The Inuit Northern Lights
The Inuit Northern Lights — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
High above the Arctic Circle, where the land kisses the sky, lived a young Inuit girl named Aputi. Her world was one of ice and snow, a landscape painted in shades of white and gray. But Aputi's heart held all the colors of the summer sky. With her was her playful husky puppy, Nanuq, always nipping at her heels. They were the best of friends, sharing secrets whispered to the wind. Today, they raced across the frozen tundra, the crisp air stinging their cheeks. "Come on, Nanuq!" Aputi giggled, her breath puffing out like tiny clouds. "Let's reach the frozen waterfall before the sun sets!"
Page 2
They reached the frozen waterfall just as the last sliver of sun dipped below the horizon. Aputi gasped. But something was different tonight. The sky, usually a deep indigo, shimmered with an ethereal green glow. "Nanuq, look!" she exclaimed, pointing upwards. Ribbons of emerald and violet danced across the heavens, swirling and pulsing with an otherworldly energy. But these weren't the normal Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, that she'd seen before. These were... different. This was the beginning of an adventure. These lights pulsed with a deeper secret.
Page 3
Old Kakuk, the village shaman, had warned of unusual celestial events. "When the lights dance with a different rhythm, it means the Sky Spirits need help," he'd said. Aputi remembered his words, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. This must be what he meant! "We have to help them, Nanuq," she declared, her voice firm with determination. She wrapped her arms around the puppy. "But how?" As if in reply, the lights intensified, pointing towards the north. "Therefore, we head that way!"
Page 4
Their journey led them to the Whispering Caves, a labyrinth of icy tunnels known for their eerie echoes. The wind howled like a pack of wolves, making Nanuq whimper. "It's okay, Nanuq," Aputi reassured him, stroking his fur. "We're almost there." Inside the cave, they met a grumpy old arctic fox named Ikaluk, his fur matted with ice. "Who dares disturb my slumber?" he grumbled, his voice like the cracking of ice. "We need to get through the cave to reach the Northern sky," Aputi replied politely. "But the path is blocked by a snow wall.
Page 5
Ikaluk scoffed. "A snow wall? Impossible to break! It's guarded by the Ice Spirit's chill breath." He then sighed dramatically. But Aputi noticed something glinting in the ice: a small, perfectly smooth stone. It pulsed with a faint warmth. "What's that?" she asked, picking it up. "Ah, that's a Sunstone," Ikaluk explained, surprised. "Legend says it holds a tiny piece of the sun's power. It melts ice with a touch. It's also used to give warmth to the body when the cold is too much." This was their only hope. The ice Spirit had chosen this for her.
Page 6
Aputi approached the snow wall, the Sunstone held tightly in her hand. It radiated a gentle heat, warming her skin. She touched the stone to the wall, and a small circle of ice melted away. But suddenly, a gust of icy wind blasted through the cave, extinguishing the Sunstone's glow! The snow wall shimmered and grew thicker, colder. Ikaluk shivered. "The Ice Spirit is angered!" he cried. Now the stone has gone dark, what could they possibly do? Their only hope was lost!
Page 7
"We have to work together!" Aputi exclaimed, looking at Ikaluk. "You know these caves better than anyone. Can you find another way around?" Ikaluk, despite his grumbling nature, saw the determination in Aputi's eyes. He shook his head. "There is one way... but it's narrow and full of slippery ice. Only someone small and agile could pass." Nanuq barked, wagging his tail. Aputi smiled. "Nanuq, you can do it! You can find a path to the other side! We will guide you."
Page 8
Nanuq, with Aputi and Ikaluk guiding him with their voices, wriggled through the narrow passage. He reappeared on the other side, barking triumphantly! The Northern Lights outside the cave intensified, their colors swirling faster. Aputi felt a surge of energy. The Sky Spirits were grateful! Then, Aputi remembered what Old Kakuk said: "True light comes from within!" She then exclaimed, "The spirits just needed to know we cared!" The Ice Wall disappeared completely. The northern lights were now in full view!
Page 9
Standing outside the cave, bathed in the radiant light, Aputi felt a deep connection to the Sky Spirits. The Aurora danced around her, as if celebrating their success. Ikaluk, surprisingly, nudged against her leg. "You have a kind heart, little one," he mumbled. "The Sky Spirits are lucky to have you." Aputi smiled. She understood now. The Northern Lights weren't just a beautiful spectacle; they were a reminder that even the smallest act of kindness could make a world of difference. The Sky Spirits were singing songs of joy.
Page 10
From that day on, Aputi continued to watch the Northern Lights, but with a newfound appreciation. She knew that every shimmer and swirl was a reminder of their adventure, and a call to kindness. She learned that teamwork can do what one could not do alone. She realized that her small village was an important piece of the world, and that they all needed each other. And every time she saw the lights, she remembered Ikaluk. And she understood that even the grumpiest of souls had a heart of gold. Nanuq barked happily, snuggling close. The two friends looked at the lights, forever bonded.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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