details that make the pictures pop off the page. In the back of the book it adds to how pollution can affect the night sky and ways children can help. There are also sources and further reading for kids who want more.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who enjoy the beauty in both nature and the sky. The illustrations make this book a solid five star by themselves and the text adds the education factor that stimulates children's minds.
Final Verdict: I would recommend this to children aged four and up who enjoy the beauty in both nature and the sky. The illustrations make this book a solid five star by themselves and the text adds the education factor that stimulates children's minds.
September 23, 2022
Another one of Nell Cross Beckerman's beautiful books. Non-fiction beautifully disguised in lyrical words and glowing illustrations by David Litchfield.
Kids will be thrilled to have their eyes opened to the variety of ways the sky glows across the world. Nell has science facts woven into each spread of why and how the sky glows in different places.
David Litchfield's illustrations are magnificent, mesmerizing the reader with each spread. The pictures complement the words just perfectly. A GORGEOUS match-up of the author-illustrator pair for this book makes this book such a treat for science-loving kids. Kids who don't usually read non-fiction will also be drawn to this book.
Kids will be thrilled to have their eyes opened to the variety of ways the sky glows across the world. Nell has science facts woven into each spread of why and how the sky glows in different places.
David Litchfield's illustrations are magnificent, mesmerizing the reader with each spread. The pictures complement the words just perfectly. A GORGEOUS match-up of the author-illustrator pair for this book makes this book such a treat for science-loving kids. Kids who don't usually read non-fiction will also be drawn to this book.
October 5, 2022
I’ve just added a new favorite to my library. WHEN THE SKY GLOWS by Nell Cross Beckerman and illustrated by David Litchfield, is picture book perfection. First, since many pbs begin with the words, the beautifully written text reads like a beautiful, yet deceivingly simple poem on the way lights glow in the sky. In layered text, the explanation of each form of light is explained including the sunrise, lightning, and rainbows.
The illustrations are perfection as they glow on the pages and make the words come alive. Each page comes alive and reading the book is like going an awe-inspiring light-filled world tour. I can't choose a favorite spread in this exquisite treasure of a book.
The illustrations are perfection as they glow on the pages and make the words come alive. Each page comes alive and reading the book is like going an awe-inspiring light-filled world tour. I can't choose a favorite spread in this exquisite treasure of a book.
December 1, 2022
Wow, this book is just gorgeous. Gorgeous-gorgeous-gorgeous. Like, the pages of this book could be sold as prints to hang on the wall. I loved the art, the kids loved the art. I learned about a place I didn't know about (Lake Maracaibo, lightening capitol of the world), and there was some solid general science for the kids. This is the perfect example of STEAM (STEM + Art). Loved it.
Obviously the art is what struck me, but the prose was lovely, too. The main text has a poetry to it, and there are short science notes on many pages.
I don't review a lot of PB because I just read so many. This one was just stand-out fantastic.
Obviously the art is what struck me, but the prose was lovely, too. The main text has a poetry to it, and there are short science notes on many pages.
I don't review a lot of PB because I just read so many. This one was just stand-out fantastic.
January 12, 2023
An absolutely breathtaking book. On the surface this is a gorgeous picture book with stunning artwork that glows from the page and simple poetic text that is wonderful for reading aloud. Each sentence of the poem that carry us through several pages also refers to a specific kind of sky "glow" and this is described in a few short additional sentences before the poetic language continues. Together they draw connections between weather events and other natural phenomena and then compare them to light pollution in the backmatter. An ingenious structure to communicate a quiet message to the next generation, brilliantly executed.
November 21, 2022
Gorgeous artwork with vibrant colors. Even the cover makes my heart happy. Around the world the sky glows in different ways for different reasons. This is a great way to teach kids around the world about what is happening in the sky. They can learn about fireflies, Solar eclipses, volcanoes, meteor showers, auroras…and so on. I was shocked by one in particular—in Venezuela at Lake Maracaibo sometimes bolts of lightning strike over 1000 times per hour in a nearly continuous electrical storm. Amazing. Also, I am avoiding that lake.
September 27, 2022
This is an absolutely stunning book. Gorgeous art and lyrical main text are complemented with non-fiction sidebars on each spread that illuminate the science behind the natural phenomena that cause our skies to glow. From the fiery colors of sunrise and sunset to the magical glows created by meteor showers and eclipses. This must-have for the home and classroom library is a book you can’t help but pore over again and again.
September 23, 2023
This one jumped off the shelf at me 😃Beautifully illustrated and educational … One look at it and I was sold.
It’s a nonfiction book about all the wonderful ways our beautiful sky glows. From sunsets to volcanoes to the aurora borealis. Readers will learn super interesting facts all while marveling at the gorgeous illustrations by David Litchfield.
This book has a permanent spot on my Children’s Bookshelf. I highly recommend checking it out!
It’s a nonfiction book about all the wonderful ways our beautiful sky glows. From sunsets to volcanoes to the aurora borealis. Readers will learn super interesting facts all while marveling at the gorgeous illustrations by David Litchfield.
This book has a permanent spot on my Children’s Bookshelf. I highly recommend checking it out!
November 6, 2023
Gorgeous illustrations of glorious skies offer plenty to look at, especially if younger listeners can’t comprehend the wordy explanations of why the sky glows in various conditions or get lulled to sleep by the monotonous repetition of the refrain. End pages include more information about how to reduce light pollution and sources for further reading about luminous skies. The “natural light show” of the fireflies is magical!
March 14, 2024
Absolutely loved this one! The illustrations are amazing and kids were very drawn into this one as a result. It was really adaptable in terms of reading it for kids from K- Gr 4. With the younger kids, I read mostly the main text on the page and with the older students, we added the information in the text boxes. So many great questions about this one!
There is a curriculum guide as well: https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/ac...
There is a curriculum guide as well: https://www.nellcrossbeckerman.com/ac...
October 18, 2024
Nell Cross Beckerman's book When the Sky Glows is a nice addition to any classroom as a way to discuss the weather, geography, and make connections to students lives.
David Litchfield's illustrations were magical, and by the end of the book I wanted to experience all of these natural phenomenon's in my own lifetime. I liked that the book gave specific locations where some of these natural events take place.
David Litchfield's illustrations were magical, and by the end of the book I wanted to experience all of these natural phenomenon's in my own lifetime. I liked that the book gave specific locations where some of these natural events take place.
September 19, 2022
This book not only captured the beauty of an every day occurrence--the sky--but it captures the differences that can happen in the sky and has side bars of information to accompany the text. A must have for classrooms, libraries, and home bookshelves. This book will not disappoint. The gorgeous cover is only a glimmer of the entire story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews