Picture yourself outside on a starry summer night with fireflies twinkling all around you. Can you hear birds, frogs, and crickets singing their sweet lullabies? Sounds of nature soothe us to sleep in this visually enchanting bedtime book from a land of dreams and imagination. “Firefly Lullaby” is the debut children’s book by artist Karen Weiss. The book is a visual feast with colorful paintings of imaginative dwellings, sparkling fireflies, dreamy landscapes, dancing frogs, velvety luna moths, swirling musical notes, and more. Two children have been playing outside, and it is time to come in for dinner. While the children get ready for sleep, the outside symphony of nocturnal creatures begins to build, creating a natural lullaby. The story, written in verse, suggests the presence of the children; however, they remain unseen. They are instead represented by visuals such as a table set for two, two sets of pajamas, and two beds.

The drawings and paintings for the book were created the old-fashioned way, by hand and heart, with brushes and pencils, canvas, and paint. A flip-book style of a firefly with lacy wings travels around the text pages as the book proceeds. This high-quality hardcover book is perfect for ages 2-7 and art lovers of all ages. “Firefly Lullaby” combines educational music, nature, art, and poetry. A glossary is included in the back of the book. With stunning artwork and a sweet, soothing rhyme, this book will surely be a perennial favorite.

Karen Weiss is a multidisciplinary artist from Dallas, Texas. Weiss is a skilled muralist, jewelry designer, painter, photographer, and henna artist. Karen is the writer, illustrator, and designer of her debut picture book, “Firefly Lullaby.” The book was inspired by a beautiful night in the Texas Hill Country and combines her love for children, art, nature, and books. Weiss is the mom of two creative children and has a spectacular grandson who keeps her laughing. Her rescue animals love one another, just like the animals in the book.