The Lonely Little Lighthouse by Lana Shupe

The Lonely Little Lighthouse by Lana Shupe is a heartwarming picture book about a lighthouse. At least on its surface. This true story is based upon the life of one lighthouse in particular- the Sandy Point Lighthouse in Lana’s hometown of Shelburne, Nova Scotia. Books have often been said to be a window into a new world. Or as I often say, l love books which grow wings and take you to places, far away or right next door. As a prairie girl, with the Rocky Mountains at my doorstep, I wondered when I cracked open this book what I would think of the trip with Lana Shupe to The Lonely Little Lighthouse? And would I want to go there?

“The Lonely Little Lighthouse has an appeal that you can’t resist, regardless of how many years you’ve spent reading books and reading the world.”

Right from the cover, I was immediately taken with the delicate and charming watercolour art by Marla Lesage. Digging into the story we meet the Lonely Little Lighthouse in a dilapidated state, weather-beaten and forgotten, remembering a grander life. A life where lighthouses were the sentinels of the waterways, protecting ships from rocky shoreline wreckage and guiding them through storms. This reminiscing as the Lonely Little Lighthouse explores its history is a favourite section of mine. It reminded me of my own childhood, all the past tales that the huge grain elevators must have, as they dotted the prairies and worked hard in their once-stately job. Days gone by.

The Lonely Little Lighthouse brought me back in time and then returned me to the present day. I discovered interesting history, what happened to the Little Lighthouse, and who was responsible. I also realized how a community feels about its own place in the world and how everyone can make a difference. The true spirit of the story, held in author Lana Shupe’s masterful telling, is in the universality of the narrative. The Lonely Little Lighthouse is a story that one can cuddle up with and immediately feel a connection. It had me interested from the first words and kept me held tight within its hug until the last page. This is a story that anyone, anywhere, will enjoy and relate to. It is your favourite relative telling you their story, while you sit with your mind and heart open to the tale.

Picture books truly are for everyone, at any age, and Lana Shupe got that RIGHT! The Lonely Little Lighthouse has an appeal that you can’t resist, regardless of how many years you’ve spent reading books and reading the world.

The Lonely Little Lighthouse by Lana Shupe, with art by Marla Lesage, is a lighthouse story, but with many layers to discover under the surface. It will find a place in your heart, regardless of where you live or how long you’ve been in the world. It’s about growing, and finding that love is there for you.

Lana Shupe is an author I know personally, and I will be eagerly awaiting her next book. The Lonely Little Lighthouse is a delightful book, and it hits all the marks. There’s an added bonus of informational material at the end of the story for further insight into lighthouses. This book is great for elementary schools & libraries, and is for everyone who loves to escape into a good story! The Lonely Little Lighthouse will entertain its audience because this debut picture book shines brightly long after the back cover closes.

Lana Shupe fell in love with books when she was a toddler and has never stopped loving them. Telling and writing stories has always been a part of her life. Her house is full of books — even the bathroom has books! She reads anywhere she can find a spot while devouring potato chips that are entirely not good for her. Lana’s best little writing buddy, her Westie, Thunder, was by her side while she wrote this story.

Marla Lesage loves to tell stories – both real and imagined – through illustration, writing, urban sketching, and painting. She is the author &/ illustrator of several books for children. When not creating, Marla enjoys spending time in or on the water and rarely passes up the opportunity to view the world from the top of a lighthouse. Marla lives near Fredericton, New Brunswick. You can also find her online at marlalesage.com.

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Nimbus Publishing Limited (June 30 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 32 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1774710447
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1774710449

Carrie Stanton

Managing Editor

TMR’s Managing Editor Carrie Stanton has a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. She is the author of The Jewel and Beast Bot, and picture books, Emmie and the Fierce Dragon and The Gardener. Carrie loves to write stories that grow wings and transport readers everywhere. She reads and enjoys stories from every genre.

Carrie Stanton

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