On the Kirkus list of
“100 Best Indie Books of 2023.”
“Weiss has created one of the most beautiful books for young folks that we have ever seen.” Greensource DFW
“Firefly Lullaby” is an award-winning book of nature, art, and poetry featuring hand-painted illustrations.
Please listen to a sample of the MP3 above, and view some of the illustrations from the book.
About the Book
Imagine being outside on a starry summer night with fireflies twinkling all around you. Can you hear the birds, crickets, and frogs singing their sweet lullabies? Sounds of nature soothe us to sleep in this visually enchanting bedtime book from a land of dreams and imagination.
“This book transcends race, gender, age and time. It is universal.” Bob L. Plano, TX
Inspiration
“Firefly Lullaby” was inspired in 2002 by a beautiful, sparkly night in the Texas Hill Country. As an urban dweller, artist Karen Weiss was captivated by the night creatures’ serenade. The beautiful sounds of frogs, crickets, and others combined with the dark, starry sky and the twinkling of fireflies made it a night to remember. Weiss memorialized the experience in a painting, “Firefly Lullaby,” which evolved into her book. Karen combined some of her older paintings to write the story and then made new drawings and paintings to complete the book.
“As a city dweller, I do not often hear this richly textured song of nature’s creatures. Knowing that many urban kids are also rarely exposed to these sounds, I hope that children can experience a little bit of the wonder and beauty of nature through this book and recording.” Karen Weiss, artist/author.
“This is my new favorite baby gift.” Lisa S. Austin
About the artwork
The book began as an art project. Weiss painted “Firefly Lullaby” after being inspired by a beautiful starlit night in the forest, where creatures were singing and fireflies twinkled around her. She later combined her original “Firefly Lullaby” painting with a few of her favorite older works and began to craft the story. Later, she painted new images and acquired computer skills to digitalize the paintings and design the book. The original painting inspired the book, and the book sparked the MP3.
The drawings and paintings that make up the book were created the old-fashioned way, by hand and heart, with brushes and pencils, canvas, and paint.
Artist Karen Weiss painted full size canvas paintings and converted
them to digital images for the book “Firefly Lullaby”
Images of whimsical houses appear throughout the book. The house has been a primary theme in the artist’s iconography for decades. As a symbol of Home, it reflects the artist’s desire for all of us to be nurtured and safe and to have a place to live in peace. Ms. Weiss plans to give as many of these books as possible to economically disadvantaged or displaced children.
“This book is a classic! It is an evergreen book.” Toby H. Houston. TX.
Firefly Lullaby Soundscape recording
Please listen to a sample of the Firefly Lullaby Soundscape here.
Firefly Lullaby” is a soundscape recording as well. Two one-hour recordings of nature sounds, “Firefly Lullaby” is available as an MP3. The first track is the “Daytime Playtime” recording for a more lively nature ambience. The second track is the “Firefly Lullaby” Quiet Hour, for a more relaxing and calming environment.
As you read “Firefly Lullaby” aloud to your little ones, let the gentle ribbits and chirps transport you to a world of wonder. The inspiring natural sounds are not only perfect for storytelling, but can be used during children’s creative playtime, or to create a soothing ambiance before going to sleep.
And it is not just for kids – grown-ups can also find solace in these beautiful hour-long recordings. Whether it’s time for focused study, a relaxing yoga session, meditation, or unwinding after a long day, this MP3 complements all these moments, adding a touch of tranquility to your environment.
About the Artist
Karen Weiss is a multidisciplinary artist from Dallas, TX. She is a skilled muralist, photographer, jewelry designer, and henna artist. “Firefly Lullaby” is her debut children’s book and debut MP3.
This project brings together her love for children, art, nature, and books.
Karen’s rescue animals love one another, just like the cat and dog in the book!
Reviews and comments
“The bold, bright colors depicted in the beginning pages’ sunset are soon replaced by pages dominated with blues and purples, but they never feel dreary; while the deeper hues offer a sleepy feel, it’s too dreamlike to ever be dull. The poetry flows beautifully, as well, its scansion as steady and calming as the lullaby it mimics. The soothing tempo seems perfectly designed for lap readers listening as an adult rocks them to the beat of the poem’s music. Some of the more challenging vocabulary words (nocturnal, symphony) are defined for independent readers in a short glossary.
An enchanting debut that captures the magic of nighttime backyard music.” Kirkus starred review https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/karen-weiss/firefly-lullaby/
“For moms or grandmas with small children, help them conjure up an experience that their progeny will remember forever with Firefly Lullaby by local artist and author Karen Weiss. Weiss has created one of the most beautiful books for young folks that we have ever seen. Karen Weiss transports us to a magical world that exists in the mind of every youngster — the moments between day and night when the fireflies play. Readers are immersed in the sights and sounds of the evening — the flutter of a Luna moth’s wings, the croak of a frog, a songbird’s sweet melody and the cricket’s chirp. Each page is filled with delightful illustrations, inspired by the Texas Hill Country, created by the author herself that lead to a heartwarming and sleepy ending, making it an ideal bedtime tale for children of all ages.
With its soothing rhythm and gentle imagery, Firefly Lullaby is sure to become a beloved classic to which families will turn again and again.” Green Source DFW https://greensourcedfw.org/ review)
“As a city dweller, I do not often hear this richly textured song of nature’s creatures. Knowing that many urban kids are also rarely exposed to these sounds, I hope that children can experience a little bit of the wonder and beauty of nature through this book and recording.” Karen Weiss, artist/author
Visit Our Shop
You can purchase the MP3 separately from the book or buy them together as a bundle. Purchase them in the Tricycle Books Shop.
Connect with Us
We celebrate the joy of storytelling and would love to hear about your experience with “Firefly Lullaby.” Please share with us here.