The Storm (The Lighthouse Family)

From Publishers Weekly It's smooth sailing for Rylant's (the Henry and Mudge series) sweet, sea-inspired tale, first in a new series 0f early chapter book readers. Pandora the cat has weathered her share of rough waters, but for the past four years she has enjoyed her dream job as lighthouse keeper. Even so, she is a little weary of the isolation that comes with it. When a violent storm shipwrecks a sailor dog named Seabold practically on her beacon's doorstep, Pandora's life changes for the better. She and Seabold become great friends and caring companions. Together they take in a trio of orphaned mice, fulfilling the prophecy of the series name. The imminently likable characters magnify the cozy theme that families come in all configurations. With short chapters and the occasional dramatic moment, the text will keep young readers turning the pages and on the lookout for future titles in the series. Final artwork not seen by PW. Ages 6-10.Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Grade 2-4-Pandora the cat is a lighthouse keeper, a lonely avocation until Seabold the dog is washed up on shore during a terrible winter storm. She rescues and nurses him back to health, and he is content to remain for a long winter's respite from his travels in the no-longer lonely lighthouse. "Pandora and Seabold told each other stories of their lives and things they had read or seen and what they liked most in the world, or least." Through spring and summer, the two friends share a life, and "Everything at the lighthouse is different." But as September approaches, Seabold readies his boat to return to the sea, and "Pandora felt a small emptiness in her heart." One early fall day, a fierce storm blows in, and with it comes a small, strange vessel. Seabold rescues its occupants, three tiny orphan mice, and Pandora nurses them back to health. They join the dog and cat at the lighthouse, "And after that day, everything was changed.- The lighthouse had a family." This kindhearted Victorian tale, with charming illustrations reminiscent of the work of Beatrix Potter, offers up just enough danger to save it from outright mawkishness. The Storm will captivate young chapter-book readers.