Hello Lighthouse: questions to ask and activities to try
A lighthouse keeper guides ships safely home through every storm. Hello Lighthouse is a beautiful Caldecott Medal winner about looking after something important, and how things change over time.
What age is it for? Hello Lighthouse is best for ages 5–9. Good for: Change over time, and looking after something important.
Hello Lighthouse (Sophie Blackall)
- Age
- 5-9
- Best for
- Change over time, and looking after something important
Take your time over the detailed pictures, especially the round windows into the keeper’s life. Talk about what changes, and what stays the same.
What it helps with
- Understanding change over time
- Responsibility and routine
- Calm, slow reading
- Learning about lighthouses and the sea
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What was the lighthouse keeper’s job?”
- “What did he write in his logbook?”
- “How did the lighthouse help the ships?”
- “What changed by the end of the book?”
- “What do you look after at home?”
- “What has changed since you were a baby?”
5-minute activities to try together
Torch lighthouse
Turn the lights down and use a torch as a lighthouse, guiding a toy boat safely across the room.
Our logbook
Keep a family logbook for a week: write or draw one thing about the weather and one thing that happened each day.
Free printables: Hello Lighthouse worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
If You Come to Earth (Sophie Blackall)
- Best for
- A guide to Earth, and caring for it and each other
- Age
- 4-8
The Storm Whale (Benji Davies)
- Best for
- Loneliness, caring for others and letting go
- Age
- 3-6
Window (Jeannie Baker)
- Best for
- A wordless view of a changing landscape
- Age
- 4-9
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 16 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.