Summer Dance of the Fireflies

By Ed Connolly

Summer Dance of the Fireflies is an enchanting children's book which will appeal to young and old readers alike. Combining elements of Buddhist philosophy, dreamlike Native American images, and old-fashioned story telling, Summer Dance of the Fireflies creates a world of sacred spaces, fireflies that weave magic and community building. Ed Connolly gives us a story that we would read to our grandparents and to our children. In a world, torn apart by grief, suspicion, and unattainable longings, this story gives us desire, love, peace in a series of events that takes the reader full circle. Summer Dance of the Fireflies brings back the world of George MacDonald, the preacher who learned story telling surrounded by dozens of children and created inventive spaces that spoke of eternal mysteries.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1888996641
• ISBN13: 9781888996647
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Red Hen Press
• Length: 44 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.3" x 10.2"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Summer Dance of the Fireflies- magical

A charming tale that combines love and community spirit, Summer Dance of the Fireflies reminds us all of what is sacred and special. The art of storytelling is an important aspect in the village of Shamala nestled at the peak of a mountain in a beautiful valley. Elders teach the children the importance of their world, their lives and their spirituality. But many of the older people don?t come to listen to the stories taught by one elder, Tito. They wonder if one particular story about the fireflies is really true. Then as spring turned to summer change came to the village. The stars began to circle and descend to the earth. Old and young came to the field to see and soon they know that what Tito had said was true and that the circle of life continues.This is a fanciful book that would be nice to read with children on a hot summer?s night, or any time of the year. The magic of fireflies is fun and this story illustrates their energizing spirit well.I only wish the illustrations were in color. I think the magic of this book would be displayed better through colorful images and better quality paper. The story would read better too with more dialogue. I should like to get to know Ramesh better and if the author told the story from his point of view only, I think it would be a great book.