Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the seventh book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family cares for a baby sea lion.

One morning, the lighthouse family wakes up to find a baby sea lion asleep in their kitchen! The baby, whose name is Topper, explains that his mother left him here and instructed him to wait for her return. Pandora the cat and Seabold the dog are happy to care for Topper, and mouse children Lila, Whistler, and Tiny are excited to make a new friend.

Excerpt

The Sea Lion

About The Author

Photograph courtesy of the author

Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant is the author of more than 100 books for young people, including the beloved Henry and Mudge, Annie and Snowball, Brownie & Pearl, Motor Mouse, and Mr. Putter & Tabby series. Her novel Missing May received the Newbery Medal. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

About The Illustrator

Preston McDaniels

Preston McDaniels is the illustrator of the Phineas L. MacGuire series and Cynthia Rylant’s Lighthouse Family series. He lives in Aurora, Nebraska, with his wife and two daughters.

Product Details

Publisher: Beach Lane Books (March 14, 2017)
Length: 48 pages
ISBN13: 9781481460255
Ages: 6 - 10
Lexile ® 890L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

Raves and Reviews

The lighthouse family finds a baby sea lion snoring in Seabold’s easy chair one morning. Upon waking, Topper explains that his mother dropped him off with instructions to wait for her there. Though a little tearful at first, the curious sea lion enjoys his week with this happy, blended family. The seventh volume in the Lighthouse Family series delivers what its readers have come to love: the well-drawn characters and settings, the warm and easygoing atmosphere, and the details that make it all seem so real. Softly shaded graphite illustrations enhance this idyllic chapter book. A good read-aloud choice for younger children who enjoy gentle stories. — Carolyn Phelan

– Booklist online, April 28, 2017