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The Lighthouse Keeper
The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch
Libro usado en buenas condiciones, por su antiguedad podria contener señales normales de uso
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
14 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Ronda Armitage
61 books14 followersRonda Armitage is the author of many children’s books, including the Lighthouse Keeper series.
She attended University of Auckland, 1963, 1969, and Massey University, 1965; Hamilton Teacher's College, certificate of teaching, 1963, diploma of teaching, 1969.
She lives in England with her husband, illustrator, David. They have two children.
She attended University of Auckland, 1963, 1969, and Massey University, 1965; Hamilton Teacher's College, certificate of teaching, 1963, diploma of teaching, 1969.
She lives in England with her husband, illustrator, David. They have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews
October 2, 2022
This has Always Been a Family Favourite everytime we got this book from the local Library.
November 22, 2017
I would like somebody to make me that kind of lunch every day. I think this book would be good for getting the children to anticipate what might happen. I like the idea of lunch going out from the cottage to the lighthouse. Another talking point that lighthouses are no longer manned, but are now automatic. A good story for a sea theme?
September 24, 2018
An excellent whole-class read thanks to the large, captivating illustrations. An easy to follow plot, perfect for an end-of the day read to 30 tired year 3's!
May 13, 2015
A sweet book, that is easy to read. I read it to reception, they engaged with the book and found parts very funny.
The book is about a Lighthouse keeper who lives with his life in a cottage from the cliffs across from the lighthouse. He diligently care for the lighthouse light and his life sends him the most delicious lunches everyday. One day some seagulls discover the lunch that is sent from his wife to the lighthouse and eat the whole lot. Both husband and wife work together to stop the seagulls from eating the lighthouse keepers lunch. in the end they pack mustard sandwiches that the seagulls don't' like and the story end on a 'happily ever after' note. it has a message of team work and persistence. Children engage in the story and found the attempts of the husband and wife to stop the seagulls from eating the lunch to be very funny.
the pictures are hand drawn and water colours, in a traditional style. The text is very easy to read so older children could read the book independently.
The book is about a Lighthouse keeper who lives with his life in a cottage from the cliffs across from the lighthouse. He diligently care for the lighthouse light and his life sends him the most delicious lunches everyday. One day some seagulls discover the lunch that is sent from his wife to the lighthouse and eat the whole lot. Both husband and wife work together to stop the seagulls from eating the lighthouse keepers lunch. in the end they pack mustard sandwiches that the seagulls don't' like and the story end on a 'happily ever after' note. it has a message of team work and persistence. Children engage in the story and found the attempts of the husband and wife to stop the seagulls from eating the lunch to be very funny.
the pictures are hand drawn and water colours, in a traditional style. The text is very easy to read so older children could read the book independently.
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June 19, 2012A beautiful series of books. We focused on the original named above, the plot is simple but unique, humorous and effective. Every day, Mr Grinling the lighthouse keeper cleans and polishes his light to make sure it shines brightly at night. And every lunchtime, he tucks into a delicious and well-deserved packed lunch, lovingly prepared by his wife. But Mr Grinling isn’t the only one who enjoys the tasty food. He encounters some very greedy seagulls who devour Mrs Grinling's homemade treats. It is indeed Mrs Grinling who puts this to an end with an ingenious idea of hot mustard sandwiches for that brazen bunch of birds.
My Yr 2 class loved drama and hot-seating with the characters from this book. We also wrote letters, designed post- cards, solved weight maths problems related to Mr Grinling's lunch basket, as well as various other art and geography (coastal erosion) activities that linked to the theme.
My Yr 2 class loved drama and hot-seating with the characters from this book. We also wrote letters, designed post- cards, solved weight maths problems related to Mr Grinling's lunch basket, as well as various other art and geography (coastal erosion) activities that linked to the theme.
September 19, 2018
One of my absolute favourite childhood stories!! I have so many fond memories of my Dad reading this to me and I was forever captivated by the beautiful illustrations and the witty storyline. There are so many cross- curricular ideas to explore with this book such as vocabulary building, problem solving, healthy eating, the seaside etc.
Mr Grinling works tirelessly come wind or shine on his beloved lighthouse and his dedicated wife lovingly prepares delicious lunches for him. One day a greedy bunch of seaguls discover his delicious lunch and devour the whole lot. Both Mr and Mrs Grinling try various ways to assure the safe arrival of the lunch but the seagulls are always one step ahead. Finally Mrs Grinling comes up with a cunning plan; mustard sandwiches. The seaguls stay well clear and Mr Grinling can once again enjoy his well earned lunch.
Mr Grinling works tirelessly come wind or shine on his beloved lighthouse and his dedicated wife lovingly prepares delicious lunches for him. One day a greedy bunch of seaguls discover his delicious lunch and devour the whole lot. Both Mr and Mrs Grinling try various ways to assure the safe arrival of the lunch but the seagulls are always one step ahead. Finally Mrs Grinling comes up with a cunning plan; mustard sandwiches. The seaguls stay well clear and Mr Grinling can once again enjoy his well earned lunch.
November 20, 2018
Every day, Mr Grinling rows out to the lighthouse to make sure everything is running smoothly and every day his wife, through the use of a rather ingenious cable system, sends him his rather lavish lunch (peach surprise and a killer sandwich among other things). That is until some well-named gulls see an opportunity for a free meal and begin to hijack the parcel.
The presentation of the illustrations are a little odd in choice - some slightly blurry close-ups and odd angles but the Hamish's expression had me in stitches throughout and I cannot but admit that I was smitten by the seagulls who seem to have popped off the old 'oh err missus postcards of the 1930s. Such is life! as Mr. Grinling muses at the end.
The presentation of the illustrations are a little odd in choice - some slightly blurry close-ups and odd angles but the Hamish's expression had me in stitches throughout and I cannot but admit that I was smitten by the seagulls who seem to have popped off the old 'oh err missus postcards of the 1930s. Such is life! as Mr. Grinling muses at the end.
September 25, 2014
As the cover states this is a modern classic. The bold and colourful illustrations take me right back to my childhood, and will put a smile on any child's face.
Mr. Grinling, the lighthouse keeper is a dedicated man. He spends his life tending the lighthouse. His wife, Mrs. Grinling is just as dedicated. It could be argued that gender stereotypes are reinforced in this story, as it seems that Mrs. Grinling's role is to provide lunch for her husband and nothing more. Given this, she does seem to excel in the lunch making department. The only obstacle between Mr. Grinling and his delicious lunch are some pesky seagulls. I challenge anyone not to laugh at the hilarity that ensues...
Mr. Grinling, the lighthouse keeper is a dedicated man. He spends his life tending the lighthouse. His wife, Mrs. Grinling is just as dedicated. It could be argued that gender stereotypes are reinforced in this story, as it seems that Mrs. Grinling's role is to provide lunch for her husband and nothing more. Given this, she does seem to excel in the lunch making department. The only obstacle between Mr. Grinling and his delicious lunch are some pesky seagulls. I challenge anyone not to laugh at the hilarity that ensues...
June 29, 2016
A real hit! I love the vocabulary that the children have adopted into their vernacular: "concocted", "varmints", "industrious". The problem is real and the problem solving possibilities have no bounds. Mr Grinling needs his lunch. Whacha gonna do? My criticism falls on the outdated gender roles. Why is feeding Mr Grinling the only thing Mrs Grinling is good for? Lackaday, lackaday indeed. The seagulls are the undisputed rock stars of the show, with a popular cameo from Hamish the cat. Despite its wordiness, this book is perfectly pitched for Reception, and the children are now even more excited about our visit to the beach!
October 28, 2021
A classic children's picture book that I hadn't heard about until a couple of weeks ago. What a fun story about seagulls thieving the lighthouse keeper's lunch. I might find a few more of this series just for the sheer frolic and wonderful illustrations.
EDIT: I've now found and read several others in this series, and they're all absolutely delightful, with charming stories and gorgeous pictures. Find them for some of the little people in your life!
EDIT: I've now found and read several others in this series, and they're all absolutely delightful, with charming stories and gorgeous pictures. Find them for some of the little people in your life!
November 19, 2007
It's hard not to like a story with mustard sandwiches.
October 7, 2016
This book is wonderful, it is funny and heartwarming. Even better, the language is lovely and descriptive and has lots of alliteration so would be good to introduce the term to a class!
January 5, 2019
Great book for KS1, lots of lovely cross curricular activities to complete within the class.
See infant projects for ideas.
See infant projects for ideas.
October 3, 2019
This book is great for KS1. There are so many resources available to support lessons.
April 12, 2022
I liked the funny story; but I was not entranced by the illustrations, which made the humans look distorted.
November 9, 2022
One of my favourites from my own childhood, it still stands the test of time. The artwork captures emotion, movement and sensory moments so well. Not to mention that we've all had pesky seagulls after our lunch at some time, it's a delight to see them get their comeuppance!
December 12, 2017
My Review: I saw this book in use in a primary classroom this year, in a year 1 - 2 split setting. It was used for the five weeks i was there and it worked very effectively, the children loved it.
Plot: Every day, Mr Grinling the lighthouse keeper cleans & polishes his light to make sure it shines brightly at night. At lunchtime he tucks into a delicious lunch, prepared by his wife. But Mr Grinling isn't the only one who enjoys it throughout the text the naughty seagulls are stealing Mr Grinling's food. They try lots of ways to stop them but nothing works, they discover that the way to solve this is to send down mustard sandwiches which the seagulls hate and then leave Mr Grinling to his lunch.
What teaching can it inspire/assist:
English
- Children could write a diary entry from another point of view. (The seagulls opinions/ The bakers opinion)
-Use the text as a means of vocabulary building, its got a lot of good vocabulary for children such as; brazen, ingenious, consolingly. Good time to increase children's thesauruses/ dictionary skills.
Maths
- Children can work out the weight, price or size of the different foods in his lunch. They would be faced with children which needs them to focus on measurements and calculations such as addition and subtraction.
Science
- Children could look at light alongside this text. Looking at sources of light, the lighthouse is one can you think of any other.
DT/Art
- I witnessed this in the setting i was in, children were creating their own lighthouses decorating them and setting up a circuit to get them to light up.
Plot: Every day, Mr Grinling the lighthouse keeper cleans & polishes his light to make sure it shines brightly at night. At lunchtime he tucks into a delicious lunch, prepared by his wife. But Mr Grinling isn't the only one who enjoys it throughout the text the naughty seagulls are stealing Mr Grinling's food. They try lots of ways to stop them but nothing works, they discover that the way to solve this is to send down mustard sandwiches which the seagulls hate and then leave Mr Grinling to his lunch.
What teaching can it inspire/assist:
English
- Children could write a diary entry from another point of view. (The seagulls opinions/ The bakers opinion)
-Use the text as a means of vocabulary building, its got a lot of good vocabulary for children such as; brazen, ingenious, consolingly. Good time to increase children's thesauruses/ dictionary skills.
Maths
- Children can work out the weight, price or size of the different foods in his lunch. They would be faced with children which needs them to focus on measurements and calculations such as addition and subtraction.
Science
- Children could look at light alongside this text. Looking at sources of light, the lighthouse is one can you think of any other.
DT/Art
- I witnessed this in the setting i was in, children were creating their own lighthouses decorating them and setting up a circuit to get them to light up.
August 27, 2018
This entertaining picture book about problem-solving is a great way to engage children's imaginations. Mrs Grinling tries out numerous solutions to avoid seagulls eating Mr Grinling's lunch before finding an action that succeeds: how many other solutions could children suggest that she didn't attempt? It's also an excellent way of encouraging children to persevere and keep trying rather than giving up when things don't go to plan. The first of a whole series of 'Lighthouse Keeper' books, it does perhaps show its age: the idea of a wife making lunch for her husband is no longer socially equitable and the job of a lighthouse keeper is vastly more demanding than 'polishing the light' and coming home ashore in the evening. Observant children may also ask why Mr Grinling doesn't simply bring his lunch with him to work the way they may bring a packed lunch to school! Nevertheless, the book intelligently and apparently deliberately incorporates a lovely range of new vocabulary, such as 'industrious', 'concoct', 'appetising', 'scavenge' and 'devour' which children could incorporate in their own work. It also provides an introduction to jobs and safety at sea, which could lead to a theme, sharing of children's own experiences or even a school trip. Although not mentioned in the narrative, the illustrations depict a huge variety of ships and boats - can children spot and explain them all?
June 24, 2019
Saw this being used during SBT1. A fantastic book to use with year 1 and/or 2. A good story which lends itself nicely to actions which make the book more memorable e.g. lighthouse, cottage etc. The story has some good language in it e.g. industrious and concocting, which can really enhance all of the children's written work. Can buy a basket and put lots of different food/ a ginger cat (Hamish) in to bring the book to life- the children really loved this when I was on placement. Something else that worked really well was the children were all given a piece of cake and had to write a postcard as though they were one of the seagulls from the story describing what the cake was like.
The children then re-wrote the story, keeping some things the same and making other elements their own. This worked really well for differentiation e.g. everyone changed what the lunch was that was put into the basket, and then some of the children changed the ending of the story as well, and instead of having mustard sandwiches, were given the opportunity to change this. This allowed all of the children to be creative and produce their own piece of written work. Was a good book to use which tied in well to the topic (beachcombers). Would definitely use in the future as you can do so much with it.
The children then re-wrote the story, keeping some things the same and making other elements their own. This worked really well for differentiation e.g. everyone changed what the lunch was that was put into the basket, and then some of the children changed the ending of the story as well, and instead of having mustard sandwiches, were given the opportunity to change this. This allowed all of the children to be creative and produce their own piece of written work. Was a good book to use which tied in well to the topic (beachcombers). Would definitely use in the future as you can do so much with it.
May 5, 2020
Mr Grinling works tirelessly on his precious lighthouse, whatever the weather, while his loyal wife kindly makes tasty lunches for him. One day a bunch of greedy seagull’s spot Mr Grinling’s scrumptious lunch making its way to him and decide to devour the lot! Every day since, Mr Grinling’s lunch gets swooped away by them. Leaving him both hungry and frustrated, and the gulls’ rather satisfied. Using teamwork, Mr and Mrs Grinling try different methods to make sure every bit of Mr Grinling’s lunch is delivered without interference from those pesky Gull’s. Unfortunately for them, the seagulls are always one step ahead of them! Finally, Mrs Grinling comes up with a cunning plan; she dolloped mustard inside the sandwiches. The seagulls finally stay clear and Mr Grinling can enjoy his much-deserved lunch once more. Reading this story brought back some very fond childhood memories of mine - fantastic story! I believe it encourages children to be more inventive and to not give up if they fall at the first obstacle. Perfect for KS1.
August 31, 2017
Being part of an audience that isn't intended sometimes makes books a little less enjoyable. It's not really the type of story that I would have enjoyed, and I don't think my child-self would have either. That said, it's not good or bad; it's just okay.
I like the problem-solving element, which I think ties in nicely with a lot of classroom lessons (and that's how I'm generally thinking about a lot of these books).
I like the problem-solving element, which I think ties in nicely with a lot of classroom lessons (and that's how I'm generally thinking about a lot of these books).
December 2, 2020
A classic that never gets old. Every day Mrs Grinling makes an extravagant lunch and sends it to Mr Grinling as he works at the lighthouse. When seagulls start stealing the food, the couple must work together to find a way to sabotage them. A funny story that I'd love to use with children in a science or food technology lesson, for example, how could you protect the food from the seagulls? (materials).
February 19, 2020
Whilst on Inclusion week at a special school, I saw this book being used in a KS3 class of children who had moderate to severe disabilities. This book was read to them and the children read along whilst copying the sign language cues. They then re-enacted the scenes with puppets and tableau, and also tasted some mustard on a cracker.
May 7, 2019
This is a cute story with some Australian slang thrown in. The illustrations are a little cheesy but would be humorous for the adult reading to a child (or for an assignment).
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October 8, 2019
I think this is a great book with a lot of potential for different areas of learning. I experienced a teacher using this with a reception class for a whole term topic which worked really well and the children loved it.
August 21, 2017
Nice simple story. Could be used when exploring themes such as healthy eating, the sea side and how others live/used to live.
May 2, 2019
Good book. 10/10
June 10, 2019
Used in Year 1 English, the daily sequence of events are good for writing storyboards.
June 26, 2019
Brilliant book in only a student from a school
Love it all much brill hope you can make books like the book was interesting and hope and give you the best
Love it all much brill hope you can make books like the book was interesting and hope and give you the best
October 24, 2019
A fun book that is beautifully illustrated and very funny.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 75 reviews