The little lighthouse

The other day I was in Caloundra to talk to the Friends of the Caloundra Lighthouses. I am working with local architect Roger Todd on an updated conservation management plan for the old and new lighthouses (built in 1896 and 1968) that stand side by side at Caloundra. The Friends are doing this work with a her­it­age grant from the Sunshine Coast Council, aug­men­ted by pro bono contributions from Roger and me.

The Friends have recently had a part in producing a children’s illustrated book about the lighthouses, and I was delighted to be given a copy. It reminded me of reading to my daugh­ters​—​it brought fond memories of that special pleasure of reading stories together, and of the countless times we read one or other of our favourite books.

The little lighthouse was written by John Bradley and illustrated by Diane Somers-Cook, with acknowledgment to Mrs Debbie Camp­bell’s 2014 Year Two class at Caloundra State School for assistance with editing. It tells the story of the Caloundra light­houses​—​a story that starts with a ship wreck, tells about the con­struc­tion of the original lighthouse in 1896, its replacement by the new light in 1968, followed by removal of the old light to a dif­fer­ent site and its eventual return to its original site.

John Bradley’s text is a good yarn, well told in a way kids will enjoy​—​whether they read it themselves or someone else reads it to them. Diane Somers-Cook’s watercolour illustrations evoke the Caloundra setting beautifully. Most of the scenes are full spreads, as you can see above. It is a soft-cover book of 24 full-​colour pages, saddle stitched, in a comfortable size for reading in bed.

You can order your own copy online. I re­com­mend it to you​—​especially if you or any kids you read to have any connection with the Sunshine Coast.