Hello Lighthouse

PreS-Gr 3–Blackall’s stunning Caldecott Award–winner is given new life in this production exquisitely narrated by the author. The audio opens with a flourish that feels like the rush of water on a sandy shore and a sweet melody calmly played on piano disappears during the opening credits. Steady keystrokes play under Blackall’s whispery soft vocals and slowly build as the incoming keeper encounters the lighthouse beaming out, “Hello! Hello! Hello!” and then settles into his new assignment at this lonely, isolated place. Blackall and the music work in tandem, adding a touch of tension and turning the volume up just a skosh to add urgency when the sea is stormy, the fog requires ringing the bell, or a shipwreck-­disaster strikes. Both return to the calm and quiet tone until the sea freezes over and the piano is momentarily silent. Suspense rises when the keeper is ill and falls when his wife breathes in and out while delivering their child. The hypnotic music resumes under Blackall as she adds a sense of poignancy when the residents pack up their belongings to leave the lighthouse for the very last time. The production closes with ­Blackall expressively reading her author’s note in her delightful Australian accent.