Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Deryn’s dad is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island. They pride themselves on keeping the coastline as safe as they can by keeping the light on and guiding ships away from the rocks. Her mother is pregnant, and when the baby looks like it’s on the way, both her parents must go to the mainland for the birth.

Now, it’s down to her to watch over the big lighthouse on her own and keep the sailors safe. An unusual source helps her, but can she manage to keep it alight through the night?

Despite the short length of this story, Bunzl has managed to pack in a lot of feeling! Deryn goes through a range of emotions through the story, from fear to happiness to surprise and it certainly takes the reader on this journey, too. It has been written beautifully, perfectly balancing the adventure of the story with the more emotional aspects threaded throughout.

Whilst the story is steeped in realism with the setting and characters, I loved the magical element which adds extra depth to the story. Children will learn not only about the practical elements of a lighthouse and how it protects those at sea, but also some mysteries of mythology.

Deryn is a really likeable character. She is fiercely independent whilst still showing love and affection for her family. She is more than capable of looking after the lighthouse, despite her age, as she is resourceful and quick-thinking, but we still see her overcome challenges using these skills too.

Like the sound of this book? Buy it here: https://amzn.to/38gddyN

Emily x

📚 Book gifted by publisher