Firefly Experience


Book Description

Up-close and uniquely personal, like never seen before, this exquisite fine art book showcases the glowing beauty of fireflies, as seen through the lens of the award-winning nature photographer, Radim Schreiber, who spent nine years creating this stunning body of work.This is a collection of hauntingly beautiful photographic portraits of fireflies, lightening bugs, glow worms, and other bioluminescent creatures in their natural environment captured in Iowa, the Smoky Mountains National Park, and other locations around the United States.Firefly Experience takes the viewer into mysterious realms, offering marvelous photography on every page. The images are accompanied with informative detail and personal anecdotes.Discover more atwww.FireflyExperience.org







Bayou Magic


Book Description

A magical coming-of-age story from Coretta Scott King honor author Jewell Parker Rhodes, rich with Southern folklore, friendship, family, fireflies and mermaids, plus an environmental twist. It's city-girl Maddy's first summer in the bayou, and she just falls in love with her new surroundings - the glimmering fireflies, the glorious landscape, and something else, deep within the water, that only she can see. Could it be a mermaid? As her grandmother shares wisdom about sayings and signs, Maddy realizes she may be the only sibling to carry on her family's magical legacy. And when a disastrous oil leak threatens the bayou, she knows she may also be the only one who can help. Does she have what it takes to be a hero? Jewell Parker Rhodes weaves a rich tale celebrating the magic within.




The Time of the Fireflies


Book Description

Critically acclaimed author Kimberley Griffiths Little spins a thrilling story of one girl's race to unravel the curse that has haunted her family for generations. When Larissa Renaud starts receiving eerie phone calls on a disconnected old phone in her family's antique shop, she knows she's in for a strange summer. A series of clues leads her to the muddy river banks, where clouds of fireflies dance among the cypress knees and cattails each evening at twilight. The fireflies are beautiful and mysterious, and they take her on a magical journey through time, where Larissa learns secrets about her family's tragic past -- deadly, curse-ridden secrets that could harm the future of her family as she knows it. It soon becomes clear that it is up to Larissa to prevent history from repeating itself and a fatal tragedy from striking the people she loves. With her signature lyricism, Kimberley Griffiths Little weaves a thrilling tale filled with family secrets, haunting mystery, and dangerous adventure.




Silent Sparks


Book Description

An informative, entertaining, and beautifully illustrated look at the beloved firefly For centuries, the beauty of fireflies has evoked wonder and delight. Yet for most of us, fireflies remain shrouded in mystery: How do fireflies make their light? What are they saying with their flashing? And what do fireflies look for in a mate? In Silent Sparks, noted biologist and firefly expert Sara Lewis dives into the fascinating world of fireflies and reveals the most up-to-date discoveries about these beloved insects. From the meadows of New England and the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains, to the rivers of Japan and mangrove forests of Malaysia, this beautifully illustrated and accessible book uncovers the remarkable, dramatic stories of birth, courtship, romance, sex, deceit, poison, and death among fireflies. The nearly two thousand species of fireflies worldwide have evolved in different ways—and while most mate through the aerial language of blinking lights, not all do. Lewis introduces us to fireflies that don't light up at all, relying on wind-borne perfumes to find mates, and we encounter glow-worm fireflies, whose plump, wingless females never fly. We go behind the scenes to meet inquisitive scientists who have dedicated their lives to understanding fireflies, and we learn about various modern threats including light pollution and habitat destruction. In the last section of the book, Lewis provides a field guide for North American fireflies, enabling us to identify them in our own backyards and neighborhoods. This concise, handy guide includes distinguishing features, habits, and range maps for the most commonly encountered fireflies, as well as a gear list. A passionate exploration of one of the world's most charismatic and admired insects, Silent Sparks will inspire us to reconnect with the natural world.




Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs


Book Description

This is the first comprehensive firefly guide for eastern and central North America ever published. It is written for all those who want to know more about the amazing world of lightning bugs and learn the secrets hidden in the flash patterns of the 75+ species found in the eastern and central U.S. and Canada. As an independent researcher working with numerous university teams, naturalist Lynn Frierson Faust, “The Lightning Bug Lady,” has spent decades tracking the behavior and researching the habitats of these fascinating creatures. Based on her twenty-five years of field work, this book is intended to increase understanding and appreciation of bioluminescent insects while igniting enthusiasm in a fun and informative way. Species accounts are coupled with historical background and literary epigraphs to engage and draw readers young and old into the world of these tiny sparklers. A chart documenting the flash patterns of the various species will aid in identification. Clear photos illustrate the insects’ distinguishing physical characteristics, while habitats, seasonality, and common names are provided in clear, easy-to-understand yet scientifically accurate language. The guide will be welcomed by everyone who wants to learn more about fireflies' and glow-worms' unique traits and about their fragile niche in the ecosystem. FEATURES Over 600 color photographsDetailed accounts and anatomical diagrams of 75+ species, as well as aids in distinguishing between similar speciesA first-of-its-kind flash-pattern chart that folds out on heavy-weight paper • Extensive scientific details written in an understandable and engaging wayColorful, common names—Twilight Bush Baby, Shadow Ghosts, and Snappy Syncs, and more—for easy species identification based on flash patternsTips on ideal sites and times of year for firefly watchingConservation-oriented approach




Magic Knight of the Old Ways: Volume 1


Book Description

A long, long time ago, in the era of legends, there was a knight known as Sir Sid the Barbarian who pledged his sword to the Holy King Arthur. Unparalleled in strength, he was the greatest magical knight of his time, but also a disgrace to the name of chivalry. His evil deeds were countless, and eventually he met his end at the hands of his own king...or so the story goes. Now a thousand years have passed, and Sid is summoned from his eternal slumber by Alvin, a descendant of Arthur and a prince who knows the truth about Sir Sid the Lightning Knight. Honoring his ancient pact, Sid rises from the grave to help Alvin save the kingdom from impending peril and become the new instructor to Alvin’s class of fellow aspiring knights. As danger lurks in the shadows, Sid must train this class of underdogs to rely on more than just their magical fairy swords and teach them the old ways of the magic knights.




The Magical Costume


Book Description

Summary about this story: Tommy was a young boy who was active and creative. He lived in the beautiful and quiet town of Pumpkin Hollow, which was surrounded by hills and forests that looked beautiful in the fall. Pumpkin Hollow was known for its beautiful scenery, especially during Halloween, when the line between the real world and the magical was thinner and amazing things could happen. Tommy has always loved Halloween, so he was looking forward to the night when the ordinary becomes extraordinary. The people in the town had a great time celebrating Halloween. They decorated their homes with scary decorations, put happy pumpkins on their doorsteps, and baked pumpkin pies that filled the air with their smell. As October got closer, the joy was clear, and Tommy's heart was full of eagerness. While looking through his grandparents' attic one sunny afternoon, Tommy found an old, dusty box hidden among things that had been forgotten. He found a ghostly white dress with silvery threads that sparkled in the dim light. The dress was made of many layers of fabric and thought. When he put it on, the fabric seemed to fit him perfectly, making him look almost like a ghost. Tommy liked how mysterious the outfit made him feel, so he kept it for himself. He had no idea that this choice would make Halloween night the scariest one of his lives. As the sun went down on Halloween night, Tommy wore the great outfit and walked into a changed Pumpkin Hollow. Children dressed as everything from evil ghouls to friendly witches marched through the streets, which were lit up with lanterns and filled with scary music. Tommy, who was now a real ghost, walked around town. People were amazed by what they saw and couldn't believe what they were seeing. On his way, he stopped in the town square, where he saw ghostly creatures dancing in the moonlight. He joined their airy dance and felt like he had never felt before. As word spread about the mystery ghost, kids and adults gathered to hear Tommy talk about his trips to the spirit world. His words made amazing pictures come to mind, taking the listener on a trip to where he had been. While it was still early in the night, Tommy's spirit friends took him on a thrilling trip through Pumpkin Hollow. They went into the scary forest, where the bent trees cast strange shadows and ghostly animals hid in the dark. The woods seemed full of magic and secrets that were just ready to be found out. They found the famous Whispering Willow, a tree that people say makes dreams come true on Halloween night. Tommy told the tree his most sincere Halloween wish, and the tree gave him lots of sweets and treats in return. That night, they had more adventures, like when they found a secret cave full of sparkling crystals, met a friendly black cat who led them through pumpkin patches, and danced with the spirits. Tommy was sad when the clock struck midnight, which meant Halloween was over, because he knew it was the end of his time as a real ghost. With tears in his eyes, he went back to his grandparents' attic, where the miraculous outfit was carefully kept. Tommy was sure it would be there for him the next time he went out for Halloween. In the years that followed, people loved to tell stories about what Tommy did on Halloween in Pumpkin Hollow. He kept wearing the magical shirt, which had become a sign of his connection to the magical world of the town. Tommy became known as the Pumpkin Hollow Halloween legend, and kids came from all over to hear his stories. This kept the magic alive. Every year, the costume gave him another night of wonder and reminded everyone that Halloween was a time when the world was full of secrets for those with open minds and a spirit of adventure. As the years went by, Tommy was still a respected figure in Pumpkin Hollow. He was a living legend who embodied the spirit of the holiday. The town kept having fun on Halloween, and Tommy's stories made new generations think that the holiday could be magical. So, the story of Tommy, the boy who once turned into a real ghost on Halloween night, shone as brightly as the lights that lined the streets. The magic of Halloween and the spirit of the costume lived on, making new generations wonder and come up with new ideas. Here's how the story starts: Once upon a time, a young boy named Tommy lived in the beautiful and quiet town of Pumpkin Hollow, which was surrounded by red, orange, and gold-colored hills and forests. Pumpkin Hollow was a magical place where each season had its own special charm, but the town really came to life during Halloween. Pumpkin Hollow seemed to have a special connection to the mysterious and supernatural. This connection grew stronger as October got closer, making the air full of excitement. Tommy was a boy who was always interested and full of wonder. His family had lived in Pumpkin Hollow for many generations, and ever since he could walk, he was interested in the stories about Halloweens past. Pumpkin-carving events, hayrides through the woods at night, and the famous Pumpkin Hollow Parade have been around for many years. Every year, he was excited for October to come because he knew it would bring him new activities and the chance to live in a town that was known for its Halloween parties. As September turned into October, Pumpkin Hollow changed. The cold autumn air smelled like dropping leaves, apples, and a little pumpkin spice. Trees that used to be green now wore red and gold robes, and the wind made the leaves rustle like whispers. Pumpkins of different sizes, each turned into a happy jack-o'-lantern with a burning light inside, were left on people's doorsteps. But Pumpkin Hollow wasn't just different because it changed on the outside. It was the atmosphere, the feeling that the air itself was magical. Tommy could feel it, and he and his friends spent their afternoons looking for buried treasures and secrets in the town's nooks and crannies that seemed just out of reach. Tommy's family lived in a nice house that was hidden in an old oak wood on the edge of town. His bedroom window looked out on a forest that was right next to Pumpkin Hollow. He would often spend hours staring out the window and thinking about what was beyond the tree line. It was a beautiful place with fireflies that danced at night and owls that hooted at the moon. While looking through his grandparents' attic one sunny afternoon, Tommy found an old, dusty trunk hidden under a pile of lost treasures. He carefully opened the trunk and showed off a collection of old outfits with a gleam in his eye. There were ragged pirate hats, beautiful dresses with lace and silk, and superhero capes in bright colors. In all the layers of fabric and ideas, one outfit stood out: a ghostly white dress with silvery lines that seemed to shine in the dim attic light. Tommy's heart skipped a beat as he reached out to touch it. He liked the way the fabric felt, and when he put it on, it seemed to fit his small frame exactly. When he looked in the broken mirror in the attic, he saw himself as a real ghost. He was almost clear and had a wispy, ghostly look. Tommy was curious and confused, so he decided to keep the suit for himself. It seemed to invite him into a world full of magic and exciting things to do. He didn't know that what he did would lead to the scariest Halloween night of his life.




Ravens in Winter


Book Description

Originally published: New York: Summit Books, 1989.




Fly, Firefly


Book Description

One evening at dusk a wind current carries a lone firefly out over the sea. Glancing down into the water, the insect is mesmerized by the glowing bioluminescence, mistaking it for other fireflies. Seeking company, the firefly plunges into the waves. Luckily, there are human bystanders who can lend a hand. Based on an event witnessed by nature writer and ecologist Rachel Carson (The Sea Around Us and Silent Spring) where a firefly attempts to join its "family" in the ocean, this lyrical story written in verse perfectly illustrates the wonder and delight the natural world offers those who pay close enough attention. Back matter includes science facts about fireflies and bioluminescence, as well as information about Carson's life.