A Poem is Firefly
A Poem is a Firefly is a fun children’s picture book written in rhyme with a beautiful calming rhythm. The story opens with a bear asking a question. “What is a poem?” All the animals in the forest try to explain using metaphors from their experiences hoping to help the bear understand the meaning of a poem.
A Poem is a Firefly written by Charles Ghigna says nothing about God or the Bible but think of the implications of a firefly.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good work and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” ~Matthew 5:16KJV
I read through this book several times and each time I am struck by another feature. The author uses animal sounds to describe a poem. Woodland sounds give the book a relaxing, calming effect. He uses our senses to create a mood then changes to a contemplative explanation. Rhythm and rhyme create moments and memories. The phrase from the spider which uses “spun words” to help the bear and children connect experiences to creating memories is made impactful by the sound of thunder. Then “A poem is a little path that leads you through the trees.” Just as our minds lead us down little paths to mountain cliffs, and seashores they can lead us anywhere.
So let’s live it. Take a walk down a little path. Listen to the sounds. Smell the fragrances. Lie in the flowers and ferns. Watch as the flowers unfurl and the animals interact. Here are ideas to help you begin and once you start you’ll be reading and discovering over and over again. The journey never ends.
- Read through the book with the child noticing the pictures.
- If the child is old enough to read, have them do the second reading aloud.
- Ask open-ended questions that end with why, like a five-year-old.
- Then live it.
- Take a walk down a little path.
- Listen to the sounds
- Smell the fragrances.
- Lie in the flowers and ferns.
- Watch as the flowers unfurl and the animals interact.
- Take notes, draw pictures.
- Stay out until the fireflies come out.
- Notice the trail of light behind the firefly.
- Think of ways to express your day. It’s probably pure poetry.
I love the line at the end of the book. “And when the journey’s over you’ll find you’ve just begun. Every experience, every thought leads to more discovery. Our journey has just begun and like the “firefly upon a summer wind, instead of shining where she goes. . . she lights up where she’s been.”
Enjoy the creation God has given us and let your light shine.
Gone hiking. Gail Cartee
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