The Lighthouse Keeper

by Eugenio Fernández Vázquez, Kit Maude (translator), Mariana Villanueva Segovia (illustrator)

The coast can be a dangerous place, especially in stormy weather. Fortunately for us, out in the middle of the sea lives the lighthouse keeper, a remarkable person who dedicates his life to saving the lost and shipwrecked. You'd think he'd be lonely out there all on his own, but he has a secret friend who visits him when he least expects and most needs it.

These enchanting, beautifully illustrated verses tell a tale of selflessness, resilience, and love, showing us that help is at hand even in our darkest, scariest moments.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction

48 pages, Hardcover

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

So strange and fun! This illustration style reminds me of the striking illustration from when I was a kid, in books like "Arrow to the sun," and "Jimmy has lost his cap!" Most of the writing is in verse, but sometimes it isn't!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The images are great. I mean his beard is made of tiny fish! Love the small quirky details in the pictures and the personality of the Keeper. The rhyming poem about him and how he keeps people safe is bouncy and fun to read aloud.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved the illustrations (though the ones of the drowning people are scary). The story I’m not as sure of. I wish I could read this in its original language. The transition to the bits about the moon seemed jarring, but maybe it’s different when it’s not in English.

[Cara Byrne · Rating 4 out of 5]

With its charming and quirky illustrations and reflection on the moon and the sea, this is a sweet picture book. My eight-year-old liked it, but my five-year-old was a little scared of some of the illustrations of sailors in the sea and the fish beard.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't quite know how to summarize my feelings about this book. I was completely mesmerized by the lighthouse keeper's beard made of fish and appreciated the unique, colorful illustrations set against a black background, but the story is just bizarre and meandering.

[Helena · Rating 4 out of 5]

But while down below the waves crash and roar, up above stands a man the sailors adore."

gonna tell my kids this is robert eggers's the lighthouse

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really striking illustrations. Kind of a mystical tone. This is maybe a little niche, but it's great.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best illustrated. 2025.

[Katherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the beard; the story is a bit lame...but it's the pictures that count.

[Donia]

Read for students: The Art Café

[Dale Barlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

(E) 02.02.2026: one of the NY Times' 10 Best Illustrated Children's Books of 2025 that I purchased for my spouse (a quilter) for Christmas 2025, and then apparently overlooked as we just now 'discovered' this one...; 03.08.2026: the cover drawing is the best part of this one but when you look at the category (‘Best Illustrated’) then the award makes sense; 2025 hardcover via Madison County Public Library, Berea, 48 pgs.