Next Time You See a Firefly

Gr 1–3—Intended for an adult to share the magic of fireflies with a child on a summer night, this picture book features close-ups of these insects flashing for one another and interacting with people. The straightforward language places the firefly in the context of its family of beetles and asks and answers the question, "Have you ever wondered why fireflies flash?" Glossy full-color photographs take readers into the world of the firefly, including its two-year larva stage spent in utter darkness underground. Instructions on the safest way to capture and keep fireflies for a brief period in a glass jar lined with a moist paper towel encourage direct involvement with these fascinating creatures. This gentle and informative introduction to one of the more approachable summer insects concludes with a list of suggested activities and websites to visit for more information and a link for downloadable classroom activities.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA