Gemma Koomen Books

Told in the narrative style of a story through lively prose and atmospheric illustrations, this book perfectly captures the fascination and romance of lighthouses as it traces their historical development.

The text emphasises the power and danger of natural forces and invites us to marvel and the bravery and ingenuity of lighthouse builders across the centuries. Lighthouses become an example of technological continuity and innovation over centuries which even now are still evolving: some lighthouses have been repurposed as centres for environmental monitoring. The author is careful also to explain their important position in the process of globalisation and to remind the reader that seafaring and the expansion of shipping routes has always brought winners and losers.

At times, the illustrations complement the storytelling – the staircase swirling ‘up and up like a seashell’, for example, is accompanied by a gorgeous picture. At other times they take it over. In the cross section of a lighthouse, we are treated to a visual explanation of how such tall thin buildings can be made into a cosy and practical spaces.

There’s a good balance of the general, the specific and less well-known facts. Apparently, some lighthouses are built with secret rooms while others have been incorporated into churches and mosques. A thoroughly entertaining and wholly satisfying read for KS2.