It’s a Firefly Night Book Recommendation!
It's a Firefly Night by Betsy Snyder, Dianne Ochiltree Published by Blue Apple Books on May 14th 2013
Pages: 32
Format: eBook
Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads
"One, two, three, four, five. My jar's like a light bulb that's just come alive." The lilting verses in this concept book chronicle a girl's capture and release of ten fireflies. Kid-readers will count up and down along with the song-like text. Interesting information about fireflies is included in the book's final spread, adding a touch of accessible nonfiction to this charming not-just-for-bedtime offering.
Of all the picture books I have read over the last few years this one is my favorite. The writing is lyrical, the illustrations are phenomenal and the story itself is heart warming. It transports you into the life of this wonderful young girl who looks at the world with innocence and wonder as she watches the fireflies and adventures outside with her father. Unlike many novels for younger children it doesn’t focus on what she wants, what she is being told to do or other common themes in picture books. Instead it gives you a bigger picture, it makes you feel like you are out in that wonderful firefly night with her and exploring as you very carefully capture fireflies, only to let them go again because they belong to the night and another firefly night will come.
The illustrations by Betsy Snyder really bring the story Dianne Ochiltree wrote to life. It was reminiscent of The Very Hungry Caterpillar to me but with more whimsy and finesse. Each image had just the right focus with unique perspectives such as seeing more from the firefly’s point of view than the girl’s. The style is relatable for a child - the kind of illustrations I could imagine having copied onto a wall of a child’s room. This wonderful young girl happily adventuring with the smiling pup running ahead and beautiful touches in the background from bird houses to flowers.
Simply magical! Anyone looking for a last minute Christmas gift should pick up this treasure. It is a real treat. Amazing 5 star picture book I would pick up for any child. If you get this book you are getting more than a picture book, you are getting an experience and a wonderful but subtle lesson for a all ages.
Dianne Ochiltree is a nationally recognized author of books for the very young. Her books have been featured on recommended lists, translated to foreign language editions, released in audio versions and selected for use in lesson plans by teachers nationwide. Her picture book, LULL-A-BYE, LITTLE ONE, has been a selection in the Dollywood Foundation’s childhood literacy initiative, Imagination Library, since 2007. Her picture book, MOLLY BY GOLLY! THE LEGEND OF MOLLY WILLIAMS AMERICA’S FIRST FEMALE FIREFIGHTER, received the Florida Book Awards Bronze Medal in the Children’s Literature category in 2012. Her latest picture book, IT’S A FIREFLY NIGHT encourages an appreciation for the natural world while celebrating a special daddy-and-daughter bond—and there’s counting, too! Dianne lives in Sarasota, Florida, where she writes, draws, teaches yoga, and goes on therapy dog visits with her furry girlfriend, Sally. For more information about her books, go to www.ochiltreebooks.com
Check out the illustrator, Betsy Snyder’s wonderful blog with information about her amazing creations!
http://betsysnyder.blogspot.com/
