Lighthouse Christmas

Does Santa visit lighthouse keepers and their families living on isolated islands? According to this hopeful picture book (and its author’s note) the Flying Santa Service has made sure of it, since 1929. Hard times and bad weather threaten to keep Christmas at bay for Frances and her brother, Peter, who have just moved with their widower father to an island lighthouse. But intrepid spirits, a one-eared cat, and an air-dropped surprise parcel come together to create a happy holiday for the family. Mixed-media spreads filled with homespun period accents spark the poignant story. Ages 5–8. (Oct.)