Where do light bulbs go when they burn out? Do they stay dead forever? Or can they be regenerated to live a brand new life with a brand new purpose? If they’re lucky they go to Star Factory 13 to become glorious stars in the sky…after they pass a rigorous test of their personality given by Carelia the Light Goddess, that is.But how in the world did 10-year-old Alicia get to Star Factory 13? All … Factory 13? All she did was go shopping in Walker’s Department Store with Mother to buy a new lamp for her bedroom. Could there really have been some magic in that department store Christmas tree? Or perhaps it was the ride in the elevator with the Golden Door that did it. The elevator button said “Press Me” and Alicia willingly obliged.
Up she rode to the 13th floor to find an assortment of wise-cracking light bulb people, all with distinct personalities, each coming from sad, silly or desperate circumstance, all hoping to take their rightful place in the heavens.
Alicia and the Light Bulb People is an enchanting tale of friendship, courage, and realizing your star potential through the magic of believing!
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If you’re looking for an adorable children’s book with a unique and charming set of characters, set within a bit of a fantasy world, and full of wonderful life lessons, look no further than Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13 by B. Roman. I downloaded this book shortly before the holidays, but only just found the time to read it last night as I was going through my Kindle Reader.
Alicia, a 10-year-old girl, accompanies her mother to the department store to select a new lamp for their home. Alicia is worried that she doesn’t know what kind of personality her lamp should have, then finds herself awestruck by a Christmas tree and gold door at the store. When she presses a button on the door, she is immediately transported to the 13th floor and into a magical world where lamps and light bulbs can speak. Each is different, containing a special personality that matches their name — dim, flood, three-way, flicker… how cozy and cute is that? Alicia must help the light bulbs figure out how to turn into stars; through her relationship with them and Carelia the Light Goddess, she must also find her own way back to the department store before tomorrow arrives.
Roman’s ingenuity in building all the different characters is top notch. I laughed and smiled, then felt a pang of sorrow and hope as they searched for a way to become stars at the end of one stage in their life. The book explores how we are all different, sometimes teasing each other for being too dim or too bright, changing our minds or shooting too far too quickly in life. It also teaches children how to work together to achieve a common goal, or to feel better about who we are. By transporting us into a different world, one where objects we thought were inanimate and had no personality come alive, Roman provides a way to truly engage children in a fun manner with memorable characters.
The illustrations are vibrant. The words flow. The story is simple yet endearing. It’s a perfect bedtime read for all children, but especially any who worry about being different than others. I’m so glad I picked this one up last night, as I needed a boost to feel better. And this did the trick. Kudos to this fine author.
Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13 by Barbara Roman.
If anyone had ever told me that I would become emotionally attached to a light bulb, I would have laughed out loud. However, after finishing reading the endearing little tale of Alicia and her trip to Star Factory 13 I found myself filling up!
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a motley group of disused light bulbs who are undergoing a transitional stage. They need to build up their confidence and believe in themselves before they can become stars in the solar system.
Alicia arrives at the Star Factory quite by accident and eventually realises that she must educate these light bulbs, so that she will be able to return home.
The imaginative use of wording, all making reference to light, are cleverly woven into the storyline. Even the names of the characters, Flood, Twinkle, Flicker and Dim are imaginative and each character adopts its personality through its name.
This is a heart-warming little tale that will appeal to children and adults alike. Highly Recommended.
Rarely does an uplifting story for children seem equally adequate for adults, but ‘Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory Thirteen’ touched my heart this holiday season on many levels. As fate would have it, I read it on Christmas Eve and our responsorial psalm in church was about the great light which came upon the Earth, on this day!
But don’t worry, even though it’s about lights and light-bulbs, this isn’t a religious book at all. It’s a story about characters like Flood, Three-way and Twinkle and how they might fulfill their dreams to become stars. The author’s creative style makes it a good book to read out loud as a non-scary bedtime story.
Alicia is a little girl shopping with her mother in a department store when she notices a beautiful Christmas tree on display. The brilliant display of colorful lights and the breathtaking star on top create a magical portal to a special place, where it’s always today. ‘Because, as soon as it’s tomorrow, it’s today.’ That’s where she meets Carelia and the other characters who are working on getting ready to open another mysterious door. But they have to be ready.
Magnificent artwork contributes to the otherworldly aspect, creating a fantasy world that will make you want to reread this adorable story every holiday season.
This is a magical, enchanting story I believe would be good for all ages, but especially young teens. It is almost Christmas, Alicia is getting to pick out a lamp for her room when she discovers magic and learns a little about life along the way. The author writes an amazing tale that shines with an interesting story and a few beautiful illustrations that children and those young at heart will find mesmerizing.
A different, but very sweet Christmas story
Because of Covid, we lost our Christmas family feast in 2020, but maybe we can have a retarded one in summer. That’s the reason I started to read this most wonderful Christmas book ‘Alicia Light Bulb People Factory’ by Barbara Roman. A short story in which fantasy, science fiction, and a bit of mystery combined in a wonderful, charming way. The best Christmas gift you can offer a young teenager.
Delightful read for the young and not so young.
Ten-year-old Alicia is shopping with her mother for new lamps. Her mood is upbeat as she walks through Walker’s Furniture store two weeks before Christmas. Suddenly, she is mesmerized by a beautiful Christmas tree which appears in the middle of the floor. Alicia stares at its beautiful star and is whisked away to the 13th floor on an elevator that opens to a light bulb factory. She finds herself in a factory where light bulbs are retired after they stop working. Alicia meets Carelia, the fairy goddess who oversees the factory. Carelia informs Alicia that the light bulbs must pass a test to determine whether they might become stars and that she needs Alicia to help her. Alicia is confused and upset. She doesn’t understand why she is needed and how she wound up in a place where there is no past or tomorrow, but she will learn much about unique personalities, utilizing our talents, and working cooperatively. What is expected of her and why was she chosen? Will Alicia ever get back to her world? Did she ever leave it?
This book is a charming, fantasy, mystery, and science fiction read. It might be considered both a chapter book or a short story. The fifty-page length makes it a good choice for reluctant readers. Cebu creates dazzling illustrations and the large font size make it a good choice for beginning readers, while the intricate plot and well-developed characters will appeal to middle-grade and young adult audiences.
What really happens to burned out light bulb? Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13 will captivate the reader in this charming story about the fantastical journey light bulbs take.
Star Factory 13 is a truly magical place; a place where the discarded Light Bulb People go to school to learn to accept themselves for their individual attributes and find the courage to complete their journey. Alicia encourages them and helps them start their journeys, while learning some life lessons herself.
Author Barbara Roman has created a very imaginative tale full of wonder, surprises, and humor that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike.