Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Preus's (Enchantment Lake) homespun story introduces a family that lives on a cliff high above Lake Superior, in the shadow of an imposing lighthouse. Observant Sophie reads clues from nature-bees take refuge in their hive, a dandelion closes up, etc.-as harbingers of an impending storm, sharing the news with each of her four siblings as they tackle outdoor chores. After Sophie delivers a final warning to her father, the lighthouse keeper, she helps him carry oil to fill the foghorn's engine and wind the clock that keeps the light's lens turning, before insisting on keeping vigil with him during the storm (it's clear that Sophie is both thrilled by and wary of the power wielded by a thunderstorm). Geister's (Surviving the Hindenburg) oil paintings offer tender, close-up portraits of the characters, authentically portraying Sophie's urgency and the dramatic transformation of sky and water as the storm descends. An author's note touches lightly on the science behind the folk wisdom that Sophie and her family relies on, which should fascinate weather-curious readers. Ages 3-7. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3-Sophie lives on the grounds of Split Rock Lighthouse-now a National Historic Landmark-on the shore of Lake Superior. The youngest of six siblings, she is eager to take on some responsibilities of her own. So when Mama remarks that her bread dough is rising fast, Sophie runs outside to warn the others that a storm is approaching. The story focuses on how the lighthouse works and offers some curious adages regarding natural phenomena and stormy weather. "Dandelion blossoms close up before a rain," notes sister Polly as she begins to remove the drying laundry from the clothesline. "A bee was never caught in a shower," says brother Dan as they watch worker bees fly from flowering cucumber vines toward the hive. After warning her siblings, Sophie joins Papa at the lighthouse, reminding him to check the foghorn, watching him fuel its engine, checking to see that each window is shut, and then helping Papa wind the clock that turns the lens that has to be polished, which leaves no time for her to run home, because the storm has arrived. Geister's realistic oil paintings of a lighthouse, outbuildings, and grounds bring this tale to life. Close-up portraits showing soft, rounded faces; Peter Pan collars; and Buster Brown haircuts suggest an early-20th-century setting. An author's note highlights "weather forecasting proverbs." VERDICT Pair with Gail Gibbons's Beacons of Light and some of the many good titles on storms or weather for this age group to provide an engaging lesson.-Susan Scheps, formerly at Shaker Public Library, OH © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Sighting nature's clues of a coming storm, Sophie warns her family and then helps her father, the lighthouse keeper, prepare. In an informative but repetitive narrative, readers learn that a dandelion closing, an extra-thick spider's web, low-flying seagulls, etc., are all signs of changing weather fast approaching. Realistic oil paintings suggest an old-fashioned setting at Lake Superior's Split Rock Lighthouse. An explanatory author's note is appended. (c) Copyright 2017. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
