On the rocky island in the middle of the sea, surrounded by crashing waves, Eva’s Grandad lives in the lighthouse.

If the days are bright and summery Eva can visit her Grandad. She has to travel across the sea in a small boat where her Grandad will be waiting for her. She loves visiting him and always asks millions of questions about lighthouses. He tells her living in a lighthouse means lots of work like cleaning the powerful lens that keep the big light shining for the sailors. Eva and her Grandad watch the weather, especially if there’s a storm brewing and on foggy days Grandad turns on the foghorn.

At night Grandad’s lighthouse beams out three short flashes of light which is a different pattern from any other lighthouse. So that is the way sailors can tell which lighthouse it is and exactly where they are.

Apart from this book teaching us so much about the fascinating and sometimes difficult life of a lighthouse keeper, it is a charming story of the deep relationship between a grandfather and his much-loved granddaughter. And Laura Chamberlain, the very talented illustrator, has brought every page to life. We see the rock pools with scuttling crabs and spiky starfish, the waves crashing over the bow of the boat, the constellations in a dark sky and best of all, the beautiful faces of Grandad and Eva.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age Guide 7+