A Firefly Named Felix
Deanna Hart
The Awakened Press (2024)
ISBN: 979-8989182718
Reviewed by Shawna Thompson for Reader Views (05/2024)
Felix, the charming little firefly is a lovable character everyone can relate to in “A Firefly Named Felix” by Deanna Hart. He enjoys the warm summer nights, dancing with his friends, and sipping sweet pollen. However, Felix has a secret fear hidden from his friends – he cannot light up like most fireflies. He is anxious that his friends will make fun of him if they discover the truth. This fear makes him hesitant to participate in games like tag or send light signals with his friends.
Unfortunately, his friends eventually discover his secret and begin to tease him. This makes Felix feel sad and lonely, but he still has to attend school with them. One day, his observant teacher notices that Felix isn’t his usual cheerful self and asks him what’s wrong. She then explains that not all fireflies can light up, but they have an incredible sense of smell that helps them communicate with each other. She also explains this to Felix’s friends, who are now impressed and envious of Felix’s unique ability.
Felix’s friends devise a fantastic plan to make him feel genuinely part of their group. They present him with a flashlight, a tool that allows him to participate fully in their games. Felix is overjoyed. With this gesture, his friends show him that his ability to light up is not what defines their friendship. He feels embraced and cherished by his friends and relishes in their games more than ever.
Felix’s sweet disposition and charming smile make this story delightful. Chrish Vindy’s illustrations are incredibly vibrant and colorful, making the characters come alive. You can easily discern Felix’s emotions through his eyes and facial expressions, making him an easy character to root for. The pages will entertain and capture kids’ attention.
Deanna Hart’s “A Firefly Named Felix” is excellent for young children, teaching valuable lessons about courage, bullying, kindness, and forgiveness. Parents and teachers should add this book to their libraries. With a suggested age range of 3-7 years, it is perfect for read-aloud sessions with younger children. I loved this story about Felix and gave it five stars for its originality and the valuable lessons it can impart to younger kids.