THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER'S DAUGHTER

by Arielle North Olson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1987

Miranda, her mother, and her lighthouse-keeper father live on a rocky island. While father is away, a brutal storm shakes their house and nearly carries off Miranda's chickens. The storm goes on for weeks while Miranda tends the lights, keeping sailors safe. Her mother, afraid of heights, conquers her fear and helps when Miranda falls sick. And Miranda confirms her inner strength when her father says, ""I knew I could count on you."" He brings Mother a book; for Miranda, who has missed the flowers at her grandmother's house, there is a bag of earth and flower seeds. Passing fishermen, hearing of the brave girl, bring more dirt and seeds; the last illustration shows Miranda tending a riot of flowers, with curious puffins watching and sails in the background. This warm story, based on true events in 19th-century Maine, brings appreciation of hardship in the past as well as celebrates the joys of self-reliance, the beauty of nature, and the dependence and love of a close family. Wentworth's skillful watercolor illustrations are another celebration--of storms, sunsets, and happy kitchens; she believably depicts Miranda as charmingly stubborn.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Little, Brown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1987

Categories: CHILDREN'S