Leo the Lightning Bug

by Eric Drachman, James Muscarello (Illustrator)

Leo wins our hearts and gains self-confidence in his struggle to make his very own light.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Growth Mindset

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 10, 2001

Reviews

[Theresa Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so cute and the audio cd that accompanies it does a really great job at narrating the feeling Leo goes through as he has to wait his turn to “glow up.”

[Amber Garner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really great one to help kids not compare themselves to other kids. It really shows kids that you can't compare yourself to others and how fast other people are progressing with things because your time will come.

[Monica Lit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book about not giving up... loved catching lightning bugs as a little girl.. adorable summer book.

[Wilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's book that uses various teachable literacy moments throughout the book. Also, has a wonderful message to keep trying even through difficulties.

[Sarah Limb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short, sweet story! I liked that Leo found strength within himself (his inner lion) in order to accomplish his goal! I also loved the illustrations.

[Teena Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet, cute book. I love this little story. Wonderful illustrations too!

[Tweller83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

6/4/23: This is an okay book but again, didn't really love it. And this particular copy is coming apart. Will be giving this one away as well.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Leo overcomes teasing and self-doubt and learns to shine.

[Kathleen Heroux · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drachman, E. (2001). Leo the Lightning Bug, Kidwick Books, USA.

James Muscarello, illustrator.

Picture book with companion CD.

Level: Pre-K - 1

Leo the Lightning Bug is a read aloud picture book about a little ligtning bug who cannot turn on his light. Its classroom or counseling uses for whole group or individuals include:
1. learning about and/or accepting differences,
2. perserverence and
3. accepting personal failure.
These same themes are those often addessed by parents, making the book useful within a family.

Due to the fact that Leo is accompanied by a CD, the book and CD could be used at a listening center independently by a single child or small group of children. Ths holds true for its at home use. A child learning English might benefit from the opportunity to choose listening to the book on CD while following along with the pictures in the book. An additional positive aspect of the CD is that the story is read by several actors making the listening mor interesting.

A negative aspect of this book is the payback that happens to one of the characters near the end of the story followed by a request to "play with" Leo. Wasn't acceptance of Leo's success enough?

[Kaitlynn Beuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo, the Lightning Bug, was such an adorable story. It had lessons about persistence, determination, and believing in yourself. All of these are essential lessons for children to read and learn about. The CD with the book is a bonus feature and is lots of fun for students. It was such a cute way to bring the book to life for the children, especially with all the cool sound effects and the narrator's storytelling before even reading the book and following the end of the book. This book would be a great book to read for reading aloud.

[Kristy Breese · Rating 5 out of 5]

What? This book comes with an audio CD. It is about a lightning bug named Leo. He is little and is frustrated that he can't make his light glow like all his friends. Leo finds a private place he can work on making his light glow. Leo tries, and tries, but there is no light. His friends notice him and begin to make fun of his inability to glow. Then one day Leo finally does it. Leo is so proud of himself. His friends apologize for making fun of him and Leo graciously accepts.

So What? Children will love listening to the audio CD as Leo works on shining his light. The illustrations are wonderful and the author does a great job in telling the story.

Now What? I will have this book in the audio center where students can enjoy this book while listening. This will be great for struggling readers and help them follow along with the story.

[Tamra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I volunteered at the school library, and I listened to the librarian present this book to 3 different classes. I was actively only half paying attention the first time, but by the end of read 2, I was sold.

This book is about a lightning bug with a self-esteem issue. Gag me, right? But it's actually really well done. And the audio CD is brilliant. Leo's voice is SO CUTE, but real, and the Mom is sincere without being overdone.

By read 3 I was tuning in to all the fun alliteration (Leo the Lightning bug has lots of L friends, and the premise of the book is that he's lacking a light (even a little light). Lovin' it.

This book didn't just appeal to the kids, it appealed to me. Those, I maintain, are the VERY BEST children's books.

[Mhm Storytelling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Description: This book is about a little lightning bug who cant light his light. Despite being laughed at by friends and with determination and practice he is able to light his light!

Themes: fireflies, practice makes perfect

Great features: GREAT pictures! will connect kids with their emotions, easy for kids to relate to.

Red Flags: none

Opportunity for interactions: Kids can repeat a lot of silly sound effects. They can discuss things that are hard for them to do and ways to make it easier.

[Melissa Sommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo the Lightning Bug is about a lightning bug, Leo, who is very insecure about himself. He is embarassed that he cannot make his light light up. I think this is a great story because kids can really relate to Leo. It teaches children to always believe in yourself and to never let other people get you down.

[Shelbi Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter how hard he tries, Leo cannot get himself to light up. He is constantly bullied for his lack of light that he becomes distressed and eventually tries to run off and practice. When he is discovered, he becomes discouraged once again. Eventually he lights up and is friends with everyone.

I would use this book to discuss feelings and how you shouldn't make fun of students.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo is a lightning but who struggles to get his light to shine. He tries so hard but can't do it. He becomes discouraged and runs away to practice. The other lightning bugs make fun of him. He eventually realizes that it takes confidence and his light begins to shine. I would use this in my classroom to discuss the importance of confidence.

[Rob Thelen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo the Lightning Bug, written by Eric Drachman and illustrated by James Muscarello, would make an excellent read aloud when talking about personal struggles, acceptance, and perseverance. I really enjoyed reading this book, and any primary child will immediately be drawn to Muscarello's illustrations. They're amazing!

[The Brothers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little story of a little lightning bug who can't figure out how to make his bottom glow as it should. He tries practicing, but ends up looking so silly his friends make fun of him. I especially like how Leo takes the wind out of their sails by agreeing that he probably did look pretty funny. Nice to have another arrow in the "dealing with bullies" quiver.

Illustrations were cute.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Text-to-Self Connection
This story connects with me personally because I have experienced many triumphs in my life where I had to persevere despite setbacks or shortcomings. My mom and other loved ones have always encouraged me along the way, just like Leo's mom did. I think this story is relatable to anyone that has ever strived for something in life that wasn't easy.

[Jeffrey Ellsworth]

Cute book. a little lightning bug can't glow. his friends make fun of him and he is sad. he tries and tries and it starts raining and then a lightning bolt cracks and he also glows. then he becomes very confident because he thought he caused the lightning bolt.

[Mikayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some children progress faster or slower than others, this book tells the story of a lightning bug that hasn't found his light yet and gets teased by the other bugs for his failed attempts. But with great effort and a good scare, he finally finds his light.

[Leann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very cute children's story

[Joice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is AMAZING. It comes with an adorable audio CD with the author reading the story. This book teaches children how to believe in themselves and to never give up.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this book with my kids while listening to the CD that came along with it. My kids really liked it too!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially loved the CD that came with it.

[Sandybear76]

Leo can't get his light to shine brightly. He goes off in the woods by himself to practice. And finally his light shimmers brightly.

[Kelsey Nauert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leo cannot make his light shine. His journey to make his light shine is shared. This is a good motivational book for students, along with cute/comical illustrations.

[Kayla Schum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leo is a lightning bug who cannot get his light to shine. Through determination he is able to find his strength. This book is great to motivate children to keep trying.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, do the kids love this book/CD! I think it's overly-moralistic, but I won't fight the kids' desire.

[Ashley Kohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable picture book with audio. Leo tries so hard to light his little light. A story of determination and friendship.