Hello Lighthouse

Blackall, Sophie. Hello Lighthouse.  New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2018.

I had high hopes for this picture book – I have been fascinated by lighthouses for a long time. The story line is okay but not engaging the way I would expect in a picture book for younger ones. In the text Sophie Blackall tells the story of a lighthouse keeper from the time he takes over at the lighthouse until he is replaced by automation. During that time he marries and has a child.

The page design fits well with the illustrations but most of the illustrations, while detailed, are really to small for a child listening to the story to enjoy. Sophie Blackall, a former Caldecott medalist is a talented illustrator but I do not believe this title is Caldecott-worthy.

Because it was published this year, I will be including it in the pile of books my students get to choose from when we do our Mock Caldecott lesson later this fall. Who knows – maybe they will like it the best.

Hello Lighthouse is available from Amazon. Thanks for using my affiliate link which doesn’t cost you any more but does help support this children’s literature blog.