• Age: 4 to 8
• Grade: p to 3
• Reading age: 4 to 8

Part fable, part fairy tale, all friendship story, Gwendolyn and the Light models for picture-book readers how to take care of each other, even when they might not fully understand one another

All alone in her nocturnal world, Gwendolyn longs for a friend. “What’s it like?” she asks the moon and the trees, and they describe a friendship as bright as all the stars, and as warm as a summer breeze. So when a warm bright light appears—and disappears—in Gwendolyn’s forest one evening, she wonders if this is the friend she’s been looking for. Gwendolyn goes in search of the light across the sea, but out there she meets a little bird who seems determined to join her on her journey. What does the bird want? And will Gwendolyn find the light?

Lyrically told and lushly illustrated, this picture book explores the hope and excitement of finding a new friend, sometimes in the places you least expect.

Susan Yoon's profile page

Audrey Helen Weber's profile page

Susan Yoon draws inspiration from her family and friends, as well as small creatures and life’s quirky details. She is the author of Waiting for Tomorrow, and her essays have appeared in The Globe and Mail and The New York Times. She lives in Toronto. Audrey Helen Weber explores visual storytelling through paintings, comics, zines, and sculpture. Audrey’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including the New York Times and The New Yorker. Audrey lives in Western Massachusetts.

"[D]reamy, lilting lines...a work that illuminates the difference between admiration and companionship."

Publishers Weekly

"Yoon’s dreamy, lulling text is matched by Weber’s textural, otherworldly art; readers will feel Gwendolyn’s sorrows and triumphs right alongside her. A superior experience for nap or bedtime."

Kirkus Reviews