Hello Lighthouse, written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Little Brown and Company, Hachette. 2018. $22.99 ages 7 and up

"The keeper looks through
his telescope. The tender
arrives, bringing oil and
flour and pork and beans ...

... and his wife.

He shows her around
the round rooms
of their house.
He tends the light ... "

I am in awe of Sophie Blackall's talent. In this book, she chooses to recognize a bygone time. She invites her readers to take a step back to learn about the life of a lighthouse keeper.  Demanding, often lonely and, at times, extremely dangerous, it was not a choice made lightly. To outsiders, it must have seemed a simple life. After all, the keeper tended to the light and kept careful records in a logbook.

Seeing the lighthouse sitting on a rock in the middle of nothing but water is the perfect image for the title page. It allows those reading it to take a careful look at the isolation, and the vulnerability of such a structure. Well built and meant to stand the test of the elements and time, it nevertheless looks unprotected. Upon arrival, the new keeper tends to the many small tasks and even gives it a fresh coat of paint.

As he becomes accustomed to daily life, we learn that he catches fish from the sea, drinks tea, and eats alone. He also puts a letters in bottles and regularly sends them to his beloved. Finally, she arrives ... a feat in itself. Now, there are two for dinner, and life is busy as the two experience the power of ever-changing weather, wrecked boats and dangerous rescues. When ill, his wife tends to his needs and takes over his job. When she is ready to give birth, her husband is by her side.  When the lighthouse is fitted with a mechanical light, the keeper and his family are no longer needed. They return to the mainland, making a home that forever connects them to their former residence.

The story is quiet, and lovely. The art is spectacular. The vertical design is well-chosen. The ever-changing perspectives, the repeated circular constructs, seasonal changes, the swirling movement of the sea, the mood changing use of color, and the many stunning details on every spread ensure that it has found a place on my 'keeper' shelf.

 An “About Lighthouses” section adds context and meaningful detail.