by
4.05 of 5 stars
It began 25 years ago with The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Now, the excitement continues with the fourth book in Carle's "Very" series featuring the b... read full description

reviews

Dec 29, 2011
Heidi rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Well, I've seen the back of this book before, but hadn't read it. So, I decided to read it. I like that there is a "story-arc" going on as the firefly searches for other fireflies. And as I like fireflies, the subject of the book got to me. And I always admire Carle's illustrations. But I'll admit that I'm not in love with most of his books. They're standards, yes. But not my favorites.

But who can not like blinking fireflies at the end?!

And in honor, here was th More...
Feb 15, 2010
Teeny rated it: 3 of 5 stars

Summary: The Very Lonely Firefly is a story about a little firefly that was just born and is searching for other fireflies. The little firefly keeps seeing lights, but they end up not being other fireflies. Instead, they are flashlights, fireworks, candles, lanterns, and etc. At the end, the little firefly finally finds other fireflies and he is not lonely anymore. This is a story that children will enjoy and remember for years to come!

Author and Illustrator: Eric Carle

More...
Feb 14, 2011
Laura rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Eric Carle writes a tale about a firefly who is bound and determined to see the whole world for himself. However, there is a big problem--this firefly is lonely, and doesn't think it will be too great to tour the world alone. So, as the firefly is traveling, he stops and recruits friends on the way (different groups of animals). Once the firefly isn't so lonely anymore with his travel companions, he sets off on his journey to see the world. However, the animals begin to have second thoughts More...
Sep 22, 2011
Jennesy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The Very Lonely Firefly is lost and looking for its way. It seems like an eternity until he finally finds his other firefly friends. This book is great for early readers and young children because it has colors, its predictable, it has animals, its relatable, etc. Several children can relate to this book because we are all lost and looking for our way at some point in time and we all eventually find it, just like firefly.
Oct 24, 2010
krym rated it: 5 of 5 stars
It's really scary to be lost or should I say, it is really difficult to be in a place or people whom you just can't fit in. In the long the run, your peace relies on your family. After all, they are the only ones who can accept you for who you are. Hahaha! I am putting too much symbolism on Eric Carl's book. It's just a story of a firefly looking for his light or co-fireflies :D Plus I love fireflies because they are magnificent at night. I would lie awake at night for hours just staring at them More...
Sep 27, 2011
Christiana rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A lonely firefly struggled while trying to find other fireflies :(

The firefly was determined to find the others, but kept coming across other lights that appeared to be the others, but when he came to the light it kept being different things.

The firefly was so determined, he kept looking until he finally found them! Great book to teach about the feeling of lonlieness.
Nov 08, 2010
I loved the repetition in this book with "The firefly saw a light and flew toward it." I got the participation version from the library that was supposed to light up at the end, however, I got this from the library, so the lights were all worn out unfortunately. But I think that would make for a great, happy surprise at the end when the firefly finds his friends.
Feb 06, 2012
Cindy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Charming, beautiful clear and clean illustrations. Illustrations fill pages, catching the eye with bright and vivid colors until finally, we see all of the blinking lights...
Can be used to teach:
unit on friendship
unit on fireflies
predictions
setting/theme
character analysis
shapes/colors/patterns
vocabulary
adjectives
create class book
Nov 30, 2008
Matt rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Currently, my daughter demands that we read this to her at least six times a day (I'm not kidding). It's the same Carle fomula (repetitve with different things mentioned on each page). Yet, it's the twinkling fireflies at the end of the book that make it fun. Plus, I dare you not to love the two page fireworks spread. Gorgeous artwork!
Apr 19, 2011
April rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book is repetitive and predictable. This story tells about wanting to belong and find others just like himself. The firefly looks for other fireflies and along his journey he finds comparisons to things that light up. The beginning of book, the author gives facts about fireflies. This book is part of Eric Carles Very series.
Oct 25, 2011
Bethann rated it: 4 of 5 stars
The very lonely firefly goes around trying to find his friends. He ends up on an adventure finding all kinds of different things that light up the night. I learned this book is about belonging, which makes sense. All the lonely firefly wants to do is find friends just like him. In the end he does just this.
Oct 21, 2011
Nikki Faith rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This is my least favorite Eric Carle book. I know when I was little, I would have been distraught that the firefly was lonely for the greater part of the book. Also, the people and animals he comes across are rather frightening! It didn't have the soft, comforting feel of Carle's other picture books.
Jul 23, 2009
Sandra rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Another cute book from Eric Carle. While we did enjoy the story and facts about the firefly, I have to say it wasn't our favorite from the series. Definitely worth the read and sharing with one's children but both my dd's and I preferred the Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Quiet Cricket.
Dec 31, 2011
Randie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
A firefly is born, lights his light, and goes on the search for other fireflies. However, he runs into many different things before reaching more of his kind.

Love the brush strokes of the illustrations. Also, the back cover has lights that glow--neat feature for younger kiddos.
Jun 20, 2009
Tricia rated it: 3 of 5 stars
i enjoy the primary storyline of this book but not the "bubbles from the mouth" storyline which i think would only cause confusion during audience sharing. while it's rare to find a library copy with the ending intact but when viewed following the fireworks, it's a wonderful treat!
Aug 04, 2011
Larissa rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The kids love this one. Eric Carle is simple and creative. He has the repetition children love. His illustrations are beautiful. The lights at the end of the book are awesome. Hermione's quote for this one, "I won't be scared of fireworks any more."
Nov 26, 2011
Becca rated it: 5 of 5 stars
The very lonely firefly goes around trying to find his friends. He ends up on an adventure finding all kinds of different things that light up the night. It's a great read for young children because they will love to guess what made the next light.
Apr 10, 2010
Marci rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great story and wonderful illustrations. It is all about a young firefly in search finding other fireflies, and what he experiences along the way. The ending is a happy one, because in the end he finds his friends.
Sep 29, 2009
Amanda added it
Carle (1995) talks about a firefly that was all alone and wanted to find other fireflies and he would flicker is light and then he would see a light and fly to it but it wasn’t another firefly he kept finding different types of lights. I can use this book in my classroom to talk about not giving up tell you find what you are looking for just like the firefly.
Oct 19, 2010
Kristy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I love Eric Carle, but this isn't my favorite of his books. It seemed a little text-heavy on some pages and I didn't understand the dog/cat/owl fight pages. Katie loves the light-up fireflies at the end.
Aug 12, 2009
Dolly rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Classic Eric Carle illustrations and writing style are what attracted me to this book. It's not one that I would imagine reading over and over (like "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"), but it is a nice tale.
Aug 16, 2011
Dawn added it
There is a story within a story here, and Carle's illustrations are charming as always. The last page has flashing lights, which is about the best thing in the world for toddlers.
Nov 04, 2009
Zak rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Fun book with great pictures but a somewhat repetitive story that can get a little tiresome after multiple reads. The blinking firefly lights on the last page are entertaining, however.
Oct 04, 2010
Powers Family rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Nicholas loved this story. He doesn't think the sun on the first page looks lonely because he is smiling. He is enjoying Eric Carle's work.
Apr 23, 2010
Crystal rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a fun light up board book. The story of a lonely firefly in search of other fireflies. As usual Eric Carle's illustrations do not dissapoint.
Nov 01, 2009
Sharlene rated it: 2 of 5 stars
A firefly set out in the night to find a group where he belongs. Can be use to teach a science lesson on things that gives off light.
Apr 01, 2010
Suna rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Ooh, this book is so very lovely; I am 34 years old and still experience a surge of joy when I reach the twinkly last page!
Mar 20, 2011
Jocelin rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Another cute one by Eric Carle. This is how you spend you time on a Sunday afternoon; reading children's books.
Mar 11, 2011
Allison rated it: 4 of 5 stars
After our hungry caterpillar success, we thought more Eric Carle was definitely on the literary menu. Jordan was a fan.
Nov 17, 2010
Lam rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This a well illustrated story that has repetition in each page that helps foster student's undertsanding and memory.