Firefly July, A Year of Very Short Poems

Picture Book

48 pages, Recommended for Kindergarten – 3rd grade

Publisher: Candlewick, reprinted edition, March 2018

ISBN 13: 978-0763699710

Firefly July is a collection of 36 engaging poems that will delight young listeners and readers. The poems were carefully selected by acclaimed poet Paul Janeczko.  The poems represent different poetry formats and use carefully selected words that create pleasing rhythms and rhymes. They are organized by seasons and portray animals, nature, city scenes and more. This anthology includes many favorite award-winning poets. Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Melissa Sweet, the images provide colorful scenes on single- and double-page spreads. Sweet’s use of watercolor, gouache and mixed media will inspire readers to turn the page to discover the visual beauty and well-crafted verse on every page. Remember to include poetry throughout the day, the week, and the year. If you wait until poetry month (usually in April) to share poetry, your students will miss out on the joy of listening and reading excellent poetry throughout the year.  

 About the Editor:

Paul B. Janeczko was a celebrated author, poet, speaker and teacher and editor of many books until his death in 2019. His writing includes poetry, novels, nonfiction, and professional books. He edited multiple anthologies and has received multiple awards for his work. The National Council of Teachers of English, the American Library Association, the New York Public Library, and the School Library Journal have all honored Janeczko with awards.  

Check out some of his many other titles: Dirty Laundry Pile, Poems in Different Voices (Illustrated by Melissa Sweet) and The Death of a Hat, A Brief History of Poetry in Objects (Illustrated by Chris Raschka).  

About the Illustrator:

Melissa Sweet is a writer and book illustrator of more than 23 titles.  She has been creating art since childhood and describes her work in the following way, “Writing and Illustrating is a lot like playing with art supplies as a kid – it’s fun to make something out of nothing and each day is different.”  She uses watercolor in every book, and her interest in unusual objects has influenced the many collages and unique perspectives visible in her artwork. Learn more about Melissa Sweet at https://www.melissasweet.net.

Pathways connections: My World and Others, Living Things and The Environment 

Reviewed by Cheryl The, PhD

Professor of Education

Southwestern Adventist University

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