Quote of the Day: Lighthouses are not just stone, brick, metal, and glass. There’s a human story at every lighthouse; that’s the story I want to tell. Elinor Dewire
That’s also how I feel about lighthouses, and perhaps that’s how Margi Preus feels, too, since she wrote her lovely picture book Storm’s Coming! Whenever I visit the Split Rock Lighthouse near Two Harbors, MN, I think of the people who lived there, the sailors who were guided by the light, and the stories upon stories that could be told. Margi Preus creates one for her book that not only gives us a glimpse of family life at the lighthouse, but also teaches us about the signs in nature that warn us that a storm is coming. The signs are in the rising of the bread, the dandelion blooms, the spider’s web, and so much more.
Young Sophie is reading the signs and running to each family member to warn them of the approaching storm. We see the chores and activities of the family during those days. We hear their interactions, and we experience the excitement of the change in weather.
David Geister’s illustrations pair beautifully with Margi Preus’ words. The yellow in Sophie’s dress pops like the fluff of the dandelion. The water changes from light blue to dark blues mixed with black as the storm rolls in. Sophie’s puppy follows at her heels at the turn of each page, and the colors of nature give a vibrant feeling to each image.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves lighthouses and their stories, and for the lovers of history and nature. This is a gorgeous book that can be shared for generations.
I want to thank Margi Preus and the MN Historical Society Press for sending me a review copy. I will treasure it. The Split Rock Lighthouse is one of my favorite places to visit in Minnesota. The boys and I took a quick trip there this past spring. Not your usual Spring Break beach pictures!
You can find out more about Margi Preus and her wonderful books at her website. I also enjoyed, and reviewed, West of the Moon, Shadow on the Mountain, and Enchantment Lake.
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Do you have a favorite historical sight that you like to visit? Do you know the stories about it? Maybe you’d like to write one.
That’s cool it’s a real place – and that you’ve visited it.
That’s really cool, enjoyed the photos.
Juneta @ Writer’s Gambit
Beautiful! The cover is adorable an the story sounds just as sweet. I wonder if I can get my hands on it locally.