Isn't it fascinating how there is so much magic in the world, even in the tiniest of creatures? From bees buzzing around flowers to ants marching in perfect lines, small creatures have a way of capturing our attention and sparking our curiosity. One of the most intriguing small creatures is the firefly. As the sun sets and darkness sweeps across the land, these tiny insects come to life, illuminating the night sky with their enchanting glow. It's as if they possess their own form of natural light, creating a magical atmosphere wherever they go. Their presence brings joy and wonder to both children and adults alike, reminding us that there is still magic in the world if we are willing to look for it. Another small creature that never fails to enthrall is the hummingbird.
But in the world of the Institute where insects have a place of their own, both Eden and August discover being bigger isn't necessarily better and sometimes the most courageous thing to do is to set out to make a new friend.
Her short film, Seraglio , which was co-written and co-directed with her dashing and talented husband, Colin Campbell, was nominated for a 2001 Academy Award. Praise for The Big Dreams of Small Creatures In the delightful new book The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner, a young girl named Eden Evans discovers she can speak Wasp Yes, she can actually speak to them, with the help of a kazoo, but I digress.
Another small creature that never fails to enthrall is the hummingbird. With their vibrant colors and seemingly impossible flight patterns, these tiny birds are a source of awe and admiration. Watching them hover in mid-air, their wings beating so fast that they appear blurred, is like witnessing a living work of art.
The Big Dreams of Small Creatures - by Gail Lerner
At a secret laboratory devoted to the peacful coexistenc of human and insects, the fate of the insect world hangs in the balance of ten-year-old Eden who can speak to insects and nine-year-old August, a bullied fourth grader who wants to squash everything.
Book Synopsis
From Black-ish writer and director Gail Lerner comes a whimsical and heartwarming tale where two unlikely allies band together to protect and defend the insect world from the worst enemy of all. humans.
"What an enchanting and wondrous book for young readers." --Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and bestselling children's book author
Ten-year-old Eden's quiet life is upended when she saves a paper wasp nest from destruction and discovers, to her awe and amazement, that she and its haughty queen can talk to each other. This first conversation is the start of a grand adventure, leading Eden to The Institute for Lower Learning, a secret laboratory devoted to the peaceful coexistence of humans and insects. The Institute is more fantastic and idyllic than Eden could've imagined but hidden deep within its tunnels is an old secret that could spell the end for all insects on earth.
Nine-year-old August, an aspiring actor and bullied fourth-grader, is looking for that very secret after a few disastrous encounters have left him wanting to squash every annoying bug into oblivion. After all insects are small--he is big. And if there is anything he's learned from the bullies at school--it's that being bigger is what counts.
But in the world of the Institute where insects have a place of their own, both Eden and August discover being bigger isn't necessarily better and sometimes the most courageous thing to do is to set out to make a new friend.
Review Quotes
Praise for The Big Dreams of Small Creatures
"In the delightful new book The Big Dreams of Small Creatures by Gail Lerner, a young girl named Eden Evans discovers she can speak Wasp: Yes, she can actually speak to them, with the help of a kazoo, but I digress. From that miraculous discovery to the thrilling roller coaster ending, Eden and August, who is terrified of insects and wants to destroy them, find conflict and adventure and a whole new world in the coexistence between humans and insects. What an enchanting and wondrous book for young readers." --Jamie Lee Curtis, actress and bestselling children's book author
"From fumbling fourth-grader August to introspective, independence-loving Eden and their friends, both human and insect, Gail Lerner's characters are a delight, full of heart and humor. The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is a whimsical adventure highlighting the wonders of the natural world--and our sometimes complicated relationship with it--and the importance of kindness, compassion, and seeing things through another's eyes." --Robert Beatty, author of the bestselling Serafina series and Willa series
"An extraordinary and entertaining cast of characters on a remarkable eco-mission. Hopeful, upbeat, and triumphant. Our world literally needs this story in it." --Lisa McMann, New York Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Five: Map of Flames
"Gail Lerner's The Big Dreams of Small Creatures is heartfelt and humorous. Told from two often opposing but equally understandable perspectives, Lerner's wonderful debut middle grade novel has a staggeringly original concept, richly-drawn characters, a healthy dose of environmental optimism, and a touch of magic. Anyone who reads this lovely book will come away with a better appreciation for how everyone--and every thing--has a place in our world." --Stuart Gibbs, author of the bestselling FunJungle, Spy School, and Moon Base Alpha series
"The prose is beautiful . . . [and] readers may be drawn to the strong messages about environmentalism, friendship, and self-discovery. A slowly unfolding read for bug lovers and environmentalists." --Kirkus
"Lerner's entertaining, unconventional novel sees humans and insects share narration duties, allowing for a wide range of perspectives, deep empathy, and a marvelous sense of humor. An inventive, endearing story that will make an entomologist and environmental activist out of anyone." --Booklist
"Two kids at cross purposes intersect over insects in this environmentally invested novel . . [with] alternating arcs [that] invest readers in a world where curiosity leads to discovery, empathy proves a key ingredient in multiple kinds of conflict, and interspecies bonding is portrayed as key to global survival." --Publishers' Weekly
About the Author
Gail Lerner is a television and film writer/director. She has recently directed her first feature film, a reimagining of Cheaper by the Dozen, for Disney+, which will be released in February of 2022. Additionally, she has written and directed for Black-ish, Happy Endings, Ugly Betty, Grace and Frankie and Will & Grace. Her work has garnered her a Peabody Award, 6 NAACP Image Awards, and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Her short film, Seraglio, which was co-written and co-directed with her dashing and talented husband, Colin Campbell, was nominated for a 2001 Academy Award. She holds an MFA in Theater Directing from Columbia University. This is her first novel.
- I've had it up to HERE with idiotic puking scenes in children's fiction (or any other fiction, for that matter). No matter how strong the urge is to puke, there is at least a millisecond for us to turn away from the person in front of us. (Whether we are entirely successful or not is another matter.) I am so irritated by reading about characters throwing up on the shirt of the person standing in front of them! (Plus, I am yet to figure out how this happened when the said characters were seated at a lunch table!!)
They remind us of the beauty that can be found in the smallest of creatures and teach us to appreciate the delicate intricacies of nature. And let's not forget about the spider. Although often feared and misunderstood, spiders are fascinating creatures that deserve our appreciation. Their ability to spin intricate webs out of silk, patiently waiting for their next meal, showcases their resourcefulness and resilience. They may be small, but they have a big impact on the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and helping maintain a balanced environment. It's a reminder that even the smallest creatures play an important role in the grand scheme of things. The magic of small creatures lies not only in their physical attributes but also in the lessons they teach us. They remind us to slow down and observe the world around us, to appreciate the beauty in even the tiniest of details. They show us that size does not determine significance, and that even the smallest of creatures can have a mighty impact. So, next time you encounter a small creature, take a moment to appreciate its presence and the magic it brings. Observe its movements, marvel at its capabilities, and allow yourself to be captivated by the wonder of the natural world. Who knows, you might just discover a whole new world of magic in these small creatures..
Reviews for "The Dance of the Fireflies: The Magical Light Show of Small Bioluminescent Insects"
- John - 1 star - This book is a complete disappointment. I was expecting an enchanting tale about small creatures, but instead, I got a boring collection of random stories that were poorly written. The characters lacked depth and the plot was nonexistent. I couldn't connect with any of the tales, and I found myself skimming through the pages just to finish it. Save your money and find a better book to read.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The magic of small creatures" but unfortunately, I was let down. The concept seemed promising, but the execution fell short. The stories lacked originality and creativity, and I felt like I was reading recycled ideas. The writing style was also quite monotonous, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend.
- David - 2 stars - "The magic of small creatures" didn't live up to its title. The book promised a magical journey, but it failed to deliver. The stories were predictable and formulaic, and I could see the ending coming from a mile away. The character development was also lacking, leaving me uninvested in their arcs. I was hoping for a captivating read, but unfortunately, this book fell flat.