The Lonely Little Lighthouse

A heartfelt picture book about a neglected lighthouse and the small coastal community that comes together to make her light shine again, featuring informative backmatter.

Where the sandspit ends and the harbour channel begins, the Lonely Little Lighthouse sat weathered and beaten by time. Neglected, her paint peeling, she was quietly decaying, falling piece by piece into the sea....

The Lonely Little Lighthouse remembers. She remembers the cool chill of foggy nights, when she sang loudly to warn passing ships of her rocky shores. She remembers the billowing sails of schooners, the proud majesty of naval vessels — and even the flags of pirate ships! She remembers the lightkeeper, who once kept her company, and kept her light shining. And most of all, she remembers the sounds of children's laughter, as they played on her sandy beach.

It has been years since her light shone, or her foghorn sang. Now she has only the clanging harbour buoy and the scuttling crabs for company. Her paint is peeling and she is falling into the sea. She is beginning to forget. But then, the community remembers her. And they work together to save her from her fate.

Based on the true story of Nova Scotia's Sandy Point Lighthouse, this heartfelt story follows the incredible history of these coastal sentinels, from construction to automation, and eventually, restoration. Featuring a short history of lighthouses and current preservation efforts, and vibrant artwork from Maritime artist Marla Lesage.