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Legend of the Lighthouse Moon
It’s the 1970s and on Kangaroo Island, Mona McKenna and her brother Albert live with their grandparents at Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. For five long years they have mourned their mother and longed for their missing father to return. Since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a year earlier, Mona has been increasingly acting in ways that make her hate herself. While she loves the rugged beauty of their isolated sanctuary—and dearly loves her grandparents—she yearns for her parents and finds her diabetes frightening and confusing. Mona finds solace in the treasures she collects along the island's shores. But when she encounters a mysterious sea lion pup, Neo, the world as she knows it is forever changed. The two siblings embark on a journey that leads them to uncover secrets hidden within their family's past. As they bond with Neo, Mona and Albert's quest for truth takes them deeper into the heart of Kangaroo Island. With the fate of their beloved lighthouse hanging in the balance, they must summon courage and resilience to protect their home and the endangered sea lions who call it their own. Rich with folklore and brimming with adventure, Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is a dazzling tale of family, resilience, and the enduring magic of the sea. Join Mona on a journey of self-discovery where the whispers of the past guide her towards a future filled with hope, love, and legends brought to life.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 2, 2024
1 person is currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Helen Edwards
6 books22 followersDr Helen Edwards is an Australian author and speaker who writes stories of nature, magic and history. She has a PhD in Psychology and a long background working in mental health.
Helen is a mid-career SA Literary Fellow in 2025, supported by Writers' SA and the State Library of South Australia. Her fellowship project - A Light on the Rocks - features the true history of the wreck of the S.S Admella and the Cape Jaffa lighthouse, as well as exploring themes of ocean conservation. It will be published on 28/1/26 with Riveted Press. This project was also supported by the History Trust of South Australia’s South Australian History Fund.
Set across two timelines, connected by place, mystery, and magic, A Light on the Rocks is a haunting tale, about survival, self-belief and the wild beauty of the sea. With a ghost horse, a singing whale, and real events woven through the narrative, this is a masterful maritime adventure that brings the almost-forgotten history of the SS Admella and the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse to life.
Helen's first Junior Fiction series, written with Kate Gordon - Leni and Mare's Mysterious Museum - will be published by Riveted Press. Book 1 of this four book series will be released in 2026.
The Disappearing Circus co-written with award-winning author Kate Gordon is out now with Riveted Press. A breathtaking blend of magic, mythology, and heart, The Disappearing Circus reminds us that friendship and courage can be found in the most unexpected of places, that the future is ours to hold—and that some stories are too powerful to ever truly disappear.
On Gallant Wings is out now with Riveted Press. It's a sweeping WWII adventure about family, courage and knowing when to break the rules that shines a light on many little-known aspects of the war's impact on Australians at home.
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is out now with Riveted Press. Rich with folklore and brimming with adventure, it's a dazzling tale of family, resilience, and the enduring magic of the sea.
It was the winner of the Category Two section in the Forevability Book Awards 2025, for books that feature Disability, Illness, Inclusion and Own Voice stories.
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, is out now with Riveted Press. It's a captivating time-slip tale about a girl lost to grief who meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain, who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home. This middle-grade novel was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. It was also longlisted in the DANZ Children's Book Award.
Helen is a mid-career SA Literary Fellow in 2025, supported by Writers' SA and the State Library of South Australia. Her fellowship project - A Light on the Rocks - features the true history of the wreck of the S.S Admella and the Cape Jaffa lighthouse, as well as exploring themes of ocean conservation. It will be published on 28/1/26 with Riveted Press. This project was also supported by the History Trust of South Australia’s South Australian History Fund.
Set across two timelines, connected by place, mystery, and magic, A Light on the Rocks is a haunting tale, about survival, self-belief and the wild beauty of the sea. With a ghost horse, a singing whale, and real events woven through the narrative, this is a masterful maritime adventure that brings the almost-forgotten history of the SS Admella and the Cape Jaffa Lighthouse to life.
Helen's first Junior Fiction series, written with Kate Gordon - Leni and Mare's Mysterious Museum - will be published by Riveted Press. Book 1 of this four book series will be released in 2026.
The Disappearing Circus co-written with award-winning author Kate Gordon is out now with Riveted Press. A breathtaking blend of magic, mythology, and heart, The Disappearing Circus reminds us that friendship and courage can be found in the most unexpected of places, that the future is ours to hold—and that some stories are too powerful to ever truly disappear.
On Gallant Wings is out now with Riveted Press. It's a sweeping WWII adventure about family, courage and knowing when to break the rules that shines a light on many little-known aspects of the war's impact on Australians at home.
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is out now with Riveted Press. Rich with folklore and brimming with adventure, it's a dazzling tale of family, resilience, and the enduring magic of the sea.
It was the winner of the Category Two section in the Forevability Book Awards 2025, for books that feature Disability, Illness, Inclusion and Own Voice stories.
The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, is out now with Riveted Press. It's a captivating time-slip tale about a girl lost to grief who meets a daring rebel on a misty mountain, who guides her to rediscover her courage and find her way home. This middle-grade novel was shortlisted in the Speech Pathology Australia Book of the Year Awards. It was also longlisted in the DANZ Children's Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 17, 2024
Thanks to the author, Helen Edwards, and publisher Riveted Press for sending me a review copy of Legend of the Lighthouse Moon!
I truly loved this book. It is rich historical, magical-cum-adventure fiction set in 1970, with themes of folklore, seal lions, family secrets and lighthouses! What is not to love? The main character Mona and her brother live at a lighthouse with their grandparents and there, Mona uncovers a sea lion pup which leads her to uncover new worlds and changes her forever, setting her off on 'a quest for truth'. Also, Mona has type 1 diabetes and I love how Edwards made it just a normal part of who Mona is as a person, and it was never didactic. Diabetes doesn't get featured in many stories, along with lots of other medical conditions, so it is great to see it infused in this story, thanks to the author's lived experience.
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon will attract you from the get go - the irresitible cover design, the engaging and provoking blurb on the back cover, and the wonderful story inside. The scenery of the rugged lighthouse land and the beautiful beach coast plays a huge part in the book. It's incredibly atmospheric. The writing is vivid, full of imagery and offers up this unexplainable sense of magic. I wanted to 'Squee!' like I was eight years old, rugged up cosy in a blanket with the most amazing book I had ever read - Edwards creates this classic feel in the book, a book that transcends readers and ages and times. The book is perfect to bring you back to childhood reading pleasures, if you are an adult, and if you are a kid reading this story, you will be swept up and want to keep turning page after page.
I really enjoyed this book, just as much as I enjoyed the author's first book, The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, also a historical novel with a time slip element.
You won't regret buying a copy of Legend of the Lighthouse Moon - The book really is wonderful. It is an atmospheric, vibrant piece of middle grade fiction for readers 8-12, full of intrigue, mystery, love, treasure, adventure - all the best things in a story! - so wonderfully crafted by esteemed author Helen Edwards.
I truly loved this book. It is rich historical, magical-cum-adventure fiction set in 1970, with themes of folklore, seal lions, family secrets and lighthouses! What is not to love? The main character Mona and her brother live at a lighthouse with their grandparents and there, Mona uncovers a sea lion pup which leads her to uncover new worlds and changes her forever, setting her off on 'a quest for truth'. Also, Mona has type 1 diabetes and I love how Edwards made it just a normal part of who Mona is as a person, and it was never didactic. Diabetes doesn't get featured in many stories, along with lots of other medical conditions, so it is great to see it infused in this story, thanks to the author's lived experience.
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon will attract you from the get go - the irresitible cover design, the engaging and provoking blurb on the back cover, and the wonderful story inside. The scenery of the rugged lighthouse land and the beautiful beach coast plays a huge part in the book. It's incredibly atmospheric. The writing is vivid, full of imagery and offers up this unexplainable sense of magic. I wanted to 'Squee!' like I was eight years old, rugged up cosy in a blanket with the most amazing book I had ever read - Edwards creates this classic feel in the book, a book that transcends readers and ages and times. The book is perfect to bring you back to childhood reading pleasures, if you are an adult, and if you are a kid reading this story, you will be swept up and want to keep turning page after page.
I really enjoyed this book, just as much as I enjoyed the author's first book, The Rebels of Mount Buffalo, also a historical novel with a time slip element.
You won't regret buying a copy of Legend of the Lighthouse Moon - The book really is wonderful. It is an atmospheric, vibrant piece of middle grade fiction for readers 8-12, full of intrigue, mystery, love, treasure, adventure - all the best things in a story! - so wonderfully crafted by esteemed author Helen Edwards.
February 19, 2025
This is a gorgeous book set in a gorgeous location. Young Mona is an adorable main character. She and her little brother are living with their grandparents after losing their parents in a tragedy. Her grandfather’s historic and yet still functioning lighthouse is under threat of being shut down, which threatens Mona’s new found sense of peace and stability after a few years of turmoil. Mona is also recently diagnosed diabetic and has been acting out. She discovers she has a strange connection with Kangaroo Island’s sea lion population, and through her new relationship with sea lion pup Neo, Mona discovers things about herself that are both surprising and mysterious.
This is a fabulous story with a sweet yet serious environmental message. Mona is written with a delicate touch. But what I love about Mona is that she still acts like a child despite her need to take her diabetes seriously (forcing her to grow up beyond her years). She still runs off, disregards her tests, grumps about her need to analyse her every result. You see her growth and attitude to her diabetes change as she herself changes and grows. The book cover is stunning and sucks you into the story. The sense of history, with the story being set in 1970s, is deftly woven into the tale without smacking you over the head with it. There is magic is the air, and the subtle introduction of the fantasy aspects of the tale are rewarding in the sense that the magic within could almost be real. I certainly wanted to believe it was real. I want one of those magical pelts! The relationship between Mona and her little brother Albert is beautiful. As is the relationship between Mona and her grandfather. A fantastic adventure story. A great read for both children and adults (and for adults to read with children as I am sure this story will spark off all sorts of interesting questions in the young.)
This is a fabulous story with a sweet yet serious environmental message. Mona is written with a delicate touch. But what I love about Mona is that she still acts like a child despite her need to take her diabetes seriously (forcing her to grow up beyond her years). She still runs off, disregards her tests, grumps about her need to analyse her every result. You see her growth and attitude to her diabetes change as she herself changes and grows. The book cover is stunning and sucks you into the story. The sense of history, with the story being set in 1970s, is deftly woven into the tale without smacking you over the head with it. There is magic is the air, and the subtle introduction of the fantasy aspects of the tale are rewarding in the sense that the magic within could almost be real. I certainly wanted to believe it was real. I want one of those magical pelts! The relationship between Mona and her little brother Albert is beautiful. As is the relationship between Mona and her grandfather. A fantastic adventure story. A great read for both children and adults (and for adults to read with children as I am sure this story will spark off all sorts of interesting questions in the young.)
April 3, 2025
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon blends history, magic, mystery and adventure in a middle grade tale set on Kangaroo Island, Australia in the 1970s.
The story is about Mona McKenna, a girl who lives with her grandparents and her brother Albert at a lighthouse. The lighthouse is filled with stories and her grandparents are very attached to it as lighthouse keeping is more than just a job to them. It's their heart. They pass this love of the lighthouse down to Mona.
Mona, though is struggling with other issues. She has diabetes (which was even harder to deal with back in those days) and her grandparents are also quite concerned and protective of her because of it. And then there is the mystery of her missing parents. But then there are those sea lions!
The charming prose is very easy to read and easily accessible for the middle grade age group. It has a lovely simplicity to it that makes you think nostalgically of the past and the beautiful sea. We learn quite a bit about lighthouses and the lore of the area, but mainly, Helen Edwards leads us into a world that captures the heart. The magic of the sea lions shines through the story.
Mona's difficulty with her diabetes brings an important issue to light for the audience but doesn't make it overwhelming or revolting. The book is about enchanting us with an easy-to-like and fairly easily resolved story that leaves a smile on our faces. It's a warm story with a family that you'd love to be your own.
I'm sure many children who enjoy middle grade will find Mona's story inspiring and magical.
The cover is lovely and it helps that I like purple :)
The story is about Mona McKenna, a girl who lives with her grandparents and her brother Albert at a lighthouse. The lighthouse is filled with stories and her grandparents are very attached to it as lighthouse keeping is more than just a job to them. It's their heart. They pass this love of the lighthouse down to Mona.
Mona, though is struggling with other issues. She has diabetes (which was even harder to deal with back in those days) and her grandparents are also quite concerned and protective of her because of it. And then there is the mystery of her missing parents. But then there are those sea lions!
The charming prose is very easy to read and easily accessible for the middle grade age group. It has a lovely simplicity to it that makes you think nostalgically of the past and the beautiful sea. We learn quite a bit about lighthouses and the lore of the area, but mainly, Helen Edwards leads us into a world that captures the heart. The magic of the sea lions shines through the story.
Mona's difficulty with her diabetes brings an important issue to light for the audience but doesn't make it overwhelming or revolting. The book is about enchanting us with an easy-to-like and fairly easily resolved story that leaves a smile on our faces. It's a warm story with a family that you'd love to be your own.
I'm sure many children who enjoy middle grade will find Mona's story inspiring and magical.
The cover is lovely and it helps that I like purple :)
September 23, 2024
Legend of the Lighthouse Moon is one of those books that you can't put down, and also one of those books that you want to savour.
Author Helen Edwards writes with clarity, originality, and genuine feeling.
From the opening the reader is hooked. Surprising, familiar, engaging: a Children's book entirely appropriate for the target age group, but also one that adults can enjoy and relate to.
The story is about Family, reality: and also Magical, a Fantastic tale of selkies and the relationships that can evolve between animals and humans.
The Lighthouse is the central motif, the narrative draws the reader to want to know more.
Characters, both children and adults, are skilfully revealed.
Embedded in the fabric is the hallmark of this writer: she writes to engage diverse child characters.
Author Helen Edwards writes with clarity, originality, and genuine feeling.
From the opening the reader is hooked. Surprising, familiar, engaging: a Children's book entirely appropriate for the target age group, but also one that adults can enjoy and relate to.
The story is about Family, reality: and also Magical, a Fantastic tale of selkies and the relationships that can evolve between animals and humans.
The Lighthouse is the central motif, the narrative draws the reader to want to know more.
Characters, both children and adults, are skilfully revealed.
Embedded in the fabric is the hallmark of this writer: she writes to engage diverse child characters.
November 6, 2024
I enjoyed this book from Helen Edwards, as I did her debut novel.
In 1970, teenager Mona lives with her younger brother Albert and their grandparents at Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island. She also lives with type 1 Diabetes (as does the author) and is learning to manage it.
Mona connects with the local sea lions and they help her solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. All work together to save the lighthouse and endangered wildlife.
It makes a good yarn.
In 1970, teenager Mona lives with her younger brother Albert and their grandparents at Cape Willoughby Lighthouse on Kangaroo Island. She also lives with type 1 Diabetes (as does the author) and is learning to manage it.
Mona connects with the local sea lions and they help her solve the mystery of her father's disappearance. All work together to save the lighthouse and endangered wildlife.
It makes a good yarn.
June 17, 2025
The book explores themes of family, loss, secrets, and local legends, including sea lions and selkies.
October 15, 2025
Honestly wasn't that good. Also the author is reviewing her own book under her maiden name??? Bold move considering she lists her grandparents full names in the dedication.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews