Firefly Home

PreS-Gr 1--A dark, star-filled night becomes the setting for one firefly's grand adventure. While all of the other fireflies are together in their special home, Florence the firefly is lost and needs to find her way home. On her way, she encounters many bright lights, but none of them are her firefly brethren. Each time she learns that she has been misled and what she thought was her home is something else, her sadness increases. Perhaps a wish on a shooting star will provide her with the guidance she seeks. Readers familiar with the work of Eric Carle will appreciate the similar illustrations in this story. Rich dark blues situate the story squarely in the night, each page punctuated by bright yellows from both human and natural lights. The text is written to encourage reader participation, from greeting Florence, to warning her, to tracing her illuminated trail through the night sky. Though this book stands out due to its willful breaking of the fourth wall to speak directly to readers, the overall package leaves something to be desired. VERDICT A slight, seasonal read-aloud, especially for children who enjoy participatory books.--Mary Lanni, Denver Public Library

Florence Firefly is lost, and all the bright lights in the night sky--a city's luster, a train's warm glow--make it even harder for her to find her way. With encouraging prompts, this interactive picture book invites readers to help Florence navigate her return home ("Say 'Fly faster, Florence!' and flap your hands to show her how to fly really fast"). Set against inky blue backgrounds, digital illustrations by Teckentrup (Don't Wake Up the Tiger) glow with bright yellow from the various light sources, written lyrically by Clark (Neon Leon) as "the big, bright moon above the sparkling sea" and "a lighthouse shining out to the boats bobbing on the water." With each page turn, this endearing journey offers young readers a chance for active engagement, closing with one final suggested action: "Whisper 'Night, night, Florence!' and blow her a good-night kiss." Ages 2-5. (June)