“An intimate encounter with nature lit not just by stars and fireflies, but also an affecting dose of daddy-daughter warmth…”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Ochiltree’s rhymes are sturdy, and she makes it clear that, while catching fireflies is fun, the beetles are not meant to be kept…Assorted firefly facts close out this cozy evocation of a special dad-and-daughter night…”
—Publishers Weekly
“…the text is written in rhymed couplets that recreate a joyful childhood encounter with nature. The illustrations, collages of dynamic painted elements, create a series of pleasing evening scenes that are richly colored and textured. Glittery highlights on the jacket will help draw attention to this delightful picture book.”
—Booklist
“The story involves a great way to first teach children how to count, and the book even offers arts and crafts ideas that kids would love to do. This is so well-written and fantastically illustrated that you’ll wish every night was a Firefly Night!”
— Feathered Quill Book Reviews
— Critical Blast, Rating 5 of 5
— Mrs. Mommy Booknerd’s Book Reviews, Rating 5* of 5*
““It’s a Firefly Night is a beautiful and joyful picture book that celebrates every child’s rite of passage into the warmest season of the year. The concise flowing, rhyming prose by Dianne Ochiltree offers the youngest readers insight into the story…What makes this book stand out are the vivid collage illustrations by Betsy Snyder. The colors are both deep and brilliant, depicting the most magical night sky you could ever imagine.”
It’s a Firefly Night
Now Available in Paperback!
Original Hardcover Released May 2013 from Blue Apple Books
Illustrated by Betsy Snyder
Age range 3-7 years
Celebrates a favorite childhood pastime—catching fireflies on a summer night—with a one-to-ten counting concept built into a charming story. Illustrated by Betsy Snyder, the pages glow with sparkling glitter accents. A great gift, or winding-down-at-bedtime selection, for grownups and little ones to share.Part glittery counting book, part endearing daddy-daughter story! A favorite childhood activity—catching fireflies—glows from the pages of this story. Lilting rhymes chronicle a little girl’s capture and release of fireflies, one by one, capped off by a collection of fascinating firefly facts.
Silver Medal in Children’s Literature division of 2013 Florida Book Awards competition
Gold Medal in Children’s Book category from Oppenheim Toy Portfolio in 2013
image © Betsy Snyder
Photo credit: Ian Webb, Director – Sarasota Ballet School
Dianne had the pleasure of seeing a ‘First Friday’ performance of her book It’s a Firefly Night as a ballet for students at the Sarasota Ballet School (FL). The work was choreographed by instructor Sue Peterson, who read the book aloud as the girls performed the piece. For more info re Sarasota Ballet School: https://www.
