Review By: Mary Potter
Published: 2021
Genre(s): Picture Book, Fiction
Audience: PreK, K, 1, 2
Content Warnings: None noted
Goodreads Link: Rory: Quest for the Northern Lights
Publisher’s Summary:
This little orca follows his big dream of seeing the Northern Lights. Who will he meet along the way? Rory the Orca heard that there are beautiful lights in the sky called the Northern Lights. His friends and family don’t believe they exist because none of them have seen it with their own eyes. Determined to prove them wrong, Rory sets off on his own to make his wishes come true.
As he travels north, he meets some unlikely friends along the way. A beautiful beluga, a sleepy polar bear and a dancing fox. This journey brings Rory the unexpected gift of true friendship. Will Rory’s dream of witnessing the magical Northern Lights come true? Rory the Orca is a heartwarming children’s book written in rhyme. If you or your child enjoy gorgeous animals, ocean adventures and stories about chasing your dreams, then you’ll love Sarah Cullen and Carmen Ellis’s tale of hope.
Review:
Rory: Quest for the Northern Lights is a stunning picture book that will capture the attention of all readers. Part of a series of 8 children’s books called Ocean Tales, the colorful illustrations and rhyming storyline will make this a favorite book both in school and at home.
Rory is an orca that dreamed of witnessing the mysterious Northern Lights. The animals around him are doubtful that these strange lights even exist. Rory is determined and he decides to set off on his quest. Not before long, he begins to meet some new friends. A radiant beluga whale, a charming polar bear, and an energetic arctic fox. The foursome set off on an adventure that will bond them together as a team. What they witness and experience at the very end is worth every second of the long journey. “This party of four had seen good times and bad, but the hardship was worth it and now they were glad. What a wild trip for these unlikely friends!”
Authors Cullen and Ellis do a remarkable job teaching young readers about determination and reaching their goals in life, just as Rory set out to do. The discovery of friendship along the way and the different people you meet can make the adventure that much more special.
A bonus for this book are the 2 pages of “Fun Facts” at the very end. The authors give unusual facts about the animals featured in this book. For example, Rory’s name comes from the Northern Lights’ actual name: Aurora Borealis. Although a quick read, Rory: Quest for the Northern Lights will stay with the reader. The beautiful illustrations, especially of the Northern Lights, will inspire readers to explore the rest of the Ocean Tales series.
