Firefly Hollow

Starred review from May 25, 2015
McGhee (the Bink and Gollie series) introduces three tiny creatures with big dreams in a whimsical tale that examines how friendships change and the value of chasing one’s dreams. Firefly longs to fly to the moon, while her friend Cricket wants to be “the cricket version of Yogi Berra” (“Why shouldn’t crickets learn how to catch falling objects?” Cricket reasons. “Wouldn’t that make them all safer?”). Their respective clans think both notions are ridiculous. The two find kindred spirits in Vole, the last of his river-dwelling kind, and Peter, a “miniature giant” who is mourning the departure of a close friend. As Firefly and Cricket pursue their goals and explore new terrain, they come to understand their limits and the risks of being different. The book’s portrayal of the world as an exciting but dangerous place filled with huge human “artifacts” (all warmly evoked in Denise’s illustrations) will tickle readers’ fancies, and the poignant conclusion may cause a few tears to be shed. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Holly McGhee, Pippin Properties.