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Among a Thousand Fireflies
How can a firefly find the one, among so many? Exquisite photographs and poetic text evoke a sense of mystery and magic.
On a summer evening, just as the stars blink on, a firefly lands on a flower. Lights start to flash all around her -- first one, then three, seven. Hundreds. Thousands. How will she find just one flash among them? And will he see her flash in return? In evocative photographs and lyrical language, Rick Lieder and Helen Frost, creators of the critically acclaimed Step Gently Out and Sweep Up the Sun, offer a true story of how two fireflies come together after finding each other's light among thousands of others.
On a summer evening, just as the stars blink on, a firefly lands on a flower. Lights start to flash all around her -- first one, then three, seven. Hundreds. Thousands. How will she find just one flash among them? And will he see her flash in return? In evocative photographs and lyrical language, Rick Lieder and Helen Frost, creators of the critically acclaimed Step Gently Out and Sweep Up the Sun, offer a true story of how two fireflies come together after finding each other's light among thousands of others.
32 pages, Paperback
First published March 8, 2016
About the author
Helen Frost
199 books226 followersI'm dipping my toes into goodreads to see how it works. Thanks for finding me here, and thanks to everyone who has read and written about my books. I love to know you're there, even if I don't come here too often to say so.
Helen Frost is the author of eleven novels-in-poems and seven picture books for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/helenf...
Helen Frost is the author of eleven novels-in-poems and seven picture books for children and young adults. She lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/helenf...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
April 11, 2016
A firefly "love" story (because the book doesn't ascribe emotions to fireflies). It's a G-rated, poetic explanation of firefly mating habits and why they flash - accompanied by beautiful photographs of these interesting little bugs. Light on facts (it never pretends to be a nonfiction book) but still worth a look.
March 23, 2019
A stunning pairing of photography and poetry about a pair of fireflies.
Perfect for a poetry and night-life Storytime.
Perfect for a poetry and night-life Storytime.
Read
June 23, 2017Paired Fiction "twin text":
Rabe, T. (2014). The Cat in the Hat knows a lot about that: Night lights. Random House.
Rationale:
I chose this pair of twin texts for several reasons. The first reason I chose "Among a Thousand Fireflies" for my non-fiction text is because it was in poetry format. I felt that for my younger students it wouldn't be the same as reading a textbook and they could learn information in a unique way. I also loved how perfectly the two text matched with each other in the sense that "The Cat in the Hat knows a log about that: Night lights" is about how fireflies use their lights to signal to another who they are in order to find each other. This is exactly what the non-fiction text was about. It was a perfect match. I also loved the creative aspect of why they would need fireflies in the first place in order to create pictures with shadows.
Identification:
The text-structure of this format is poetry and descritpion. The other big aspect that helps guide the reader in this text are the pictures that have been provided. They go along with the words of the poem to help the reader picture what is being said. At the very end of the book there is a brief paragraph of additional information as well for either the teacher to read to gain more knowledge of the student.
Strategy
Summarize information is the strategy application that I will use with this non-fiction text pair. I want students to be able to pull out the big idea of the text. Because the text only has one main idea and due to it being poetry each page only has a few words. I will ask questions such as what was the focus of the reading section. I will then have them identify what is the connection between the two texts? Is our main idea within the second text as well?
Rabe, T. (2014). The Cat in the Hat knows a lot about that: Night lights. Random House.
Rationale:
I chose this pair of twin texts for several reasons. The first reason I chose "Among a Thousand Fireflies" for my non-fiction text is because it was in poetry format. I felt that for my younger students it wouldn't be the same as reading a textbook and they could learn information in a unique way. I also loved how perfectly the two text matched with each other in the sense that "The Cat in the Hat knows a log about that: Night lights" is about how fireflies use their lights to signal to another who they are in order to find each other. This is exactly what the non-fiction text was about. It was a perfect match. I also loved the creative aspect of why they would need fireflies in the first place in order to create pictures with shadows.
Identification:
The text-structure of this format is poetry and descritpion. The other big aspect that helps guide the reader in this text are the pictures that have been provided. They go along with the words of the poem to help the reader picture what is being said. At the very end of the book there is a brief paragraph of additional information as well for either the teacher to read to gain more knowledge of the student.
Strategy
Summarize information is the strategy application that I will use with this non-fiction text pair. I want students to be able to pull out the big idea of the text. Because the text only has one main idea and due to it being poetry each page only has a few words. I will ask questions such as what was the focus of the reading section. I will then have them identify what is the connection between the two texts? Is our main idea within the second text as well?
March 16, 2016
I would have to say this is the first firefly love story I've ever read. A wonderful non-fiction with beautiful photos and accompanying poetry. Perfect for a storytime about camping, outdoors, or insects. It's a nice teachable moment to not rip their backsides off or put them in a jar to die.
November 28, 2020
This team always delivers great poetry, gorgeous photographs, and an interesting way of looking at the world around us. In this one the reader gets to watch fireflies at dusk.
Rick Lieder is from Michigan.
Rick Lieder is from Michigan.
July 6, 2025
A firefly alights on a flower one summer night in this lovely photographic picture book, looking for a mate whose flash of lights matches her own pattern. Dozens and then hundreds of flashes go off around her, but she waits until she finds the right one, sending out a responding pattern of flashes once she does. Among a thousand fireflies, these two find one another...
I was transfixed the other night, upon looking out my window after some rain and seeing some fireflies flashing in my back yard. It had been a few years since I had seen any (mostly because I don't tend to spend my evenings outdoors), and I was reminded of how enchanting I found these insects as a girl, and how magical their twinkling lights have always seemed to me. It was then that I decided to try to track down some picture books about the subject, requesting this one and a few others from my local library. I wasn't sure what to expect from Among a Thousand Fireflies, as I was unfamiliar with both author Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder, but I discovered to my pleasure that the book was quite charming. The text is very simple, with at most a phrase or sentence per two-page spread, and expressively describes the process whereby these two fireflies find one another. More information is given on fireflies in a brief note at the back of the book, but it's clear that this is intended less as an informational book, and more as one which captures and celebrates the wonder of this natural phenomenon. The accompanying photographs are just gorgeous—detailed and beautiful!
I don't encounter very many picture books illustrated with photography, which is probably why this one reminded me of titles like Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick's First Snow in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy , and that pair's other books about deer in the woods, which are likewise illustrated with beautiful photographs. Apparently Frost and Lieder have a few more books in this vein themselves, which I might have to track down. In any case, this is one I would recommend to young firefly lovers, and to anyone seeking photographic (rather than illustrated) picture books.
I was transfixed the other night, upon looking out my window after some rain and seeing some fireflies flashing in my back yard. It had been a few years since I had seen any (mostly because I don't tend to spend my evenings outdoors), and I was reminded of how enchanting I found these insects as a girl, and how magical their twinkling lights have always seemed to me. It was then that I decided to try to track down some picture books about the subject, requesting this one and a few others from my local library. I wasn't sure what to expect from Among a Thousand Fireflies, as I was unfamiliar with both author Helen Frost and photographer Rick Lieder, but I discovered to my pleasure that the book was quite charming. The text is very simple, with at most a phrase or sentence per two-page spread, and expressively describes the process whereby these two fireflies find one another. More information is given on fireflies in a brief note at the back of the book, but it's clear that this is intended less as an informational book, and more as one which captures and celebrates the wonder of this natural phenomenon. The accompanying photographs are just gorgeous—detailed and beautiful!
I don't encounter very many picture books illustrated with photography, which is probably why this one reminded me of titles like Carl R. Sams & Jean Stoick's First Snow in the Woods: A Photographic Fantasy , and that pair's other books about deer in the woods, which are likewise illustrated with beautiful photographs. Apparently Frost and Lieder have a few more books in this vein themselves, which I might have to track down. In any case, this is one I would recommend to young firefly lovers, and to anyone seeking photographic (rather than illustrated) picture books.
December 10, 2019
Catching fireflies (or lightning bugs where I was raised) is a favorite activity of lots of children in the summertime. This lovely picture book uses awesome, close-up photography and simple, poetic text to tell the story of a female firefly trying to attract the attention of a male firefly by blinking her light on and off. The reader can almost feel the soft heat of a summer evening and see the blinking of hundred of fireflies in the twilight. It reminds me of the verse from the Bible, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16) This would definitely be a good book to share with young readers at bedtime, especially if fireflies can be seen from a window.
October 7, 2017
Reading for 2017 Beehive poetry long list nominees. I am champion over this one. I love the subject matter. Fireflies are one of my favorite things. I have never really bothered to research them before, so this was new information to me and I found it interesting. The photography was amazing. The poem was ok. (Remember I am a terrible judge of form, style, etc.) But I had a personal connection to it, and that in itself gave it its own star.
Might be an interesting filler in preschool storytime.
Might be an interesting filler in preschool storytime.
September 27, 2021
Copyright date: 2016
Awards: Junior Library Guild selection, NYC reads 365 reading list
Genre: poetry, children’s picture book, animals
This is a wonderful realistic photographs of fireflies, and a story of two fireflies (male and female) finding each other in he dark sky with their flashing lights. I would probably share this book in my future science classroom just to share a children’s version of fireflies reproduction.
Awards: Junior Library Guild selection, NYC reads 365 reading list
Genre: poetry, children’s picture book, animals
This is a wonderful realistic photographs of fireflies, and a story of two fireflies (male and female) finding each other in he dark sky with their flashing lights. I would probably share this book in my future science classroom just to share a children’s version of fireflies reproduction.
September 26, 2022
A female firefly perched on a flower flashes her light to attract another firefly.
Anthropomorphic and child-friendly, this picture book shows how a firefly attracts a mate, which is the main purpose of its bioluminescence.
The illustrations are amazing photographs.
Brief information about fireflies is given in the author’s note at the end of the book as is a plea to help protect their habitat.
Anthropomorphic and child-friendly, this picture book shows how a firefly attracts a mate, which is the main purpose of its bioluminescence.
The illustrations are amazing photographs.
Brief information about fireflies is given in the author’s note at the end of the book as is a plea to help protect their habitat.
October 11, 2017
A book of fireflies, with beautiful photograph. The composition is mainly two parts, a very simple, neat fiction part and some facts.
The photographs are stunning, but they have limitations. Illustration with proper atmosphere and slight exaggeration will do much better than purely photos. Kids may find the photos not intriguing enough.
The poem is perfect.
The photographs are stunning, but they have limitations. Illustration with proper atmosphere and slight exaggeration will do much better than purely photos. Kids may find the photos not intriguing enough.
The poem is perfect.
September 6, 2024
The photos were incredible. The explanations of how and why the fireflies flash was simple to understand.
Overall I felt the book could have been more engaging and educational. At one point it “counts” flashes, but in random numbers “three. Seven. Ten.”; which I didn’t particularly appreciate especially for my younger listeners still learning about the order of numbers.
Overall I felt the book could have been more engaging and educational. At one point it “counts” flashes, but in random numbers “three. Seven. Ten.”; which I didn’t particularly appreciate especially for my younger listeners still learning about the order of numbers.
November 19, 2024
Published: March 8, 2016
Poet Study Book
Genre: Nature, poetry, picture book
This book tells the story of fireflies finding each other, even where there are so many. This would be a great read-aloud for K-2, or it could be tied to a science lesson. The pictures were amazing. I also thought that the story flowed nicely.
Poet Study Book
Genre: Nature, poetry, picture book
This book tells the story of fireflies finding each other, even where there are so many. This would be a great read-aloud for K-2, or it could be tied to a science lesson. The pictures were amazing. I also thought that the story flowed nicely.
June 30, 2017
Have you been spending summer nights catching fireflies with your kiddos? If so, this is a great read to bring along! It's a short, sweet and innocent love story of how 2 fireflies find each other. As always, the photos are wonderful...5 stars Helen Frost!
July 10, 2017
This one just didn't hit home like some of the other lighting bugs books we brought home. It's kind of our current theme right now as it's summer and the lighting bugs abound. Just not out cup of reading tea so back to the library it went.
October 23, 2018
Detailed photographs and almost poetic prose create the beautiful lighting bug love story of a lone female firefly dancing among flowers, blinking her light on and off in order to attract a mate. A great introduction to one of nature’s most fascinating insects!
July 28, 2019
Challenge: Grinchathon July Edition 2019 - Cool down (2). As the summer day cools to night, the male and female firefly signal to one another. She waits and he flies to her in this story in verse for children. Illustrated with the exquisite photography of Rick Lieder.
April 2, 2020
This book is about two fireflies finding each other by spotting their lights when they are surrounded by thousands of others. It is beautifully illustrated and the the language is lyrically wonderful.
September 17, 2023
In my early childhood we spent nights enchanted by fireflies. Unfortunately a couple destroyed their habitat. Summers were never the same. This is an enchanting book for children and adults and a great way to encourage protecting wild spaces so that countless generations will be enchanted.
October 21, 2016
Fascinating information about the amazing little firefly - so much to learn! Well worth reading! The photo illustrations for the story are incredible. Enjoy watching the fireflies light up their world in the blue hour of nightfall and see why!
February 26, 2017
An enjoyable poem with gorgeous photographs. Informational blurb at the end.
August 12, 2017
Read this in the hopes of preparing the kids to possibly see some on our road trip. The pictures are great and the last page that tells about the fireflies...krb 8/12/17
August 15, 2017
Beautiful photographs
August 17, 2017
I give the photographs 5 stars, but the text just 3.
September 25, 2017
This book has captivating up-close photographs.
September 6, 2017
Such stunning photographs with a lyrical poem.
March 28, 2018
love story
poem
fireflies at night
poem
fireflies at night
June 26, 2018
Very cool concept: a lightning bug love story. It’s summer so I’m way into fireflies (or lightning bugs as I grew up calling them) right now, but I was hoping for a little bit more from the text.
July 16, 2018
Amazing photographs!
October 30, 2018
What an amazing book. The photographs of the fireflies are so impressive. I learned a few more facts about fireflies than I knew before reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews