A Poem Is a Firefly

A group of woodland creatures have gathered to listen to Bear read a book when Bear asks a question. “What’s a poem?” he asks. Rabbit says, “A poem can be anything.” Bear seems skeptical, but one by one, the woodland creatures give answers to Bear’s question about what could be a poem, from a whisper to a howl to a flower in the sun, from a laugh to a sigh to an echo passing by.

So many sweet creatures help Bear open his imagination to all the things a poem can be, which will help young listeners open their own imaginations to poetry. Too many youngsters are afraid of poetry and feel it is something in which they cannot participate. This enchanting book will help little ones (and the adults reading to them) to maybe give poetry a try.

Charles Ghigna’s spare, lyrical text is delightful to read and is a wonderful example to readers of the power and simplicity of poetry. The illustrations by Michelle Hazelwood Hyde are simply enchanting and will have the kiddies falling in love with all the forest animals, big and small. This is a lovely book that will be read over and over.