Floridius Bloom has found a source of light on his planet of Gloom and he's not sharing it with anyone. He's even built a wall so that no one else can see it! Of course, Floridius is convinced that he needs it for his prize cherriflox to blossom. Not to mention the fact that he's afraid of the monsters and the wigglyfluffs that lie beyond his wall. But when Floridius meets a curious creature named Zrill who invites him to come out from his self-imposed isolation, Floridius begins to understand that beauty is a thing to be shared . . . and friendship can supply its own kind of light.

With warm and comforting illustrations, lilting rhyme, and a life lesson offered with a light touch, this picture book debut for both author and illustrator has all the makings of a classic.

"Is it possible to be too independent? This question is put to the test in a tale that explores how self-sufficiency isn't all it's cracked up to be. The story opens with the title character encased within a well-lit fortress (a brick wall surrounds his home, containing the light from a fallen star) with no company except for some bug-like pests. Metz's use of playful words speaks to preschoolers' penchants for concocting their own secret language. In his garden, Bloom exclaims, 'Those bothersome wigglyfluffs are nibbling on my prize cherriflox.' When a small creature named Zrill invades his privacy, Floridius finds himself on the other side of the fence-literally-accompanying his newfound friend through the very world he has shut out. Phelan's whimsical illustrations of colorful creatures with floppy ears and kind eyes depict a magical land that is anything but scary. This playfulness is tempered by the compassion of Zrill's mother who tenderly cares for the injured Floridius' broken toe. As the light of truth finally shines upon Floridius, readers too learn that this type of love and companionship is exactly what he desperately needs. This tale proves that letting the light in is a universal necessity, no matter where you live. Ages 4-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

This is a warming and charming picture book which addresses the true value of friendship and love. Floridius discovers that nothing can make up for the fact that his life is empty and lonely. Delightful illustrations and a timeless story makes this a tale which children and their families will come back to again and again. Marya Jansen-Gruber, Editor, Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review

Is it possible to be too independent? This question is put to the test in a tale that explores how self-sufficiency isn't all it's cracked up to be. The story opens with the title character encased within a well-lit fortress (a brick wall surrounds his home, containing the light from a fallen star) with no company except for some bug-like pests. Metz's use of playful words speaks to preschoolers' penchants for concocting their own secret language. In his garden, Bloom exclaims, "Those bothersome wigglyfluffs are nibbling on my prize cherriflox." When a small creature named Zrill invades his privacy, Floridius finds himself on the other side of the fence-literally-accompanying his newfound friend through the very world he has shut out. Phelan's whimsical illustrations of colorful creatures with floppy ears and kind eyes depict a magical land that is anything but scary. This playfulness is tempered by the compassion of Zrill's mother who tenderly cares for the injured Floridius' broken toe. As the light of truth finally shines upon Floridius, readers too learn that this type of love and companionship is exactly what he desperately needs. This tale proves that letting the light in is a universal necessity, no matter where you live. Ages 4-up. PW Annex

With warm and comforting illustrations, lilting rhyme, and a life lesson offered with a light touch, this picture book debut for both author and illustrator sheds new light on the power of friendship. Full color.

Lorijo Metz lives in Gurnee, Illinois.

Matt Phelan lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.