NIGHT OF THE FIREFLIES
reviews

The Night of the Fireflies was chosen as a nominee for the 2009-2010 Georgia Children's Book Award Winners.

"Ito's soft-edged illustrations beautifully capture the velvet darkness of the evening, the magical glow of the fireflies, and Miko's fascination with the festival. Children will enjoy this gentle story, which may prompt questions about why the fireflies no longer appear on their own in Japan." Booklist

the story behind the story...

My story takes place in Japan where in days past fireflies once lit up the summer skies in abundance. But sadly, because of pollution to the air and water, fireflies are no longer plentiful. Today, the government has a program where they breed, raise, and release fireflies every year on a summer evening in July for the children to chase. Reading about this in a newspaper inspired me to write this story.

Today, fireflies live in protected habitats and have become the cultural symbol for river protection and environmental conservation.

Click here for activities and discussion questions about the story, fireflies and conservation.