The Fox and the Firefly

Finn is a young fox with soft russet-orange fur and a white-tipped tail, living in a snug den beneath a big oak tree in a cozy forest. Curious and energetic, he enjoys exploring new paths and chasing butterflies, and he often remarks that the forest is full of surprises. One sunny afternoon he follows a winding path he has never seen before, trotting past ferns and mossy rocks, and he is having so much fun that he does not notice the sun sinking low. When the sky turns pink and orange, nothing looks familiar any more, and Finn realizes he is lost as the forest grows dark around him.

Scared and alone, Finn curls up under a big tree until a tiny golden light blinks near his nose. It belongs to Flicker, a small firefly with translucent wings and friendly eyes, who offers to guide him home. Together they cross a quiet stream on steady stones and pass through a grove of whispering pines, with Flicker glowing like a tiny lantern and cheering Finn on. Along the way the two talk about being afraid of the dark, and Flicker admits that helping someone else makes them feel brave too. This gentle story by Jane MEADOW is about finding courage when you feel small and frightened, and about how a kind friend can light the way. It can be read on Kids Tale Book.