Lucia and the Light by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Mary Grandpre.

Lucia and her mother and baby brother live in the Far North in a cozy cabin where they are used to the cold winters.  But then days go by when the sun does not shine.  Lucia bravely sets off up the mountain to see what has happened to the sun.  She takes only a crust of bread, her tinderbox, and the white cat.  When she reaches the top of the mountain she discovers that the trolls have stolen the sun, allowing them to be out and about even during the day.  Lucia must find a way to trick the trolls and allow her to free the sun.

This book has such a feel of a traditional folktale, from the three helpful items to the rhythm of the story.  But in some ways it is even better.  I love the part where Lucia is skiing up the mountain in the darkness with just the sound of her skis repeating again and again:  Shoosh, shoosh.  Lovely, quiet, and a very effective way to build tension.  A large part of the success of this picture book are the illustrations.  As you can see from the cover art, deep colors are used with abandon.  When the sun is finally returned to the sky, the oranges and yellows are almost blinding after the morose colors from before.  Children will respond immediately to the illustrations and the story.

Recommended for reading aloud to first and second graders, this is a story that can also be shared with younger listeners in smaller groups.  The book has more words than most picture books, but the story is gripping and even younger children should stay involved.