A girl's early encounter with an alien stays with her throughout her life, but when a second chance arrives, she realizes that everyone she loves is back on Earth. ( )

Fascinated by outer space, and consumed by her desire to journey to the stars, a young girl named Heather sneaks out at night, running off to Wonder Rock and sitting, looking up at the night sky and signaling with her flashlight, hoping that someone or something will see her. Eventually, her wish is granted, and she has an encounter with a visiting alien, with whom she becomes friends. She waits the rest of her life for a second visit, and when it finally comes, she is prepared to set off for his home world. Or is she...?

Having loved many of British author/illustrator David Litchfield's earlier picture-books—The Bear and the Piano, The Bear, the Piano, the Dog, and the Fiddle, The Boy and the Giant—I went into Lights on Wonder Rock with high expectations, and I was not disappointed! The story is appealing, entertaining, and ultimately heartwarming, with an important message about dreaming big, and looking out into the cosmos, but also staying tethered to the things in one's own life, particularly family, that are most important. The artwork is absolutely enchanting, utilizing a gorgeous color palette, beautifully stylized characters and settings, and the occasional wordless page or two, with a paneled, comic-book style that is immensely expressive. All in all, a lovely title, one I would recommend to picture-book readers looking for stories featuring aliens, discovery, and family. ( )

Lovely, emotional book ... ( )