Greta Glühwürmchen

Neon Animals Picture Books

by Jane Clarke

Het is nergens zo fijn als thuis...

Vera Vuurvliegje is verdwaald. En er zijn zo veel felle lichtjes in het donker, dat ze niet weet welke kant ze op moet.

Kun jij haar helpen om weer thuis te komen?

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens, Summer, Animals, Nature, Fiction

Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

See also pseudonym Hayley Daze.

Jane was born 17 December 1954 and brought up in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England. From 1972 to 1975 Jane attend the University of Birmingham where she earned a combined Bachelor of Arts with honours in archaeology and history. In 1981 she completed a PhD in archaeology from University College London.

On 5 November 1977 Jane married Chemical Engineer Martin Clarke, whose work took them to Mexico, Brazil, the United States, Wales and the Netherlands. Together they raised two sons, Andrew and Robert (both born in Wales).

During her doctoral studies Jane lectured at University College London (1978–79). Thereafter she lectured at University College Cardiff in Wales part time (1981–83), and also taught history at Bryn Hafren School in Barry, Wales (1979–83). After Jane moved with her family to the Netherlands (Koewacht), she began working part time as a librarian at the Antwerp International School. It was during this time when she started her career as a children’s author.

Jane’s husband, Martin, died of a heart attack in Antwerp, Belgium on 20 December 2001. In June 2005, Jane moved from the Netherlands back to Kent (near Deal) in England where she now lives.

Aside from writing children’s books, Jane spends a significant amount of time inspiring children to read and write. She frequently visits schools throughout the UK and Europe to do so.

Jane Clarke is a team writer on three different popular series. Dinosaur Cove (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Oxford University Press), Puddle the naughtiest puppy (series created by Working Partners Ltd. and published by Ladybird Books Ltd.) and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home (created by Random House Children's Books and published by Red Fox.)

Jane has also done support work for various charitable organisations including Ellenor Lions Children’s Hospice, Institute of Cancer Research (The Clapham Grand), Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and READ (promotes reading in Africa).

Reviews

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book for beginners. It is a story that asks for the involvement of the kids to help the firefly get home. It’s nighttime and we see all the lights the firefly might think of as home and then not. The book asks the reader to make a wish and flap your arms and things of this nature. The artwork is amazing and it’s Britta here and I love Britta. Never fear, the firefly does get home.

The nephew was the only one to read this and he thought this was stupid. He didn’t make a wish and said that was stupid and he didn’t want to do any of the suggestions. He does love catching fireflies right now, so he ended up giving it 2 stars.

There’s a book from the 60s about a firefly that I would rather read.

[Brooklyn Tayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh this story is so precious! Read it and not be touched, I dare you! :) I read it for Storytime at work and the little ones just loved the story of a sweet little firefly trying to find her way home :)

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The colors used by the illustrator certainly depict the nights during which a Firefly emits its glow.

This little Firefly is lost from its home and is wandering all around, chasing lights of all sorts, to find its way back home and to its own kind.

A bit far fetched, but fun to read. Truly I don't know if Fireflies are drawn to lights other than the light of another Firefly. It seems a bit far fetched, but makes for a fun read.

Ultimately, little Firefly finds its way home.

I love the bright yellow against the blues and purples of the night skies the illustrator has drawn. The drawings are a bit whimsical, but fun and the Firefly has big, bulging "bug eyes."

A fun read.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

[The Library Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this does give instructions on what to do, but truthfully, that's a plus. A lot of adults simply don't know how to interact with their children when reading, and would rather stick them in front of a tablet or a phone and let them interact with the screen.

The average parent reading this will get a chance at an interactive read that involves both adult and child. That's what I do in story times every week, it's the heart and soul of what I do. Without the instructions built into the text, I myself could still use this book interactively, but again, I'm a children's librarian with 30+ years worth of story time experience, plus time reading with my own kids. I have the confidence to use a book interactively!

Aside from all that, this is a charming book, with illustrations by the author/illustrator of one of my favorite story time books, Big Smelly Bear. I like the idea of different kinds of light, and this has a satisfying ending. I might or might not use it at story time, but I certainly think families will enjoy this one.

[Abby Johnson]

2020 Firefly Award Nominee! When a firefly gets lost, she asks for help from child readers to find her way home in this mildly interactive book. Some readers will surely enjoy that dialogic prompts and actions are included in the text. I find that it makes for a stunted story, although it does have gorgeous, saturated blue and yellow illustrations. I particularly like the spectacular brightness of the end papers, which shine like the brightest firefly.

[Krysta · Rating 3 out of 5]

The large, bright illustrations are the best part of this book. It is interactive, leading the narrator to direct listeners to trace firefly glows or to say hello, which can be helpful for readers not sure how to ask listeners to participate. The narrative voice sounded a little condescending to me, but maybe children won't think so.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet interactive book - the reader follows the book's instructions to help Florence the Firefly find her way home. I liked that it was a gentler story than many interactive books are, and featured a variety of ways for the reader to participate.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

My kids love fireflies (we say lightning bugs) and books that interact this had both.

[Charity Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used this book as part of a firefly storytime, and it's a wonderful read aloud. Lots of vibrant illustrations accompany a very interactive story. The kids really liked this book.

[Meredith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Florence the Firefly is lost, and the reader has to help her find her way home.

A firefly becomes lost and follows different lights trying to find her way home while second person narration prompts the reader to help her. The structure of the story is so similar to The Very Lonely Firefly by Eric Carle that I was initially surprised. The lights the firefly follows do turn out to be different things, and a firefly following lights may be too generic to be propriotary. What makes this story different is that it invites the reader to participate in the story.

The illustrations are digital collage style by Britta Teckentrup. They are bold and gentle, depicting the serene side of night.

Few things better evoke the magic of childhood summers than fireflies, and readers who appreciate these insects will enjoy this book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Firefly Home, a firefly tries to find her way home in this delightful story by by Jane Clarke with illustrations by Britta Teckentrup. This lovely picture book is full of deeply colorful illustrations and interactive aspects that will enchant children ages 1-5 with repeated readings.

[Margaret]

A first sighting every year sends a surge of happiness into your soul. They are harbingers of a seasonal shift and the continuity of Mother Nature. As a glow in the cloak of darkness, they are briefly like stars, shining on and off and on and off.

This light they make is akin to Morse code, a special beetle communication, welcoming mates and warning territory encroachers and predators. Firefly Home (Nosy Crow, June 11, 2019) written by Jane Clarke with illustrations by Britta Teckentrup is an endearing, participatory story for younger readers. A firefly is lost. Will she find her companions?


My full recommendation: https://librariansquest.blogspot.com/...

[Kayleigh Farey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some picture books that you read that you just know will be perfect for storytime and reading aloud, and Firefly Home is definitely one of them! I was immediately drawn to this book by Britta's beautiful illustrations, and by how adorable Florence Firefly looks. Coupled with the fun story that's highly interactive and enjoyable to read, this makes for a really engaging reading experience.

My gut feeling is that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I'd hoped. I found it a little bit too childlike at times (which is very rare for me to say!) and didn't enjoy the interactivity when reading it on my own. However, I can imagine that this is a wonderful story to share with your children.

All that said, I did overall like the book and think that it makes a lovely addition to my picture book collection!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out last month in the U.S., but from Canada, a special interactive book to help sad Florence Firefly who's lost and cannot find her way home. Page by page, lovely nighttime scenes by Britta Teckentrup show the varied scenes of night but punctuated by bright lights. Florence chooses a few scenes that 'might' be home, only to learn they are not. Tension builds! Children answer questions about places, clap and make wishes to help Florence as the story is read. It will be much fun to read to a small group of pre-schoolers!

[Christina Reid · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are gorgeous and this would make a great bedtime story as children follow firefly's quest to find his way home. It has some really nice interactive elements, like trailing the sparkles behind the firefly, and has a repetitive, calming text with a reassuring ending.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheerful art accompanies the story about a lost firefly finding her way home. While I was happy to see a book about fireflies, I kept hoping for more nature facts to be woven in...however, the focus is about lights, not fireflies facts. A nice summer story.

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the illustrations in this, but the text was really prescriptive, teaching the adult how to share the book with a child more than connecting with the child directly. I originally thought I'd read it at story time, but it just doesn't work as a read-aloud in a group setting.

[Aeicha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firefly Home is a lovely tale about one little firefly's journey home. Simple text and lush, collage-like illustrations, along with fun interactive elements, combine to create a beautiful and engaging story experience.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe 3.5 stars. It is a cute bedtime story.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice enough story of a little firefly who is trying to find her way back home.

[Jennifer B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story with lovely illustrations.

[Mere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Following a firefly called Florence on an adventure as she tries to find her way home with a few stops to enjoy the views.

The illustrations are charming. As they help bring the tale to life.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Florence Firefly temporarily gets lost before finding her way home.

[Pamela Groseclose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet lap or storytime read. It is very interactive and would work well for a preschool age group.

[Juliana Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Florence goes out one night but can't find her way home. She follows lights (lighthouse, train, city windows) with the help of little readers until she finds her way home.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for interacting with children.

[Eve Costarelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn in by the vibrant yellow on the cover and the end sheets. It's just so glowing and alluring, just like a firefly. This book is not merely a book about a firefly; it is it is a creatively interactive book about curiosity and searching and is full of fun facts and keeps the mind engaged with its cute “follow” directions and is great for hand-eye coordination. The book may seem simple but it is deceptively complex and will engage the reader over and over. The illustrations by Britta Teckentrup are eye-catching with beautiful colors and layering and are reminiscent of Eric Carle's tissue paper art. I just love the “electric” bright yellow tail-trails throughout the book. Love this book!
I highly recommend it and cannot wait to share it with my granddaughter!
Thank you to Candlewick Press for sending me this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
For more information about me, please visit alwaysbedancing dot com

[J.L. Slipak · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY THOUGHTS:

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

This sweet picture book is such a delight to read. It takes you into the world of a firefly who is lost.

Mistaking several 'human' things as its home, such as a train, a lighthouse, stars in the sky... the poor firefly searches frantically to find its family and home.

The illustrations are adorable, bright and cheerful despite the sad story of being lost. Interaction with the book is shown through wishing, turning the page to hurry the firefly along to safety, etc.

Such a delight for the youngest of readers as an introduction to using the imagination through the encouragement of reading. I think I would have preferred at least two dimensional illustrations for this first-time reader. Other than that a wonderful book. Lots of blues, greens and slate colors used.

[Paul Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly Home is about a young firefly that gets lost. He thinks every place is home that has bright lights. As he tries to make his way back home, he travels everywhere around the city, following trains and boats. At the end he begins to feel sad he will never find his home, but luckily he finds a trail of fireflies and flies all the way back home.

I like this book because the pictures are immaculate, and every where the firefly travels too is a new destination with a new atmosphere with new people and things. This story also has a happy ending which everyone enjoys.

I would only use this book in lower level classroom because the words used and how its structured would be too easy and boring for a upper level classroom. For 1st and 2nd graders, I think they would really enjoy this book.

[Bridget McSpadden · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about a little firefly named Florence and she gets lost and can't seem to find her way home, so the reader helps her find bright things to try to make it back to her friends. She follows a few different bright lights that don't lead her back home like the moon, a train, and into the city, but eventually, she thinks she saw a shooting star, but it ends up being her friends flying in the air.
I enjoyed this book and thought it was really sweet and I liked how interactive it can be for the students.
In the classroom, this book could be useful to show that everyone needs help sometimes and it's okay to ask for help to accomplish something.