Painted Skies is a charming picture book by Nova Scotia author Carolyn Mallory about the northern lights seen in Arctic regions. Together with Amei Zhao, this 36-page book explores this phenomenon through the eyes of two friends. Oolipika, an Inuk girl, shares traditional knowledge about aqsarniit, the northern lights, with her friend Leslie. New to the Arctic, Leslie is afraid of the lights that appear to be coming closer to the girls. In her nervousness Leslie begins to whistle and the lights come even closer. Oolipika begins to click her finger nails together and hushes her friend. Oolipika explains that these lights appear to be deceased relatives playing a ball game similar soccer. Leslie begins to understand and enjoys the colourful lights as they run across the night sky. The epilogue provides a scientific explanation for the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis.  Recommended