Night Creatures: Firefly - by Robert MacFarlane (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From two of the U.K.'s best-known book makers, Robert Macfarlane and Luke Adam Hawker, comes a stunning picture book to ignite wonder in readers everywhere.

In the darkness of December,
Through the winter's deepest snowing,

When the world is ste ep in camber,
And all hope is downwards-flowing

Then's the time to seek what's glowing...

Written in lyrical verse, this story follows one sun-seeking child who discovers a meadow illuminated by fireflies: "fallen constellations" that dance like stars among the summer grasses, setting fears to flight. Enchanting to read aloud and exquisite to hold in the hand, each scene is rendered in spellbinding detail, showing the power of hope in a world steeped in darkness.

The first in a trilogy, Firefly is sure to appeal to all ages:

• An uplifting and lyrical story of light, hope, and wonder
• With words from beloved and New York Times bestselling author Robert Macfarlane, creator of The Lost Words and The Lost Spells
• Stunning artwork created from original etchings by Luke Adam Hawker, whose debut book Together was a Sunday Times bestseller
• Spectacular gift book, cloth bound with a copper foiled cover
• This accessible story is perfect for children and adults, ages 7 and above

Review Quotes

"Readers of all ages will be inspired to persevere through the winters of their lives, when light is scarce but worth fighting for."

-- "Foreword, starred review" (9/23/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"A glowing and magical poetic celebration of hope."-- "Kirkus" (8/8/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Captivating . . . A kind of charm to will away spirit-darkening forces."-- "Publishers Weekly" (8/8/2025 12:00:00 AM)

"Dreamy, awe-inspiring and truly inventive"-- "The Bookseller" (8/12/2025 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Robert Macfarlane is a British writer and Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He is best known for his books on landscape, nature, place, people and language. He is seen as one of a number of recent British writers who have provoked a new critical and popular interest in writing about landscape. Luke Adam Hawker is an artist with a background in architecture and design. Hawker commenced his career as a designer before he became a full-time artist in 2015. He has a fascination with drawing on location as well as taking the time to notice the world around him. He primarily uses his art as a means to connect with places and people. In 2021, Hawker published his first book, Together, and it quickly became a Sunday Times bestseller. It has been well-received, and over 130,000 copies have been purchased worldwide in 11 different languages.