The Last Firefox

Reach for this book when your child feels paralyzed by the 'what-ifs' of life or struggles with self-doubt. It is a perfect choice for children who feel small in a big world and need to see that courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to protect what you love despite it. The story follows Charlie, a boy with two dads and a heart full of anxiety, who unexpectedly becomes the guardian of a mythical, fire-breathing fox from another world. At its heart, this is a story about finding strength in vulnerability and the power of found family. It normalizes anxiety and LGBTQ+ household structures with warmth and humor, making it an excellent resource for building empathy and self-confidence. While there are moments of mild peril involving a shadow beast, the tone remains hopeful and supportive throughout, making it a safe yet exciting read for middle grade children navigating their own 'monsters' of worry.