Aurora of the Northern Lights is a beautiful and touching story that is destined to become a Christmas favorite amongst young and old alike.Mistletoe is an elfin living in the North, who falls in love with William, a human. When it becomes obvious that William is not built to live in such frigid conditions, Mistletoe leaves home to live with William a little further South, in a little town.After a few years, they welcome a darling baby girl, whom they name Aurora, after the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) under which they were married. When tragedy strikes, Aurora is left to fend for herself. She doesn't quite fit in anywhere, and commences upon a journey to find a place she belongs.Throughout her adventures, she meets several people who shun her from their communities, yet bestow upon her gifts to help her along her way.After trekking through ice and snow for days on end, Aurora finally comes full circle, finding the place she truly belongs.The story is written completely in verse that flows on paper, as well as when read aloud. You cannot help but be filled with a variety of emotions as the story ebbs and flows through the happiness and the heartache.Illustrations by Donald Vanderbeek add to the beauty and poetry of Holly Hardin's words. They are beautiful and elicit as much emotion as the story itself.Children will be held captive by the words and the pictures when this book is read aloud to them. It inspires visions of families cuddled together on the couch, wrapped up in blankets on a cold December night, sipping hot chocolate, as they share the story. It could even inspire young authors and artists to create their own story.I received a copy of this book when I was a reviewer for BookPleasures.