TO THE LIGHTHOUSE
Shortlist, 2019 West Australian Young Readers’ Book Awards
Written by Cristy Burne
Illustrated by Amanda Burnett
Published by Fremantle Press, June 2017
ISBN: 9781925164619 (paperback)
About the book:
This is an exciting chapter book about friendship, resilience and trust. It’s a great book to read aloud or for kids who are independent readers.
This book is taught in schools across Western Australia, with loads of fun in-class activities (think map-drawing and island geography, making lighthouse models that actually work (electric tealight candles, ahoy!), discussions about honesty, family and friendship, and more.
Free teaching notes and activities
Buy local
- Support your local bookshop
- Paperbird Childrens Bookshop (Fremantle, WA)
Buy online
Fremantle Press
Booktopia (Australia/NZ)
Dymocks
Readings
Angus & Robertson
Boffins Books (Australia only)
Book Depository (UK)
Amazon (US)
Buy a signed and personalised copy
Order a copy from Crow Books or Paper Bird and ask their friendly staff about arranging for me to personally sign and dedicate your copy to that special person.
Synopsis
Isaac arrives on Rottnest Island hoping for an awesome holiday adventure, but his mum would rather he stayed inside, where it’s safe. Then Isaac meets Emmy. She’s allowed to do whatever she wants – and she wants to have fun!
With Emmy daring him on, Isaac’s life gets more and more exciting. But when things go horribly wrong on their secret midnight adventure, they both wonder whether this time they’ve gone too far…
Reviews
‘4 out of 5 stars. Burne channels the restless energy of a pre-teen chafing at parental restrictions, and the thrill of pushing against the rules, even in small ways. She captures the essence of holidays, with hot chips at the beach and long bike rides. Featuring characterful illustrations from Amanda Burnett, this is a recommended read for eight- to 10-year-olds.’ – Junior Books+Publishing
‘When opposites meet, the chances are that things will come unstuck somewhere along the way. Emmy and Isaac meet on a holiday island. Emmy is a dare-devil and Isaac is cautious, due to an over-protective mum. Slowly but surely their escapades become more challenging, until inevitably an adventure proves a little too challenging! This is a terrific little junior novel: well-written, with just the right balance of naughtiness and retribution. For ages 7 and up.’ – Alexa Dretzke, Readings
Related blog posts
Media resources
Media release and print-quality images
From a parent…
“I bought my eldest daughter a copy of your book…
She has absolutely devoured it! I’ve never seen her gobble up a book so swiftly – she finished it in just over a day, even whilst going to school.
Acknowledgement
The creators of this book recognise the cultural significance and sad history that Wadjemup (Rottnest Island) holds for Aboriginal people and acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as Wadjemup’s traditional custodians.
Cristy Burne - AUTHOR AND STEM CREATIVE 
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