Winnick, Karen: The Night of the Fireflies.

Winnick, Karen THE NIGHT OF THE FIREFLIES. Il. by Yoriko Ito. ISBN 1-56397-7257. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mills Press, 2004. 28 pp. $15.95. Not long ago, fireflies were a common sight for Japanese children; in recent times, however, they have become a rarity, especially in the cities. This story describes a young girl's delight in discovering the joy of seeing the release of fireflies on one special summer night. As the school principal lifts the lid of a box and the insects emerge, he proclaims, "Tonight is the night of the fireflies." Miko and her older brother chase the blinking lights near a river's edge and through a clearing. When it is time to go home, Miko decides to take the fireflies with her in a small lantern. When her brother discovers that she has kept them, he insists that she must let them go. As the last firefly drifts skyward, Miko decides that the small dancing stars are more beautiful when they are free. This is a lovely story for young children, with illustrations that evoke a dark night filled with enchantment. Miko's brother is caring and solicitous of his younger sister, respecting her fascination for the fireflies while helping her understand that they are a part of nature and must return to it. The illustrations offer an authentic glimpse of Japanese culture without resorting to stereotypical images. Ages 4-8. Reviewed by Rebecca Reid, State University of New York, Cobleskill