Deanna Hart

Felix is a little firefly, who is just like all the other fireflies, but he has a secret. All of his friends can light up their bioluminescence, but no matter how hard Felix tries, he cannot light up. One day, while playing with his brothers and sisters, they notice he cannot light up and laugh at him. Felix is sad and wonders what is wrong with him. When his friends at school tease him because he cannot play lightning tag, Felix thinks he is a dud and hides in the closet. Felix’s teacher gives him a hug and explains that not all fireflies can light up. She helps Felix and the other fireflies recognise that everyone has their own special and unique abilities. The next time Felix is asked to play lightning tag, he finds an alternative way to join in the fun.

A Firefly Named Felix is a touching picture book by author Deanna Hart about a young firefly who cannot light up like all of the other fireflies. As Felix watches all of his friends light up in the dark, he feels left out and wonders if he’ll ever be able to join in the fun. Young readers will empathise with Felix’s feelings of self-doubt and exclusion. The story reminds young readers to believe in themselves, to celebrate their uniqueness, to show kindness to others, and to be an upstander to bullying.

With additional information for both children and parents, the book is an excellent teaching resource to support conversations about bullying.

Star rating: 5 Stars 

Summary: A gentle yet powerful lesson in kindness, diversity and inclusion, and self-acceptance.