Firefly Hollow

by Alison McGhee, Christopher Denise (Illustrator)

Firefly. Cricket. Vole. Peter. Can four creatures from four very different Nations help one another find their ways in the world that can feel oh-so-big? Delve into this lush, unforgettable tale in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web and The Rats of NIMH, from the author of the New York Times bestselling Someday.

Firefly doesn’t merely want to fly, she wants to touch the moon. Cricket doesn’t merely want to sing about baseball, he wants to catch. When these two little creatures with big dreams wander out of Firefly Hollow, refusing to listen to their elders, they find themselves face-to-face with the one creature they were always told to stay away from…a giant.

But Peter is a Miniature Giant. They’ve always been told that a Miniature Giant is nothing but a Future Giant, but this one just isn’t quite as big or as scary as the other Giants. Peter has a dream of his own, as well as memories to escape. He is overwhelmed with sadness, and a summer with his new unlikely friends Firefly and Cricket might be just what he needs. Can these friends’ dreams help them overcome the past?

Firefly Hollow is nothing short of enchanting, reminding us all that the very best friend is the one who wants you to achieve your dreams. Full-color tip-in illustrations and dozens of black-and-white drawing provide added glow.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Animals, Childrens, Fiction, Juvenile, Adventure

291 pages, Hardcover

First published August 18, 2015

About the author

Alison McGhee writes novels, picture books, poems, and essays for all ages, including the just-published THE OPPOSITE OF FATE, a novel, and the #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller SOMEDAY, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds. Her work has been translated into more than 20 languages. She lives in Minneapolis and California.

Reviews

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 stars honestly.
That was one of the best books I've read ever. The gentle and warm tone made this one a must. Vole was my favourite of the characters and I couldn't help but feel bad he's the last of his kind.
The illustrations are so perfect for this. And I'm silly for thinking I'd get through this without crying (only during the last chapter though) but I know this will be on my book shelf forever.

[Cindy Dobrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I'd make to the end without crying, but nope. Firefly, Cricket, Vole, and Peter got to me. This is the kind of book that makes me wish I were a fourth grade teacher and could read this aloud. Or that my children were young enough to cuddle and read to. I can't wait to see the finished copy in August as the full color sample paintings by Christopher Denise in the galley are beautiful. It's going to be a beautiful gift book, too.

[Munro's Kids · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the cutest book ever!!!

Firefly and Cricket are not very typical insects. Firefly wants to fly to the moon while Cricket dreams of being a baseball catcher. They live in fear of the giants (humans) and are told to stay away from them at all costs. But when they meet Peter, a miniature human, they find a kindred spirit and have to decide whether to be "normal" or embrace who they really are.

I think this book would be good for fans of The One and Only Ivan, or maybe Kate DiCamillo. It's very gentle and poignant. It's melancholy and bittersweet at times (Peter's best friend Charlie has just died and he has to come to terms with it) so more sensitive readers might be affected by it. Overall it's super sweet and I really enjoyed reading it!

-Kelsey

[Robin · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book might be good for fans of The Wind in the Willows, as it is largely about the simple adventures of woodland animals. Unfortunately, it reads too much as a tool for how to help children grieve than as a story that worked for its characters and its telling. It felt simplistic and preachy to me.

[Tracy Clausen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't really decide on a rating - I thought I'd love this one, but I'm hovering between 2 and three stars - closer to 3, I think. Cute characters, lovely illustrations, but the story had a melancholy feel to it that was unexpected - maybe the mood was too discordant with the characters and illustrations, maybe I needed more to "happen" with the story....I can't quite put my finger on why I didn't connect with these characters, but there still is a lot to talk about thematically - grief, loss, individuality, friendship, growing up...Ages 8-12 seems about right.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness...so adorable. And surprisingly emotional. I worried when it was compared to Charlotte's Web and Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, because those are two of my favorite children's books. However, this one definitely lived up to its predecessors.

Firefly Hollow is clearly meant for younger readers, though I think some of my 6th graders might enjoy it. Cricket and Firefly are too cute--characters that want to be different and want to know what lies beyond their home. Their adventures are fun and exciting, and the book explores some pretty important topics: grief, friendship, making judgements about people, trying new things.

[Mari]

I am a careful and sometimes literal reader. The thing that made me stop reading this one was the way the author 'named' her characters. The main firefly character is "Firefly." The main cricket character is "Cricket." You get the picture. That would have been fine for me if maybe all the others were called the same thing. Like, all crickets have the name Cricket. But no - we hear about an unfortunate cricket named Gloria who had something awful happen to her. For me as a reader, it felt weirdly lazy to name the main characters things like Firefly and Cricket when there were obviously other fireflies and crickets around with other names.

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my. This was just lovely. I had a signed copy on my tbr for a year and finally picked it up to read a few days ago. Then I noticed there was an audiobook available so I checked it out for a changeover drive. I finished the book through tears, which makes driving a challenge. Then, I grabbed the physical book and leafed through it to view the exquisite illustrations. I had intended to donate my copy to my library but I am keeping this for my own library. Perhaps to share with a future grandchild.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far I am a little disappointed by this. Simplistic, rather than simple. Rats of Nimh, charlottes web and wind in the willows are far more subversive and unexpected than this entirely predictable piece of adult pedagogy. May change my mind if the ending surprises me. O.K. chose not to finish. This is not a bad book and I will buy it for my library. It is a simple, positive tale, for 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade readers. It is no My Father's Dragon however.

[Mandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations drew me to this book. The story intrigued me, but fell far short of keeping me remotely interested. The main characters don’t have names, yet the others do. And hearing about cricket falling on his carapace one more time would’ve made me scream. The story is boring and repetitive and completely predictable. The illustrations are still lovely.

[Juan Landa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book. Firefly and Cricket both have dreams that might not seem possible for them. They work together to try and make their dreams come true. Fireflies dream was to be a star in the night sky. To get to this dream she had to practice flying for a long time. Crickets dream was to play baseball. To follow his dreams, he and his friends play baseball. He also got to see a real baseball game. Together they followed their dreams. They would do everything together. Sometimes Peter would join in too.

[Alyssa (HeartwyldsLibrary) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute little story, that if I’m being honest felt like it dragged a little. Does have a more melancholy feel to it, which is fine but after while I just felt the story was taking to long to make its points.

[Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good I liked it a lot there was a lot of good parts in the book,

One good part of the book is when the fireflies are learning what to stay away from and that they encountered one of the things they should be afraid of a giant (us humans) and it was really nice how they put it because the way the other put it overall, the book was good and I recommend it to people who like animals in their books.

[John Bohnert · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book got better and better. I especially loved the illustrations. They added so much to this charming story.

[Nate B · Rating 4 out of 5]

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[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful little chapter book, with beautiful illustrations. A sweet story of friendship, dreams and courage.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Yes, before the end I guessed what was going to happen, but the story was extremely sweet. The narrator for the audiobook was very good. It's a great story for any kid who is dealing with a friend who is no longer in their life either because of death or moving away and how hard it is to want to open yourself up to be friends with another person after that. Firefly Hollow also has a good message of how it's ok to be different and question what people always say because "it's always been that way" and to judge people AFTER you get to know them, not before.

A really good read!

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

On February 24, 2016 people around the world will be celebrating World Read Aloud Day. One of this year's activities leading up to the festivities, focused on the sheer joy of reading, is the 7 Strengths Countdown. These seven weeks highlighting specific themes, belonging, curiosity, friendship, kindness, confidence, courage and hope, began the week of January 3, 2016.

Very early this morning I finished
a book, a book with words and pictures resonating long after the final pages are turned and the cover is closed, which embodies every single one of those ideas. Firefly Hollow (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing Division, August 18, 2015) written by Alison McGhee with illustrations by Christopher Denise is a place called home by firefly, cricket, vole and human nations. It is an extraordinary place if you have a true heart, a heart ready to believe.


My full recommendation: http://librariansquest.blogspot.com/2...

[Melissa King · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can I write a review if I only read 1 chapter? Well I will anyway for my own records, in case I forget.

Immediately in the first few pages we learn that Firefly wants to push the boundaries of her community, she wants to go beyond the meadow, get close to the giants, fly above the first large branch of the white pine tree, etc. and she has a mentor who secretly encourages her to do so, even though it goes directly against the rules of their people - wise rules made to keep them alive. I’m not thrilled with that message, but my kids get PLENTY of exposure to similar messages through movies and I’m not interested in spending my precious read aloud time in driving the idea home. I wasn’t thrilled with the writing or characters either, they felt very flimsy, so this was an easy book to drop.

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you liked this book, you might also enjoy:

✱ The Night Fairy
✱ Neversink
✱ The Mysterious Woods of Whistle Root
✱ The Wind in the Willows

[Carmel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Slow and uneventful, this was a difficult book to read aloud. There were some good descriptive parts, but it had more flaws than advantages. For example, why do Vole and Cricket and Firefly not have names? Other crickets have names!! And Peter refusing to go to school?!? What the heck!! What kind of crap ideas am I reading to my kid?!? I seriously disliked this book and refuse to put more minutes into a review when so few minutes were spent editing this book in the frost place.
Not recommended.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

A poignant story about following your dreams with the help of unlikely friends. Firefly, Cricket, and Vole live in Firefly Hollow and are warned to stay away from Giants. But when they meet a miniature giant named Peter, everything they've learned is challenged. Beautifully illustrated by Christopher Denise.

[Tedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enchanting story about going in search of your dreams and finding a place where you belong, even amongst those that are different from you.

[LauraW · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a little too sweet for me, but I did like the fact that each of the animal characters had to adjust their expectations and goals.

[Laura Phelps · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story with truly gorgeous illustrations throughout.

[Natalie Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new classic, for sure. Would make a great read-aloud, though it is long.

[BlipBlop · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Spoiler free!**

I polished off this book in one sitting. It's got large print, and absolutely cute/adorable illustrations. I really liked them - the art style was so cute and 100% my thing. But below is my little book summary:

Cricket is a cricket that wants to be a baseball catcher. Firefly is a firefly that wants to fly to the moon. Both of their camps want them to follow the rules: do what others have done before you, and Fear the Giants. Giants are humans, but accidentally stepping on a bug or throwing things will cause death, so they live in fear of the Giants. They even have a Giant Museum so they can tour it and show the baby insects why Giants should be feared. The most horrifying of these objects is the Jar. The Jar is where a Giant captured fireflies, punched holes in the lid, but then left them to die.

But Firefly and Cricket don't want to follow in the footsteps of others. They want to be different. So together, they decide to go see a Giant up close. And they meet Peter. Together, over the summer, they begin to explore their friendly relationship and learn about each other's worlds.

This story is a charming coming-of-age story, and a story of having to deal with loss. But as charming as it was, I expected. . . I don't know, a little more? It's not that the writing was lacking, or the characters. I just wanted a little bit more from the plot, that's all.

It's a decent book regardless, and super cute to boot. Recommend! ♥

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd seen Firefly Hollow at my local library a few times without picking it up. Finally, I decided to give it a try, especially after hearing comparisons to the work of Kate DiCamillo and E. B. White.

I enjoyed the worldbuilding in the first few chapters, particularly learning about the daily routines of the firefly and cricket nations. They've got school, where fireflies are taught flying maneuvers and crickets are taught how to take the temperature of the air. They lead mostly happy, comfortable lives.

But our endearing protagonists think differently. Firefly wants to fly to the moon while Cricket wants to play baseball. Both of their dreams are taboo for their respective nations, and they form a close friendship over this similarity. Later, they befriend a human boy (the worst thing a firefly or cricket can do in Firefly Hollow) who recently lost his best friend, Charlie.

There's nothing particularly new or exciting to see here, but it's a mostly well-told story. McGhee doesn't quite join the pantheon of legendary children's authors, mainly because her ending left something to be desired, and the themes she touches on (leaving childhood behind and loss) have been executed better than they were here. Still, you can do much worse, and I did leave with a smile on my face. 3.5 stars, but rounded up to 4.

[Renn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firefly is headstrong and courageous, in other words, an unusual firefly in Firefly Hollow. She wants more than her elders and peers have to offer her. Firefly’s dearest ambition is to fly all the way to the moon, just like the giants in their silver spaceships.
Cricket is timid and friendly. He is an unusual cricket compared to the other crickets in cricket nation. For one thing, he’s fascinated by the miniature giant that lives near his home. For another, he wants to be a baseball catcher, like the cricket version of Yogi Berra.
Peter is a human boy, called a “miniature giant” by firefly and cricket nations. There was a time when he would play catch with his friend, Charlie. But now Charlie is gone, and all Peter wants to do is to float away from it all on his raft.
Loss and a desire for something more drives them all together one summer. It is the summer that precedes change, even if they try to resist it.

This book dealt with death in a very beautiful, caring way. The theme of this book has to do with making peace with loss. I highly recommend it as a bedtime story for a child dealing with the death of a friend or loved one. It’s also a good read for any child who wants to read and has an active imagination.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firefly Hollow is a beautiful story of friendship, bravery, and the fulfillment of dreams. Firefly is the best young flyer in Firefly Hollow, and she’s always dreamed of flying to the moon. Cricket is bored at Cricket School, where all they ever learn is to avoid water, sun, and “Giants,” which are the members of the human world. Despite being warned to stay away from the giants, both Firefly and Cricket become fascinated with a miniature giant named Peter, who they sometimes watch playing catch with a friend. Cricket decides he wants nothing more than to become a great catcher like Yogi Berra, whose picture he saw on a baseball card.

So Firefly and Cricket leave the safety of the hollow and meet Peter, who is not so scary after all. They also befriend kindly Vole, who has lived alone for many years since all the other voles were swept away in a flood when giants removed a beaver dam near their home on the river. The creatures share their hopes and dreams to each other and become kindred spirits, and help console Peter after the loss of his best friend Charlie.

Christopher Denise’s gorgeous illustrations help the reader visualize the touching scenes these characters share, and the reader will be rooting for all of them to finally realize their dreams.