Being a West Coast dweller, I’ve never engaged in the quintessential summer activity of catching lightning bugs (fireflies) in a jar. But I’ve seen it on film, in photographs, and I’ve certainly read about the activity! Here, in California, we have fireflies, just not the nocturnal flashing variety.
One of my favorite children’s author / illustrators is Patricia Polacco who creates picture books filled with her wonderful family memories. When Lightning Comes in a Jar is a perfect summer read, especially for those of us who might otherwise not experience the delight if fireflies!
And since summer has arrived, and we are on the subject of fireflies, I have to recommend Fireflies by Julie Brinkloe. I’ve read this wonderful story aloud countless times to my children and nearly have it memorized!
The story begins, “On a summer evening I looked up from dinner, through the open window to the backyard. It was growing dark. My tree house was a black shape in the tree and I wouldn’t go up there now. But something flickered there, a moment—I looked, and it was gone. It flickered again, over near the fence. Fireflies!”
Not only is this a terrific opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures, but also to explore themes of empathy, kindness, and responsibility. Doing the right thing will not be easy, but when the boy realizes that the fireflies do not shine as bright in the jar he releases them back into the wild. And, when he does, I always imagine his heart shining a bit brighter.
Here’s to the wonder of summer!
DON’T FORGET TO PLAY BINGO!
Download your Summer Bingo for free on Printshop HERE and submit a picture of your completed bingo sheet below to enter the raffles. Bingo will run June 1st through August 31st—so print out your bingo sheet and get to crossing off squares!
~Kimberly