Firefly - a curious creature

 The 2020 CBCA slogan is 

Curious Creatures, Wild Minds

The Firefly

Time to turn my attention to the insect world. I love the idea of fireflies even though we do not have them here in Australia. I think my curiosity stems from the glorious Eric Carle book The Very Lonely Firefly and a book from my childhood - Sam and the Firefly by PD Eastman.

Image Source: Earthsky

Here are some facts about the curious firefly:

• Fireflies are also called lightning bugs
• There are around 2000 different species of fireflies but not all of them have lights
• Fireflies are beetles not flies!
• Their light can be yellow or green or orange depending on the species
• Fireflies live in tropical environments
• The glow is a chemical reaction - it is called bio-luminescence
• Each firefly species has its own flashing pattern
• Size 5 to 25mm

Further reading:

National Geographic

CBC Canada Kids

Image source: Firefly.org

Picture books that feature fireflies:

Publisher blurb Penguin: A light-up surprise for the youngest child from Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. As the sun sets a little firefly is born. The very lonely firefly sets off into the darkening sky, flashing its light as it searches for other fireflies. It sees many lights - including a light bulb, headlights, the reflecting eyes of a dog, cat and owl and finally some fireworks glittering and shimmering - until at last it finds the firefly friends it was looking for. Now the firefly isn't lonely any more. The joyful conclusion of this delightful story is brought vividly to life with tiny flashing lights on the final page to delight young children.

Publisher blurb Penguin Random House: Sam the Owl and Gus the Firefly literally light up the sky in this classic Beginner Book edited by Dr. Seuss. In Sam and the Firefly, P. D. Eastman (author of Are You My Mother? and Go, Dog. Go!) introduces us to the dynamic duo of Sam and Gus, who soar through the air writing words in the night sky. But when Gus’s words end up causing confusion and chaos for the people on the ground, it’s up to Sam to help Gus “write” his wrongs.

Publisher blurb Nosy Crow: There’s no place like home, but poor Florence Firefly is lost, and there are so many bright lights shining in the night sky she doesn’t know which way to go. She’ll need some help to find her way back home. In this brilliant interactive picture book, children can help Florence on her journey by encouraging her to fly faster, suggesting which direction to take and making a wish.

Publisher blurb Penguin Random House: A little frog is singing to himself in the swamp one night. His song doesn’t seem complete, so he invites other animals to join in. Nothing sounds right until they are joined by the littlest voice in the swamp — that of a tiny firefly. This wonderfully illustrated picture book carries the important message that small voices need to be heard, too.

"Award-winning filmmaker and author of the Boy Who Loved the Moon, Rino Alaimo returns with an endearing tale about courage and love. When a young boy's father doesn't return from the war, the lonely boy wishes upon a shooting star--one that turns out to be a little firefly who, try as she might, just can't fly. Touched by the boy's earnest wish, the firefly undertakes a courageous journey to bring the boy's father home. Hope, love, and the courage of an unlikely hero fill the pages of this stunningly illustrated picture book" Book Depository 

Publisher blurb Macmillan:  Nina is afraid of the dark. Luckily she has a nightlight, but one night the power goes out. So Nina traps a firefly to keep her company. She has a jolly time with her new friend, until she soon realizes that the firefly doesn't feel the same way, and she must let it go. This irresistible bedtime story has stunning black-and-white illustrations accented with glowing spots of color—as magical as fireflies themselves!

Here is a very special poetry book:

Here is a non fiction text: