Dash and the Lights in the Sky: A "Sunday Spotlight" Children's Book Review

It’s time for “Sunday Spotlight.”

This is where I highlight a children’s book I genuinely love, sharing my perspective as both a mom and a counselor.

Each Sunday Spotlight includes:

• a brief summary of the book

• an honest, real-life review

• and simple, meaningful ways to weave social-emotional learning (SEL) into story time

These ideas work whether you’re reading at home, in a counseling office, or in a classroom.

At the end of each post, I include a link to purchase the book if you’re interested. These are affiliate links, but there is absolutely no pressure to buy. Purchasing through these links does not add any extra cost to you or affect the author; it’s simply an optional way to support this blog and the work I do here.

This Week’s Pick: Dash and the Lights in the Sky, written and illustrated by Ashley Key.

I’ve followed Ashley on social media for several months now and have loved seeing her share about this book; it’s been on my radar for a while. After spending nearly 10 years living in Alaska and experiencing the Aurora Borealis firsthand, I was immediately drawn to this story. I also love that Dash is inspired by her dog, Drake. As someone who has written multiple stories about my own dog, I was instantly drawn to that detail.

This story follows Dash, a curious husky, as he experiences the Northern Lights. His wonder and curiosity lead to a playful, engaging introduction to the science behind them. The illustrations are beautiful and captivating, drawing children in while naturally encouraging their curiosity.

One of the standout features of this book is how thoughtfully it extends learning beyond the story itself. It includes:

• a vocabulary section to support understanding of more complex terms

• a parent’s guide to help deepen engagement, discussion, and comprehension during reading

• an additional section explaining the science behind the Northern Lights

• and Aurora-themed crafts that offer a hands-on way to continue exploring and learning

It’s clear that this book was created for both children and adults to read alongside them. Ashley has written this book with 0- to 8-year-olds in mind. I think kids ages 3-8 would be drawn to this story, and even kids a few years older would love the science aspects. Kids younger than 3 would love the illustrations.

From a Counselor’s Chair: Supporting Military Kids

Most of the books I share naturally lean into social-emotional learning topics, but this one is special because it leans into science while still supporting emotional growth.

Curiosity is actually a foundational social-emotional skill. When children feel safe to ask questions, explore, and wonder about the world around them, they’re also building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of autonomy. Dash models this beautifully. His curiosity about the lights isn’t rushed or dismissed; it’s encouraged and explored.

This story also creates a great opportunity to support children who may feel overwhelmed by “big” or unfamiliar concepts. The Northern Lights can feel magical, but also confusing. By breaking something complex into approachable, child-friendly explanations, the book reinforces that it’s okay not to understand something right away. Learning becomes a process instead of a pressure.

Another piece I really appreciate is how this book can support connection. When adults slow down to explore a child’s questions, whether about the sky, the story, or the world, it sends a powerful message: your thoughts and questions matter. That connection is at the heart of both emotional development and a lifelong love of learning.

Another piece I really appreciate is how this book can support connection. When adults slow down to explore a child’s questions, whether about the sky, the story, or the world, it sends a powerful message: your thoughts matter. That connection is at the heart of both emotional development and a lifelong love of learning.

3 Simple Ways to Add Social-Emotional Learning to Story Time

Ashley has already provided so many wonderful ways to expand learning with her book, but as a key feature of my blog is expanding from a social-emotional learning standpoint, here are a few meaningful ways to extend learning and connection after reading with that focus:

1. Follow the Curiosity

After reading, ask open-ended questions like:

• “What do you think Dash was feeling when he saw the lights?”

• “What are you curious about right now?”

Let your child lead the conversation, even if it goes off-topic. This builds confidence in expressing thoughts and reinforces the value of their questions.

2. Normalize Not Knowing

When a question comes up that you don’t have the answer to, model it: “I’m not sure either. Let’s find out together.”

This helps children understand that not knowing something isn’t a failure, it’s the beginning of learning. It also reduces anxiety around getting things “right.”

3. Connect Wonder to Emotions

Talk about the feeling of awe and wonder:

• “Have you ever seen something that made you feel amazed like Dash did?”

• “What did your body feel like when you saw it?”

Helping kids name these bigger, more complex emotions builds emotional awareness and vocabulary in a really natural way.

Final Thoughts

Dash and the Lights in the Sky is one of those books that quietly does a lot. On the surface, it’s a beautifully illustrated, engaging introduction to the Northern Lights. But underneath, it’s a story about curiosity, connection, and the joy of discovering something new.

I especially love how this book supports both the child and the adult reading it. With built-in resources, guided learning extensions, and hands-on activities, it takes the pressure off parents and caregivers while still creating meaningful opportunities for connection.

If you’re looking for a story that blends science, wonder, and gentle learning in a way that feels approachable and engaging, this is a wonderful addition to your bookshelf.

Want to See a Book Featured?

If you have a book you’d love to see featured, are a children’s book author yourself, or know an author who might enjoy having their story reviewed, I’d love to hear from you.

Feel free to reach out anytime at guidedbygiggles@gmail.com 💛

Let’s keep celebrating stories that help kids grow, one giggle (and page) at a time.

Click the picture to grab your copy of Dash and the Lights in the Sky here: