The Storm (The Lighthouse Family) (Paperback)

~ (Author), Preston McDaniels (Illustrator) "In a lonely lighthouse, far from city and town, far from the comfort of friends, lived a kindhearted cat named Pandora..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It's smooth sailing for Rylant's (the Henry and Mudge series) sweet, sea-inspired tale, first in a new series 0f early chapter book readers. Pandora the cat has weathered her share of rough waters, but for the past four years she has enjoyed her dream job as lighthouse keeper. Even so, she is a little weary of the isolation that comes with it. When a violent storm shipwrecks a sailor dog named Seabold practically on her beacon's doorstep, Pandora's life changes for the better. She and Seabold become great friends and caring companions. Together they take in a trio of orphaned mice, fulfilling the prophecy of the series name. The imminently likable characters magnify the cozy theme that families come in all configurations. With short chapters and the occasional dramatic moment, the text will keep young readers turning the pages and on the lookout for future titles in the series. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Pandora the cat is a lighthouse keeper, a lonely avocation until Seabold the dog is washed up on shore during a terrible winter storm. She rescues and nurses him back to health, and he is content to remain for a long winter's respite from his travels in the no-longer lonely lighthouse. "Pandora and Seabold told each other stories of their lives and things they had read or seen and what they liked most in the world, or least." Through spring and summer, the two friends share a life, and "Everything at the lighthouse is different." But as September approaches, Seabold readies his boat to return to the sea, and "Pandora felt a small emptiness in her heart." One early fall day, a fierce storm blows in, and with it comes a small, strange vessel. Seabold rescues its occupants, three tiny orphan mice, and Pandora nurses them back to health. They join the dog and cat at the lighthouse, "And after that day, everything was changed.- The lighthouse had a family." This kindhearted Victorian tale, with charming illustrations reminiscent of the work of Beatrix Potter, offers up just enough danger to save it from outright mawkishness. The Storm will captivate young chapter-book readers.
Dona Ratterree, New York City Public Schools
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (September 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 068984882X
• ISBN-13: 978-0689848827
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #401,011 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars cynthia rylant fans!, January 15, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Storm (The Lighthouse Family) (Hardcover)

We love all of Cynthia Rylant's books and series of books, and The Lighthouse Family series is our new favorite! We are anxious to read the next book as soon as it comes out so we can know what happens to Pandora the cat, Seabold the dog and their three little mice children. Rylant uses wonderful words in her books, painting a beautiful story of words. (the illustrations in this book are beautiful too!) This is for a little older readers than her Mr. Putter and Tabby, Henry and Mudge, Poppleton, or Little Whistle series, ALL of which I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars an adorable book for 5-8 year olds, April 16, 2006

By	puff (usa) - See all my reviews

The is the first book I have read my Rylant. Being a fan of lighthouses and children's books, I had to check this one out once I saw the cover. I was very impressed. The story is about 2 lonely animals,an adorable sheepdog and kitty cat, who love the sea and develop a deep friendship. They decide to tend a lighthouse together. The illustrations are some of the best I have seen in kids' books. This is definitely a cozy read for bedtime.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gem, November 23, 2005

By	Elizabeth Jacobs "Doctor Mommy" (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The Storm introduces us to a new book series by Cynthis Rylant, one of my favorite children's authors. We are introduced to Seabold, a seafaring loner (and a dog), the cat Pandora, a lonely keeper of the lighthouse, and three mouse orphans. The text is melodic and never overwrought. The story is sweet, and though filled with virtue it is not moralistic. By the end of the book my son and I wanted to live with the lighthouse family, and share in their new life together. A sweet book, that I read to him, but equally appropriate for a mid-level independent reader. I would think the age group anywhere from 5-10 depending on who is doing the reading, an adult or the child herself.