Books with author Joanne Barkan

As evening falls, Little Firefly grows nervous, as the sky grows dark. His mother, however, reassures him, saying that there is nothing to be afraid of, especially since he carries his own built-in light wherever he goes. She encourages him to "let his light shine," as he begins his nighttime journey. Everywhere he goes, his light reveals the wonders of the nighttime world and the animals in it. Readers can help Little Firefly glow by pressing the special light module built into the book. The story offers a gentle, reassuring message about not being afraid of the dark.

The charming, rhyming test captures the magic of a summer night as a group of children discover the beauty and wonder of all kinds of lights everywhere they go, including sparklers, fireworks, fireflies, carnival lights, and shooting stars. The test is accompaniers by lovely artwork that uses the fiber optic effects as a colorful and interactive centerpiece. The fiber optic lights are easily activated by pressing the on/off button, letting youngsters literally brighten up the pages as they read the story.