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Reviewed by Jennifer Senick for Readers' Favorite
Have you ever been afraid of something that doesn’t bother anyone else? Shani and the Firefly by Shani T. Night is about a young girl who’s happy spending her days exploring the sunny meadows of Sunbeam Valley. That all changes when day turns to night. Shani shares her fear of the dark with her mother. Her mom tells her a story about the magical Mr. FireFly. Then Shani gets an idea. She decides to go look for him, so she can ask him how he manages to shine bright at night. After finding him, he teaches her about being brave, having confidence, and believing in herself. Shani also learns about the essential role Mr. FireFly and other fireflies play in nature. Can one small bug finally change the way Shani sees the night? And why are fireflies so important?
I chose this book because fireflies are one of my favorite insects, and I love the positive message at the heart of Shani and the Firefly. It’s easy to understand, and young readers with their own fears will be able to identify with it. I appreciate how Shani T. Night blended social-emotional learning with information about nature. The affirmations at the end enable children and adults to reflect on what they've learned throughout the story. My favorite was, "I have my own inner light." It reminded me of Dolly Parton’s quote: “The magic’s inside you, there ain’t no crystal ball.” As a teacher, I would read it during the first weeks of school and then have conversations with students about courage, overcoming fears, and being kind. I would also extend it with activities like drawing their own firefly or creating personal “inner light” posters. The illustrations by Reggie Howard are warm and help create a sense of wonder. Young readers who enjoy tales about bugs, nature, or a touch of magic will want to get a copy of this book. This children’s book would make a nice addition to any home, classroom, or school library.
