A new picture book, Blink, Blink, Blink in Sync: Silent Fireworks by Sharon CassanoLochman is a sweet story of a young child’s first experience with fireflies. Told from the child’s point of view, she is excited for a special surprise, but worried she won’t be able to use her indoor voice while she is outside. The family sets off down a wooded trail with a group of people and the girl gets nervous as darkness falls. Then someone points out a flash of light, then another as thousands of fireflies light up the night like fireworks.

The reader learns along with the narrator that these fireflies are special: they all light up at the same time! Beautiful illustrations by Pearly Lim enhance the story and show the narrator’s changing moods.
The second half of the book provides more details about synchronized flashing fireflies as well as a number of interesting facts about these amazing beetles. (For example, of 2,000 species of fireflies, only 19 blink in sync and most of these are in Southeast Asia.) Readers (children and adults alike) will learn the fascinating science that makes the flashes possible as well as tips on attracting more fireflies to your own yard.

This book is sure to be a hit with young readers who can relate to struggles to be patient and fear of the dark, but will also engross older children (and adults!) with the fascinating facts presented. It might also prompt some family vacations to see the phenomenon in person!

Note: A digital advance copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. No compensation was made, this is the opinion of the writer. This post includes an affiliate link; should you choose to purchase the book via this link, we receive a portion of the proceeds.