“PreK-Gr 2-Gecko is grumpy. The blinking lights of the fireflies fluttering outside his house are keeping him awake. Desperate for sleep, he shuffles to the village chief's house and pleads with him to do something. Elephant promises to speak with the fireflies in the morning, and Gecko drags himself home. When asked about their nocturnal activity, the fireflies explain that they need to light up the village path so everyone can see Buffalo's poop. That night, they blink their lights again, and Gecko returns to Elephant's house. Elephant explains that he talked to Buffalo, who "fills up the holes that Rain washes out," and to the fireflies, urging them to continue blinking their lights. This nightly ritual continues, with Gecko appealing to Elephant until he realizes that he would not have any mosquitoes to eat if the natural cycle of life were interrupted. Accepting the fact that some things are just the way they are, the lizard can sleep peacefully once again. MacDonald's lyrical language and use of repetition help bring this folktale to life. There is just the right touch of humor in both the text and the art. The pacing is perfectly matched to the richly colored acrylic illustrations. The night scenes are luminescent with glowing fireflies and a midnight blue, starry sky. This tale can be shared one-on-one but will shine as a read-aloud.”

School Library Journal — Wendy Woodfill

“Gecko has a problem: every night, when it is time to go to sleep, fireflies gather round his house, "blinking their lights on and off … on and off," and keeping him awake. He takes his problem to the village boss, an elephant, who spends the next few days getting to the issue's root. Ultimately, Elephant deduces that the fireflies blink so that travelers can spot the buffalo poop in the road, the buffalo poops to fill the holes made by the rain. The rain falls to make puddles for the mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that Gecko depends upon for food: "Gecko,' said the Elephant. 'This world is all connected. Some things you have to put up with. Now go home and go to sleep.' &" This simple tale of the interconnectedness of all things is perfectly pitched to its audience-Gecko's needs are simple, namely sleep and food, and his frustration over the lack of the former is quickly eradicated when faced with the possibility of not having the latter. Valério's fanciful acrylic paintings employ a palette of bold blues, greens, and yellows, and thought bubbles are used to great effect in illustrating possibilities (the buffalo's bubble shows a small creature falling in a hole, the rain's bubble shows a hungry gecko) making for great talking points with a young audience. While expressions are simply rendered, the animals' faces convey a great deal of emotion (the elephant's narrow eyes speak volumes as to how he feels about being woken up at midnight by the returning Gecko). With its sprinkling of sound effects, unusual cast of characters, and gentle patterning, this is a comical yet thoughtful bedtime read. A thorough source note is included.”

The Bulletin of The Center for Children's Books

“This simple folktale is about a gecko that can't sleep at night because the fireflies are keeping him up at night. So Gecko goes to the village boss, an elephant, and tells him of his problem. The elephant tells him to go back home and go to sleep and that he will talk to the fireflies in the morning. When elephant talks to the fireflies they explain the reason why they must blink their lights. The elephant tells the fireflies he understands their reasoning and they should go home and continue to do what they do. Evaluation This was a fun folktale to read to children. The children caught onto the cumulative tale and began reciting the tale with me at the predictable parts. The students found it comical as well as a lesson to be learned that some things you just need to put up with. This led to a discussion of some of those things that we do need to overlook and not sweat the small stuff in life.”

Kutztown University Book Review — Lyn Shumanis

“Gecko is having trouble sleeping; the light from the fireflies keeps waking him. Gecko, however, learns that 'it takes a village' and that all things are connected when he complains to the village chief, Elephant, and learns the true purpose of fireflies. This whimsical Balinese folktale is perfect for retelling. Geraldo Valerio's bright acrylic illustrations complement Margaret Read MacDonald's simple text. (LAB) ”

Michigan Reading Journal

“The lesson in this simple cumulative tale will provide a great springboard to a discussion on acceptance. Gecko is irritated when the fireflies' blinking keeps him awake at night. He awakens elephant, the "village boss," and demands his help, but elephant finds the fireflies' explanation reasonable. Elephant is then referred from one animal to the next. Gecko finally realizes that he depends on these events for his well-being. The illustrations, in bright blues, greens, and yellows, are playful and done with broad strokes and simple shapes. Add this to folktale collections that don't own Gecko's Complaint: A Balinese Folktale retold by Ann Martin Bowler (Tuttle Publishing, 2003) or where students need a reminder on tolerance. ”

Library Media Connection — Carol Surges