THE FLYING LIGHT

An alluring light takes two curious companions
on a whimsical trip.

The phrase “One dull morning” opens
this otherwise mostly wordless book. Rendered in detailed, fine-lined drawings
blotted with warm, subdued hues of watercolor, a round, mustachioed man in a top
hat and bow tie finds his pet iguana in the garden in hot pursuit of…something.
The giant lizard, fitted with a riding saddle, is trying to eat a flying
half-bug, half-mammal hybrid. This creature is portrayed with a translucent
glowing yellow stomach, antennae, and a single, large eye as its face. This
creature successfully dodges the iguana’s tongue while whizzing away on its own
errand. Captivated, the man mounts his iguana, riding it after the creature on
a remarkable adventure told mostly in small, square panels that occasionally
open up to expansive single- and double-page illustrations. Slight gaps in the
storytelling appear occasionally, requiring readers to re-examine past pages.
In a forest, numerous flying creatures flit amid large, glowing golden flowers,
gathering light much as bees gather honey, prompting the man to dig up a single
bloom in hopes of luring the creatures and their illumination back home. The
final image of the man, who has light skin, riding a saddled flying fish hints
at another quest. China-based Yang supplies a short synopsis at the conclusion
that provides some clarity.

An imperfect ride, yet sure to stir the
imagination nonetheless. (Picture book. 5-9)