Julia and the Northern Lights

Julia and the Northern Lights is a magical and heartwarming Christmas story about courage, belonging, and the power of dreams.

Read a sample

🌟 Praise for Julia and the Northern Lights

✨“Warm, wise, and full of heart—Wilhelmsen’s stories are as magical as they are real.”
✨“A beautiful children’s book that treats children’s feelings with genuine care while offering adults meaningful insights.”
✨"Julia and the Northern Lights captures a rare balance—magical wonder woven with touching realism.”
✨ “A magical December tale from Wilhelmsen and Paulsen.”
✨“A heartwarming story about being the youngest—and discovering magic along the way.”
✨A delightful children’s book that opens up conversations and brings the magic of December to life.”

It is Christmas Eve, and Julia is finally old enough to join her father, Santa Claus, and her six siblings on their annual sleigh ride. For years she has watched longingly as the others went off into the night, while she was told she was too small to help. This year, at last, she is ready. But just as the sleigh is about to depart, Julia is delayed—and left behind.

Standing alone in the snowy yard, Julia feels forgotten and too little to matter. That is, until she meets Ola, a mysterious boy who carries her into the Land of the North on a flying snowflake carpet. There she encounters shimmering cities of ice, strange and wonderful families of frost and snow, and, most importantly, the majestic Queen of the Northern Lights. The queen entrusts Julia with a glowing leather pouch, filled with Santa’s long-lost childhood dreams—dreams he has forgotten in the rush and weariness of grown-up life.

Now it is up to Julia to bring the pouch back and remind her father of who he once was. With determination, spirit, and a spark of magic, she discovers that even the youngest child can hold the key to saving Christmas.

Richly illustrated and brimming with wonder, Julia and the Northern Lights is more than a holiday tale. It is a story about family bonds, resilience, and the invisible magic of imagination—reminding readers of all ages that when we listen to our dreams, there is always enough magic to go around.

🌟 Who Will Enjoy or Benefit from this Book?

Children aged 4–9 who enjoy magical and adventurous stories.
Parents, grandparents, and teachers looking for a meaningful Christmas read-aloud.
Families searching for a heartwarming holiday book that combines wonder with relatable feelings.
Adult readers who appreciate layered tales that speak to both children’s imagination and grown-ups’ reflection.
An ideal gift book for December and a perfect tradition for holiday storytime.

🌟 Why You'll Love Julia and the Northern Lights

Heartwarming Christmas Story – A magical holiday tale about courage, belonging, and the power of dreams.
Relatable Heroine – Julia, the youngest in Santa’s family, proves that even the smallest child can make a big difference.
Rich World-Building – Journey to the Land of the North, filled with shimmering ice cities, snow families, and the majestic Queen of the Northern Lights.
Universal Themes – Explores family bonds, resilience, and the importance of holding on to childhood dreams.
Beautiful Illustrations – Stunning artwork by Christoffer Paulsen brings warmth and wonder to every page.
Perfect for the Holidays – A timeless picture book to read together at Christmas or any cozy winter evening.
For Children and Adults Alike – Layers of meaning and emotional depth make it enjoyable for readers of all ages.

Also available as ebok, and in Norwegian, print and ebook.

Written by Cathrine L Wilhelmsen, illustrations by Christoffer Paulsen.