Book Review: Dash and the Lights in the Sky by Author Ashley Key PLUS Enter A Giveaway! #DashAndTheLightsInTheSky
This post is sponsored by Ashley Key. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Written and illustrated by Ashley Key
Ages: 0-8 | 50 Pages (hardcover and softcover) 25 Pages (board book)
Publisher:Â Adventure Press (2025) | ISBN: 979-8993318646
Publisher’s Book Summary: Dash and the Lights in the Sky is a poetic children’s book that combines storytelling, science, and Arctic wonder. One wintry night, Dash the husky looks up at a strange glow dancing across the sky. With the help of Echo the wise owl and Nimbus the playful Arctic fox, he discovers the science of the aurora borealis-the northern lights.
This lyrical narrative blends advanced vocabulary with a sing-song rhythm, inviting children to explore concepts such as atmosphere, particles, and magnetism in an accessible way. Designed for ages 0-8, the book encourages curiosity and sparks early STEM learning while preserving the magic of a bedtime story.
The watercolor-inspired illustrations create a dreamy, Arctic setting, while the built-in Parents’ Reading Guide provides vocabulary support, discussion prompts, and NGSS-aligned extension activities. Ideal for classrooms, homeschool lessons, or cozy family reading, Dash and the Lights in the Sky helps children connect wonder with science-and shows that even the sky holds secrets waiting to be discovered.
PURCHASE LINK
Amazon ~Â Barnes and Noble ~Â Bookshop.org
ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
Ashley Key has spent years helping others find their voice — both on the page and in the classroom. She has taught literacy as a HiSET instructor and worked as a contract and technical writer in the field of satellite communications, where she explored how science connects us across vast distances. Inspired by her real-life husky, Drake, and her family’s adventures under wide northern skies, Ashley blends science, art, and storytelling to spark curiosity in young readers. Through the Dash series, she hopes to nurture wonder for the natural world — one glowing aurora, snowflake, and discovery at a time.
For more information, visit dashandthelightsinthesky.com.
MY REVIEW
Wow — how refreshing to find a book that I’m instantly in love with. That’s exactly how I feel about Dash and the Lights in the Sky. From the very first read, it struck that perfect balance of warmth, storytelling, and charm that makes a picture book feel truly special. It’s a simple, beautifully told story about Dash the husky discovering the aurora borealis with help from Echo the owl and Nimbus the Arctic fox — and it just works in all the best ways. And most importantly…. it is truly educational in a way that makes learning fun….. plain and simple.
What I love most is that the whole story is written in rhyme. Rhyming books are always my favorite to read aloud because they have that natural flow that makes story time feel fun and easy. This one has a rhythm that really pulls kids in, and it’s such a joy seeing them get excited as the lines bounce along. Reading it together feels like we’re all on the adventure with Dash.
The book is also quietly educational, weaving in real information about the northern lights without ever feeling heavy or forced. The kids learn something, I learn something, and we all enjoy the ride. And I really appreciate that the author is also the illustrator….. it gives the story and the artwork a connected, thoughtful feel that stands out.
Most of all, this book just has heart. It’s warm, it’s engaging, and it leaves everyone a little more curious about the world. We’ve genuinely loved reading it, and it’s one I’m happy to keep on our shelf.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, December 1, 2025
Tour Kick-Off for Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Book Review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Instagram Post about Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Instagram Post about Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Friday, December 5, 2025
Instagram Post about Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Monday, December 8, 2025
Book Review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Book Review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Book Spotlight on Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Book Review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Friday, December 12, 2025
Book Review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Monday, December 15, 2025
Instagram Post about Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Guest Post about Dash and the Lights in the Sky
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
Author Interview with Ashley Key
NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!
Enter for the chance to win one of seven signed copies of Dash and the Lights in the Sky: two hardcover editions and five board books. One grand prize winner will also receive a beautifully curated craft box paired with a signed hardcover copy of the book.
Dash and the Lights in the Sky: Book Giveaway
14 Comments
Samantha Donnelly
I do love books for children and feel it is so important they learn the joy of books from a very young age. This looks like such a great book not only fun but educational
Arieta Andreia Mulligan
This was so helpful! I love reading with my little. I’ll be adding this to their reading list for sure.
jupiterhadley
I love cute dogs like this and feel they are so fun when it comes to stories for kids! This sounds really lovely.
Jenny
I would love to see the Northern Lights one day. This sounds like a great book for kids.
Tara Pittman
What a cute book. I have a granddaughter who loves dogs. She will love this book.
Jess Benoit
Loved your heartfelt review of Dash and the Lights in the Sky. Your excitement for the story made me smile, and I can’t wait to read it myself. Thanks for sharing this giveaway opportunity!
Marysa
This sounds so lovely, with the different animal characters and the Northern Lights. I think this would be wonderful to share with younger kids.
mcushing7
It is a fabulous read and I love it myself 🙂 Definitely a great addition to any Childs book collection!
LisaLisa Charleston
I truly love children’s books and believe it’s so important for kids to discover the joy of reading at a young age. This looks like a wonderful book, both fun and educational.
Lauryn R
I would definitely love to see the Northern Lights in person someday! I would love to win this for my daughter; she would love it.
Christy G
These books look super cute. I think my grandson would enjoy them very much. I’ll come back and enter to win them.
mcushing7
Yes and good luck to you Christy!
lavandamichelle
Love this, there’s just something about a rhyming story that makes reading aloud with the kids so much fun. It’s rare to find a book that balances science and wonder so perfectly
mcushing7
I love reading rhyming stories with the kids…. always so much fun 😉