By Gemma Koomen (author) , Gemma Koomen (illustrator)
"A beautifully illustrated, narrative non-fiction picturebook, which takes the reader on an absorbing exploration of the worldwide history and technology of lighthouses and the human stories behind their construction."
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August 2026 Book of the Month
The reader’s journey though history starts with imagining the first sea travellers being guided safely home by the flickering light of a bonfire and then how ancient peoples started to build the first towers to contain the beacon fire and spread its light further. The oldest known lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria and this is the first of the 52 examples from all around the world that are featured in the text or illustrated against a vivid red background on the endpapers.
There is a useful list of each one at the back of the book, alongside a timeline and a page of facts and explanation of key vocabulary. The author takes pains to give the historical context of trade, colonisation and exploration that developed the need to protect shipping from the dangers of the sea and coastline.
She effectively highlights the human-interest stories and the ingenious technological solutions behind these fascinating buildings, including the fact that The Statue of Liberty was originally intended to be a lighthouse, but its torch was not bright enough! There are detailed two-page spreads which feature cutaway views of a lighthouse, of a lightship, of the various fuels used for creating light over the centuries opposite a large image of a modern Fresnel lens and a particularly fascinating feature on the famous Eddystone Lighthouse, the first four versions of which succumbed to weather, fire or erosion.
This lyrical and fascinating text would make a perfect read aloud companion for curious 4-7 year olds, to such picturebook classics as The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch , as well as offering sufficient detail to be a valuable support to older children in the History, Geography and Technology curriculums.
Long ago, beneath a starlit sky, travellers braved the wild waves. Lost and lonely, they yearned for a way home. Then, a flicker in the distance! A lighthouse, a beacon of hope, pierced the darkness and guided them to safety.
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Beacons of Light takes young readers on a captivating adventure, exploring the history and wonder of these majestic beacons. From the first flickering fires to the powerful lamps of today, discover the ingenious ways humans have tamed the sea and brought light to the darkness.
Gemma Koomen lives in Northumberland, UK, with her husband and two young daughters. Her love of painting and drawing began as a child when she spent her days in an imaginary world created with crayons and pencils. She went on to receive her BFA from Glasgow School of Art. Today, she spends her days making art in her little studio which, on clear days, looks over wide moors, forests and hills. Inspired by the simple things in life, Gemma loves time in nature and observing the tiny worlds that open up when you are quiet enough to notice them. The idea for the Tree Keepers came from living in a small rural community with close connections to neighbours and the natural world. Flock is her first picture book.
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Long ago, beneath a starlit sky, travellers braved the wild waves. Lost and lonely, they yearned for a way home.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Beacons of Light and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-8 years old
Beacons of Light features in the following genres: Featured Books for 5+ readers, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Books of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, History, Science, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Architecture, buildings and construction, Children’s picture books, Children’s: picture books, activity books, early learning concepts, Children’s / Teenage: General interest, Children’s, Teenage and Educational
Hardback. £13.49, down from the £14.99 cover price. In Stock.
Beacons of Light was written by Gemma Koomen and published by Post Wave Berlin Studio an imprint of Post Wave Publishing UK LTD
Beacons of Light has 47 pages
£13.49, reduced from £14.99. In Stock.
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