Fireflies

by Alice Hoffman

Jackie can't run and skate and throw as well as the other children, but his clumsiness eventually saves the villagers from a winter that would not end

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Childrens, Picture Books, Adventure, Magical Realism

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

About the author

Alice Hoffman is the author of more than thirty works of fiction, including The World That We Knew; The Marriage of Opposites; The Red Garden; The Museum of Extraordinary Things; The Dovekeepers; Here on Earth, an Oprah’s Book Club selection; and the Practical Magic series, including Practical
Magic; Magic Lessons; The Rules of Magic, a selection of Reese’s Book Club; and The Book of Magic. She lives near Boston.

Reviews

[Melanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeously illustrated children's picture book focusing on a boy who runs away from home because he's bullied for being clumsy and, of course, clumsiness is exactly what saves the day.

It's a lovely story with a moral, and I believe it would be best for kids in grades 1-3, (though it might have to be read to them).

[Jami Good · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think children who feel like they are the most clumsy people in the world might find find comfort in this modern-ish fairy tale. The paintings are dreamlike and there is some really adorable art mixed in with the beautiful.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tender story about an awkward boy whose parents accept his bumbling, but the bullies in the town do not. It's not saccharine. Could be a bit scary for the youngest children, but the book is short and the relationship between the child and the fox he accidentally meets is a heartwarming addition to the plot. I plan to buy and send to my grand daughter. I think she will love the magical aspect of the story. Illustrations are beautiful.

[Isa (Pages Full of Stars) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely little book! I'm a huge fan of Alice Hoffman, so I plan to read all of her works, and this was perfect for the winter season.

I really enjoyed the story of the boy, whom everyone thought the weakest but really he proved his strength in the most needed time. It's a short story but very meaningful.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know this writer did stories that are more for little kids as well as adults. Came across this book today and it was cute with adorable illustrations. I haven't really looked into it, it sounds like a folktale.
I wish there was more said about the bullies and there part in the story, but overall very cute and with a nice moral to it.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not sure how a book by Alice Hoffman had escaped my attention but I wasn’t familiar with this one.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming tale. It makes me cry every time!

[Lisa Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book to read aloud in your classroom. I read it to my 2nd graders after winter break. It is a perfect way to start a conversation about celebrating our individual uniqueness!!!!!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book in a colleague's classroom, recognized the author, didn't know she had written for children, and borrowed the book. It's a beautifully illustrated story of a young boy who cannot seem to do anything right. He lives in a town where on May 1st, fireflies arrive at this beginning of spring. Mysteriously, this particular year, they haven’t arrived, and it is very cold. The setting is by a river, so all ice skate, all except Jackie, who cannot seem to improve, but continues to slip, slide and fall. He is loved by his parents, no matter what can or cannot do, but too much teasing by others cause him to run away. It’s a good story that will bring much discussion about being patient with one’s shortcomings and not patient with those who tease, but are bullies. In his adventures, Jackie’s story shows that good things happen in the most surprising of circumstances. It’s worth a look if you can find it!

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great story about appreciating the value that other people have, even when they may seem to have no special talents to offer. It was a very positive story and was ultimately reassuring. It would be a good story to share with children when discussing bullying, as the main character endures tremendous bullying and has low self-esteem as a result. Ultimately, it causes him to endanger his own life by running away into the wilderness out of shame. Of course, this story has a happy ending and he happens to save the town simply by being himself and accidentally uncovering what happened to the annual firefly arrival that releases spring onto the town. He is heralded as a hero by the end of the book and it's a very positive story on the whole.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully illustrated short children's story about a boy who feels inept, but becomes a hero to his town. After being teased for not being able to skate, Jackie runs away and becomes lost. As he tries to find his way home, his bumbling actually helps him and helps him to help his town. The writing is lovely to read and Jackie's story is inspirational and appealing to readers of all ages.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming book that reminds us of the beauty of winter and spring (I have never seen fireflies in person and would love to). I wouldn't have known about it had I not received it as a gift. It's longer than most children's books but is worth reading because it teaches that every person is important.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alice Hoffman never disappoints. This is historical fiction at its best. Told from the point of views of a slave and a slave owner turned abolitionist, this book touched me and kept me enthralled throughout its pages.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though Jackie was not like others and people laughed at him, he found a way to bring spring back and save the town. Well written story of growth and love.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story and beautifully illustrated. My grandson & I enjoy very much.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful.

[elissa]

It looks like DCPL owns Horsefly, but not this picture book, which is probably why I haven't read it.

[Kate]

Fireflies: A Winter's Tale by Alice Hoffman (1999)

[jazz · Rating 4 out of 5]

children's books are honestly a blessing to this world. fairytale and alice hoffman is always a beautiful combination.