On December 30, the Saint Louis Science Center welcomed author Ashley Key for a very special Science Storytime event. Ashley read her new children’s book, Dash and the Lights in the Sky, to an audience of 75 guests before leading families through a science demonstration and hands-on learning activities inspired by the story.
Originally from St. Louis, Ashley credits childhood visits to the Saint Louis Science Center with sparking her lifelong love of science. One experience in particular left a lasting impression.
“One of my most formative childhood memories at the Saint Louis Science Center was seeing the Liberty Bell 7 Mercury spacecraft when it was on exhibit in the early 2000s. Standing in front of a real spacecraft—something that had actually traveled to space—made the universe feel suddenly reachable. That moment sparked a lifelong love of space and science, and it ultimately led me to a career in satellite communications.”
That sense of wonder was evident throughout Ashley’s reading and activities. Dash and the Lights in the Sky follows Dash, a curious husky who sets out to understand why the night sky is filled with colorful lights. Through lyrical storytelling and vibrant watercolor illustrations, the book introduces young readers to the science behind auroras in an accessible and engaging way.
The book is available as a board book for younger learners and as a hardcover edition for older children. The hardcover version includes activities in the back of the book that encourage caregivers and kids to explore scientific concepts together. By blending art and science, Ashley hopes to “nurture curiosity for the natural world—one glowing aurora, snowflake, and discovery at a time.”
Hosting Ashley at the Science Center made the event especially meaningful. Returning as a guest reader with her own children was a powerful full-circle moment.
“Getting to return to the Science Center now with my own children—not just as a visitor, but as a guest reader—was incredibly emotional, fun, and deeply meaningful for our whole family. After the reading, watching my kids light up while exploring the Experience Energy exhibit and marveling at the T. rex felt like reliving my own wonder through their eyes. Sharing science across generations, in a place that helped shape who I became, is something I’ll always treasure.”
The Saint Louis Science Center was honored to host Ashley Key and to celebrate the role science storytelling plays in inspiring the next generation of explorers.
