Hello Lighthouse

 

Written and Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall

Genre: historical fiction

Awards: Caldecott Medal Winner 2019

Summary:

The lighthouse keeper has a very important job; he is responsible for the upkeep of the lighthouse so that ships can find their way. He polishes it, refills the oil, sets the clock, and paints it for everyone to see. His wife comes to help him and soon they have a daughter to care for. The family continues to tend to the lighthouse, helping many ships and sailors. The family grows in love, living happily in the lighthouse. When the coast guard comes to automate the lighthouse, the family is saddened. They move across the sea where they can still see the lighthouse as it greets all who sail.

Teacher Evaluation:

This book lends itself well to exploring more in-depth topics, such as loneliness and inspiration. Early learners in kindergarten through third grade could focus on the environment the lighthouse creates. They could focus on the animals and ocean habitat by designing an ocean setting with appropriate plants and animals. Fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade classes could deal with the literary features of this story. I would have my students think about how sentence structure contributes to the mood and tone of this story. We would discuss the historical significance of lighthouses and why the author may have chosen to write about them.