Children Still Need Wonder

Children are naturally curious.

They notice things adults often overlook.

Fireflies glowing in the dark.
Interesting rocks along a path.
Cloud shapes drifting across the sky.
The way flowers slowly turn toward the sun.

When children are young, wonder comes naturally.

But somewhere along the way, many begin to lose a little of that curiosity and imagination. Life becomes louder, faster, and more scheduled. Screens compete for attention. Quiet moments become fewer and farther between.

As both an educator and author, I’ve often thought nature has a way of bringing some of that wonder back.

A quiet evening outside.
Watching something grow.
Catching fireflies.
Lying in the grass with no real agenda at all.

Those moments may seem small, but I don’t believe they are.

I think they help children slow down, notice beauty, use their imagination, and stay connected to the world around them.

That idea inspired much of Good Night, Fireflies.

The story is rooted in warmth, imagination, comfort, and the kind of childhood moments that stay with us long after we grow up.

In many ways, I think children still need wonder now more than ever.

And honestly, adults probably do too.