“A reader who skips the subtitle may not ever notice that the patient mother who encourages her child’s imaginative play and curiosity here is scientist and author Rachel Carson (1907–1964). But while readers may not come away with a greater biographical knowledge of Carson per se, Wiles’s story itself embodies a Carson quote that opens the back matter: “It is not half so important to know as to feel.” … Back matter describes the two separate incidents from Carson’s life that Wiles combined to create this story, as well as a brief description of Carson’s importance and the science behind bioluminescence.” The Horn Book
“Miyares’s dreamlike illustrations complement the lengthy poetic text, using light and dark to evoke Roger’s sense of confidence, comfort, fear, and wonder while conjuring the magic of a flashlight-lit walk to a bioluminescent ocean on a thundery night.” Publishers Weekly
“I’m not afraid!” shouts Roger when he hears thunder outside…but he is afraid. When the storm quiets, his aunt Rachel decides to take him on a walk to see the beauty of the natural world at night. Over his Godzilla pj’s goes his rain slicker; onto his feet go his monster boots, and together he and Rachel head down the rocky path to the sea. On the way they discover many marvels—a screech owl calling to its mate, ghost crabs tunneling in the sand, and most incredibly, the luminous life that lights up the water. When they find a tiny firefly who has lost its way, they bring it home and release it back into the woods. At last, Rachel tucks Roger into bed, telling him he is “nature’s brave protector.” An afterword introducing young readers to Rachel Carson, and explaining bioluminiscence, adds to the appeal of the book.
Follow the illustrator on Instagram: https://instagram.com/danielmiyaresdoodles
Follow the author on Instagram: https://instagram.com/deborahwiles_
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