Firefly Hollow by Alison McGhee

Firefly Hollow is a beautiful story of friendship, bravery, and the fulfillment of dreams. Firefly is the best young flyer in Firefly Hollow, and she’s always dreamed of flying to the moon. Cricket is bored at Cricket School, where all they ever learn is to avoid water, sun, and “Giants,” which are the members of the human world. Despite being warned to stay away from the giants, both Firefly and Cricket become fascinated with a miniature giant named Peter, who they sometimes watch playing catch with a friend. Cricket decides he wants nothing more than to become a great catcher like Yogi Berra, whose picture he saw on a baseball card.

So Firefly and Cricket leave the safety of the hollow and meet Peter, who is not so scary after all. They also befriend kindly Vole, who has lived alone for many years since all the other voles were swept away in a flood when giants removed a beaver dam near their home on the river. The creatures share their hopes and dreams to each other and become kindred spirits, and help console Peter after the loss of his best friend Charlie.

Christopher Denise’s gorgeous illustrations help the reader visualize the touching scenes these characters share, and the reader will be rooting for all of them to finally realize their dreams. Recommended for Grades 3-6, or younger if being read aloud.