Blog Tour: Blink and Glow by Raven Howell

Today I'm partnering with WOW! Women on Writing to celebrate the release of Blink and Glow, the latest book from children's author and poet Raven Howell!  Since I love reading with my toddler son, I was so excited to share this with him.  We received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Blink and Glow

By Raven Howell (illustrated by Ann Pilicer)

Published July 15, 2024

Lilly and Leo think it's super to catch fireflies and salamanders—and even more exciting, as they plan to bring their glowing nature finds to show-and-tell the next day. They have a change of heart when Grandma's wisdom guides the children to respect the freedom and light of the natural life in all living things. 

Leo and Lilly are two young children doing that beloved summer nighttime activity - catching fireflies!  Leo catches a firefly in his jar, while Lilly finds a salamander for hers.  Both are excited to show them to their friends the next day at school.  Their grandmother, however, reminds them that the creatures need to be free to shine their brightest.  Although maybe disappointing, the children know that releasing the firefly and salamander will be what's best for them, and they make some crafts inspired by their finds that they can show off instead.

I loved how this book combined a summer activity that I enjoyed as a kid (looking for fireflies) with a great message about appreciating and respecting the environment and all living creatures.  It felt both nostalgic and modern.  I also appreciated the way the grandmother used the luna moth as an example of how living creatures need to be free, instead of just ordering the children to release the firefly and salamander.  It allowed Leo and Lilly to make the decision for themselves and feel good about it.

My son loved the bright, whimsical illustrations, and although he might be a tad too young to fully appreciate the moral of the story, this is one we can continue to enjoy as he gets older.  At the end of the book are instructions for recreating the craft that Leo and Lilly put together, a firefly suncatcher, and I thought this was a great addition.

5 stars