Sign in with Facebook
Brightest
by
Johann de Venecia ,
Joanne Crisner (Goodreads Author), Josephine Litonjua (Goodreads Author)
A story about a lost firefly catcher, trying to find his way home… and a broken firefly that had long lost himself. And how friendship and being there for each other made a difference in their lives.
1st, 50 pages
Published
December 9th 2011
by Isshin Dream Publishing
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
55)
This isn't the story I was really expecting. The book exceeds it, two to three folds. For a children's (illustration) book, it surprised me a little that it actually has elements of easy maturity, and somehow, a sense of darkness.
However, there are two things that confound me a little, or maybe I just misunderstood. (1) I thought firefly catcher, literally, catches firefly. So I was thinking that he is a natural enemy of fireflies. But there is no tension of any form between, instead the little...more
However, there are two things that confound me a little, or maybe I just misunderstood. (1) I thought firefly catcher, literally, catches firefly. So I was thinking that he is a natural enemy of fireflies. But there is no tension of any form between, instead the little...more
7 likes · like · see review
view all 8 comments
A review to follow. (maybe tomorrow)
Here's a sketch for the mean time ;)
(view spoiler)
~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~
No sense of direction--that's me. Whenever I go to places, I always get lost. People who know me personally already established this fact. Don't argue with me about basic human instincts, because it endlessly fails me, too, thank you very much. Despite that fact, I don't...more
Here's a sketch for the mean time ;)
(view spoiler)
~~~***~~~***~~~***~~~
No sense of direction--that's me. Whenever I go to places, I always get lost. People who know me personally already established this fact. Don't argue with me about basic human instincts, because it endlessly fails me, too, thank you very much. Despite that fact, I don't...more
12 likes · like · see review
I wonder when was the last time I read a children's book as philosophical as this one. This book has tried to tackle one of the most important topics in the world - the meaning of life. And this I think is the only book I read whose last portion annotates the real thought of the story.
(view spoiler)...more
(view spoiler)...more
4 likes · like · see review
This is not just an ordinary children’s book that illustrate the difference between right and wrong neither show you who is the good guy and the bad guy. Even the plot itself is quite new to me. Brightest is a story about a lost firefly catcher finding his way home. Through his journey he’ll meet and ask for a help to a broken firefly, who was also lost on finding himself again.
Everyone can relate to the story, even I too, see myself to the character of the firefly—weary and tired. We’ll encoun...more
Everyone can relate to the story, even I too, see myself to the character of the firefly—weary and tired. We’ll encoun...more
6 likes · like · see review
The first story about the lost firefly and the firefly catcher is very entertaining; I read it all in one. It was weird at first especially when the firefly catchers asked for help from the firefly (who he catches) but as I go on reading I was pulled into their world. The loneliness of the old firefly and the happiness he felt when he found out that all hope wasn't lost. I also like the firefly catcher he demonstrated that even in hopeless situation it’s good to keep on trying and that never giv...more
3 likes · like · see review
I like Brightest.
*****
I like the illustrations. Even more so when my toddler son keeps on pointing at the star in almost every page when we are reading Brightest. But the story… seemed incomplete. There’s no rise and fall. Was there a conflict? Oh, when the firefly ignored the firefly catcher – that’s it, I think. I wonder: why did the firefly never called on the firefly catcher because he’s capturing fireflies?
If not for the written message by the author (when the story ended), I wouldn’t under...more
*****
I like the illustrations. Even more so when my toddler son keeps on pointing at the star in almost every page when we are reading Brightest. But the story… seemed incomplete. There’s no rise and fall. Was there a conflict? Oh, when the firefly ignored the firefly catcher – that’s it, I think. I wonder: why did the firefly never called on the firefly catcher because he’s capturing fireflies?
If not for the written message by the author (when the story ended), I wouldn’t under...more
4 likes · like · see review
From The Page Walker:
People who will read this review may ask -why is it that this book for kids is being reviewed by adults?
Before any confusion starts, let me be clear that this is a book for kids. It’s catching bright orange color will surely attract children instantly. The illustrations were brilliantly done, with intriguing fabled characters that will etch their unusual characteristics on the reader. And the book’s strongest feature is its profound lesson –a lesson not only kids will profit...more
People who will read this review may ask -why is it that this book for kids is being reviewed by adults?
Before any confusion starts, let me be clear that this is a book for kids. It’s catching bright orange color will surely attract children instantly. The illustrations were brilliantly done, with intriguing fabled characters that will etch their unusual characteristics on the reader. And the book’s strongest feature is its profound lesson –a lesson not only kids will profit...more
6 likes · like · see review
May 16, 2013
Maria Ella
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Parents
Recommended to Maria Ella by:
Josephine Litonjua
Posted in the blog Markings of a Dreamer
Firefly. There is something symbolic about this being. It may not be noticeable during the daytime, but it is when the dark comes, its light shall shine.
Brightest, a children’s book, is about a firefly catcher that got lost in a mushroom patch. As he tried to find his way home, he met a lost firefly. And with a smile they became friends, and both found their way home.
In an orange book with simplistic illustrations, looking at the panels is not enough –...more
Firefly. There is something symbolic about this being. It may not be noticeable during the daytime, but it is when the dark comes, its light shall shine.
Brightest, a children’s book, is about a firefly catcher that got lost in a mushroom patch. As he tried to find his way home, he met a lost firefly. And with a smile they became friends, and both found their way home.
In an orange book with simplistic illustrations, looking at the panels is not enough –...more
5 likes · like · see review
I can only think of good comments on this book, that’s how I liked loved it. This is such a simple yet complex short story. The book itself is short but the message it carries is deep, no kidding there. I personally think it’s a perfect read for children this Christmas. Well, not only children, but also for the adults as well.
The story is about getting lost and finding our way back home again. This happens to everyone- in our daily normal lives. One day we’re walking calmly and securely on our...more
The story is about getting lost and finding our way back home again. This happens to everyone- in our daily normal lives. One day we’re walking calmly and securely on our...more
3 likes · like · see review
here's a copy of my column on Manila Bulletin
inspired by "Brightest"
December 19, 2011
------------------------------
MANILA, Philippines — Christmas is a time of celebration, a season of enjoying sumptuous meals and special treats with family and friends. But in the midst of merriment, let us not forget the star atop the Christmas tree, and the real reason why we celebrate Christmas: Jesus Christ. With Him as our star, we can definitely move forward and twinkle brightly.
This reflection was in my t...more
inspired by "Brightest"
December 19, 2011
------------------------------
MANILA, Philippines — Christmas is a time of celebration, a season of enjoying sumptuous meals and special treats with family and friends. But in the midst of merriment, let us not forget the star atop the Christmas tree, and the real reason why we celebrate Christmas: Jesus Christ. With Him as our star, we can definitely move forward and twinkle brightly.
This reflection was in my t...more
Apr 17, 2013
Rise
added it
I like fireflies. They are creatures of evocation. They proudly display their intense passions within them. Short-lived, they are prime examples of beings who lived for the moment, keenly, spontaneously, and for all their worth.
Reading this book, Brightest, rekindles my childlike wonder about these creatures. Here are some lines I wrote after I accompanied a friend of mine in the famous Iwahig River Firefly Watching in Puerto Princesa City. It captures the wonder I feel for the book:
Reading this book, Brightest, rekindles my childlike wonder about these creatures. Here are some lines I wrote after I accompanied a friend of mine in the famous Iwahig River Firefly Watching in Puerto Princesa City. It captures the wonder I feel for the book:
...more
Kindling
The
5 likes · like · see review
loved this book! brilliant story, magnificent art. its story is one that everyone can easily relate to.
when i first heard about it, i expected it to be a children's book. after all, it is about a "young spirited firefly catcher." plus, it has great graphics and all... but, as i was reading it i realized that it was something that i, an adult (for the most part), could relate to. maybe it is because of my current state of mind or what i've been through but for whatever reason, it got me or the message was loud and clear for me. and, i'm not going to tell you what it is, because you have to read it...more
While a children’s book—Brightest after all, talks about a lost firefly trying to find his way home, and a firefly catcher who had long lost himself—this short story actually shows that each of us can touch each other's lives. That what we do has the power to affect other people. As such, it is our responsibility to always be positive in dealing with other people around us. Moreover, one could also associate it with the way we deal with our environment. If we are friendly to our environment, fri...more
Original post at One More Page
I received a copy of Brightest during our 7th Face to Face discussion for our book club, where Jho, from Isshin Dream Publishing, gave away copies. I was curious, and I have a soft spot for local, self-published books, so I got one and read it immediately the next day after the event (when I've caught up on sleep, that is). :) Brightest is the story of a firefly catcher who got lost trying to find his way home. As he went through the forest, he runs into a broken f...more
I received a copy of Brightest during our 7th Face to Face discussion for our book club, where Jho, from Isshin Dream Publishing, gave away copies. I was curious, and I have a soft spot for local, self-published books, so I got one and read it immediately the next day after the event (when I've caught up on sleep, that is). :) Brightest is the story of a firefly catcher who got lost trying to find his way home. As he went through the forest, he runs into a broken f...more
4 likes · like · see review
Albeit the audience target of this book, that is, those under the children’s umbrella—Brightest isn’t merely a tale that could charm its way over a child’s defiant whims; but one that could surely exhume a vulnerable chunk of yourself.
There is more to it than just cartoon and words.
One must not read black and white so as to crack the meat, but one must look right through the prose’s sheer simplicity. What does a firefly catcher doing asking directions from a nearby firefly? Should the firefly...more
There is more to it than just cartoon and words.
One must not read black and white so as to crack the meat, but one must look right through the prose’s sheer simplicity. What does a firefly catcher doing asking directions from a nearby firefly? Should the firefly...more
3 likes · like · see review
This book, Brightest could be the best children's book that I've read this year. It has everything that I normally look for in a book written for children. The illustrations are uniquely fascinating: refreshing orange tone, ethereal characters and surreal settings. However, what I enjoyed most were the messages that contained in it: (1) that once in a while, we have to stop and think where we are leading in this life; (2) that it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help; (3) that helping a lost...more
18 likes · like · see review
I say it is deeply moving... an inspiration for people who lost a part of their lives along the way. A reminder that no matter how trivial this spark of longing we have in ourselves to find our way back home, all we need to do is act on it, take action and start walking. There is hope.
A wonderful children's book, with extremely lovable characters. I admire Mr. de Venecia's artistic skill. It's very vivid and so much alive. Mr. de Venecia is indeed one great artist.
The story can be both for adults and kids. The drawings in the book are amazing - really well-made - and it brought the story to life. An interesting read, if I may say so.
I think it is a good book and it is good for children, I believe many people will like it
1 like · like · see review
It's a very nice read. =)
Really, really enjoyed this book. :)
Review to follow.
Magmomoment muna ako.
^___^
Review to follow.
Magmomoment muna ako.
^___^
1 like · like · see review
May 23, 2013
Bianca Caligagan
marked it as to-read
May 22, 2013
Anna Frizelle
marked it as to-read
May 21, 2013
Monica G.
marked it as to-read
May 15, 2013
Richard Shea
marked it as to-read
May 15, 2013
Rex Fuller
marked it as to-read
May 15, 2013
Y Sean
marked it as to-read
May 06, 2013
Reev Robledo
marked it as to-read
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pinoy Reads Pinoy...: * Mayo ng 2013: BRIGHTEST by Joanna Crisner, Author at Johann de Venecia , Illustrator (Moderator: Jho) | 115 | 38 | 23 hours, 44 min ago |
Johann de Venecia began drawing on the walls of his grandmother's house at the age of four. He was hooked ever since and years later, he earned his BA degree in Visual Communication from the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD).
Johann had moved on from walls to more suitable media, but the childhood enthusiasm remained. He is now based in Long Beach, California w...more
More about Johann de Venecia...
Johann had moved on from walls to more suitable media, but the childhood enthusiasm remained. He is now based in Long Beach, California w...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“We lose our soul, to find our life.”
—
17 people liked it
“For anyone who feels lost in their own way, going back to who you are and what you love or moving forward to whoever you are meant to be or meant to love, is the purpose of being lost. We lose ourselves, so we can find out who we truly are. And when by fate we do, we discover the best version of ourselves.”
—
12 people liked it
More quotes…
