BEACONS OF LIGHT: Lighthouses

by Gail Gibbons ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 23, 1990

Gibbons' paintings--which lovingly depict lighthouses from a variety of times and places as well as various pieces of equipment associated with them--enlarge and clarify her text and make evident her pleasure and interest in the subject. Unfortunately, though, she does not relate some of the technical aspects clearly, giving either too much or too little information. She states, for example, that round wicks are better than flat wicks, but doesn't tell why; nor does she explain that the importance of the Fresnel lens was that it could be smaller and lighter than previous lenses. Moreover, the labeling of the diagram of the Fresnel lens is inadequate and confusing. Radio beacons, now the most widely used signals since lighthouses are being almost entirely phased out (an omitted fact), are mentioned just once; and the misinformation that a lighthouse warns of danger is perpetuated: the lighthouse is a signal that reveals location. What to include is always a matter of choice; but in such a short treatment the most important information should appear. This contains too much trivia and not enough substance.

Pub Date: March 23, 1990

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1990

Categories: CHILDREN'S