Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Floridius Bloom and Planet of Gloom
Dial Books for Young Readers, 1995 ISBN: 978-0803730847
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One day a star fell on the planet of Gloom and straight into the yard of Floridius Bloom. Determined to keep the shining light all to himself, Floridius built a high wall around the little star. Within his high wall he tended his flowers and feared the Monsters of Gloom that lurked beyond his wall.
One day when he woke up Floridius discovered that someone had knocked a hole in his precious wall and that that someone, who said his name was Zrill, was looking in at him. Zrill wanted to ""peek"" in at Floridius' world. Then Floridius hurt his foot on one of the bricks from his wall.
Before Floridius quite knew what was happening Zrill led a bemused and limping Floridius away from his tower and his light into the gloom that lay beyond his wall. At first Floridius was horrified to see that the Monsters of Gloom that he had always feared were all about him. But then, to his amazement, he came to realize that the creatures were quite friendly. At last the travelers got to Zrill's home and the little creature's mother tended to Floridius' hurt foot. She soon found out that though Floridius had a splendid wall, lovely flowers, and a glorious star, he was quite alone in the world.
Later, fearing that something might have happened to his precious garden and his bright light in his absence, Floridius rushed back to his home. When he got there all was well except for one thing. He now found that his walled in home was very lonely and almost too bright. Thankfully Zrill arrived and he had a just the right solution to the problem – he knew just what needed to be done to make Floridius' life truly bright.
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
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