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The Animal Lighthouse
Brought up by a wonderful group of animals on a hidden island somewhere deep in the Caribbean, Jim knows no other life or who his real parents are. He washed up on the island as a baby in a barrel of rum and treasure, and has been helping run its special lighthouse with the animals ever since. But now, trouble is brewing ...
Someone, or something, has stolen the lighthouse bulb filaments. If Jim, Oscar and the rest of the animals can't get the lighthouse beams working again, the hidden island will no longer be a secret. And with a pirate ship on the horizon, danger is about to smash their tranquil island apart ...
Someone, or something, has stolen the lighthouse bulb filaments. If Jim, Oscar and the rest of the animals can't get the lighthouse beams working again, the hidden island will no longer be a secret. And with a pirate ship on the horizon, danger is about to smash their tranquil island apart ...
- GenresMiddle Grade
Paperback
Published May 12, 2022
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 3, 2025
Did this as a read aloud with our 7 and 8 year old and it was a huge pain to get through. The writing was packed with unnecessary descriptors, making it nearly impossible to trudge through the run on sentences. The plot was incredibly anticlimactic and made little sense after all was said and done. Additionally, I shouldn’t have to skip over “damn” multiple times when reading aloud to my 3rd and 2nd graders.
October 7, 2023
Took my 6 year old daughter to see Anthony Burt at the Edinburgh International Book Festival. She was probably a bit young for this book. The Animal Lighthouse is the first novel that my daughter has let me read to her. She still wants short books with colourful pictures. Reading a little every night after her other stories she eventually decided the book was “very exciting”. The detailed descriptions were a little difficult for her to follow but she understood enough to become enthralled with the adventure. I also found the description difficult at times, but enjoyed the read.
July 2, 2022
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin... The Animal Lighthouse is about a secret island, guarded by a lighthouse, a boy called Jim Rogers and the animals he has grown up with since washing ashore there twelve years previous as a baby in a barrel. When the filaments of the lighthouse go missing – which means the lighthouse can’t perform its secondary purpose of actually hiding the island – it becomes clear that the illusion of invisibility was designed purely to protect Jim. But from what or whom? When pirates land, with their sights on the boy, the truth is revealed and the animals must band together to save Jim from the clutches of a particularly nasty swashbuckler.
It's a lovely story, but more than a feast for the imagination, it’s a cure for the blues. Riddled with cheek and wonderful characterisation, this is a book that lifts the spirits and fills the heart – a kind of traditional tale (think Treasure Island) but with a blast of fresh air. It’s a romp and a caper with rum barrels, cutlasses, and farting crabs. Yes, you heard that right.
The farting crab is not the only funny character. We have a belching toad, an officious orangutan, a homely elephant, a rascally racoon (with seven-year unwashed fur) and a whole host of other creatures, all of whom have their own skills and their own part to play in this incredible, playful play. Kids will absolutely love it. Adults will absolutely love it. Anyone who doesn't absolutely love it needs to spend a lot more time with millipedes with positive mental attitude.
The illustrations, so perfect for this book - with the animals remaining true to form, in that they still look like animals AND their characters shine through - are a brilliant accompaniment; illustrator Ciara Flood somehow makes this feel old-world and up to date, full of movement and colour. It just adds to the overall feel that this book is put together to provide pure, joyous entertainment.
The Animal Lighthouse has the humour of the original Jungle Book film, the wisdom of Wind in the Willows and the marvellous mayhem of the Muppets; I was in tears when the rigging rats (who Jim can't understand) mime their get-away instructions. And the scenery – the craggy rocks and the glittery sea… This is dreaming at its best. And I’m delighted to learn that there will be other stories in the series. Because frankly, we could do with more escapism of this nature. It’s innocent and fun; it’s treasure, for sure.
It's a lovely story, but more than a feast for the imagination, it’s a cure for the blues. Riddled with cheek and wonderful characterisation, this is a book that lifts the spirits and fills the heart – a kind of traditional tale (think Treasure Island) but with a blast of fresh air. It’s a romp and a caper with rum barrels, cutlasses, and farting crabs. Yes, you heard that right.
The farting crab is not the only funny character. We have a belching toad, an officious orangutan, a homely elephant, a rascally racoon (with seven-year unwashed fur) and a whole host of other creatures, all of whom have their own skills and their own part to play in this incredible, playful play. Kids will absolutely love it. Adults will absolutely love it. Anyone who doesn't absolutely love it needs to spend a lot more time with millipedes with positive mental attitude.
The illustrations, so perfect for this book - with the animals remaining true to form, in that they still look like animals AND their characters shine through - are a brilliant accompaniment; illustrator Ciara Flood somehow makes this feel old-world and up to date, full of movement and colour. It just adds to the overall feel that this book is put together to provide pure, joyous entertainment.
The Animal Lighthouse has the humour of the original Jungle Book film, the wisdom of Wind in the Willows and the marvellous mayhem of the Muppets; I was in tears when the rigging rats (who Jim can't understand) mime their get-away instructions. And the scenery – the craggy rocks and the glittery sea… This is dreaming at its best. And I’m delighted to learn that there will be other stories in the series. Because frankly, we could do with more escapism of this nature. It’s innocent and fun; it’s treasure, for sure.
September 13, 2022
Talking animals, pirates, islands - great adventurous mixture.
Jim knows he was found, washed up on his island home 12 years ago. He knows the animals who look after him are his friends, they love him. He doesn't know where he comes from though, who his parents were.
But he does like his life on the island, tending to and manning the lighthouse with his 'family', to protect ships from the deadly rocks as well as protecting all of them and their island home from even being seen. The animals on this island can talk, which to Jim feels normal... though the reader can't be sure if this sits easily within the storytelling world or is abnormal even for the narrative.
The island panics one day when a crucial piece of equipment goes missing, exposing them all to discovery from the outside world (which they are trying to keep Jim from) and this kickstarts a fast-moving adventure that will show Jim just who his family really is, and maybe who he is too.
Lots of fun, with very visual scenes of animal madness (elephants running on water! Flamingo feathers as weapons!), and the start (potentially) of a story about pirates and talking animals.
It's a simple enough plot and isn't a difficult read. I wanted a little more from the animals themselves, as well as Jim, as there are some great characters in there that could come more to the forefront. Maybe in the next book.
For ages 7-12.
Jim knows he was found, washed up on his island home 12 years ago. He knows the animals who look after him are his friends, they love him. He doesn't know where he comes from though, who his parents were.
But he does like his life on the island, tending to and manning the lighthouse with his 'family', to protect ships from the deadly rocks as well as protecting all of them and their island home from even being seen. The animals on this island can talk, which to Jim feels normal... though the reader can't be sure if this sits easily within the storytelling world or is abnormal even for the narrative.
The island panics one day when a crucial piece of equipment goes missing, exposing them all to discovery from the outside world (which they are trying to keep Jim from) and this kickstarts a fast-moving adventure that will show Jim just who his family really is, and maybe who he is too.
Lots of fun, with very visual scenes of animal madness (elephants running on water! Flamingo feathers as weapons!), and the start (potentially) of a story about pirates and talking animals.
It's a simple enough plot and isn't a difficult read. I wanted a little more from the animals themselves, as well as Jim, as there are some great characters in there that could come more to the forefront. Maybe in the next book.
For ages 7-12.
July 6, 2022
A story full of charm and friendship. Jim and his animal friends live in harmony on a hidden island - I love the idea that the island is made invisible by a special lighthouse beam! Jim and the animal's friendship and individual unique talents help them to work as a wonderful team. I particularly enjoyed the world-building in this book - the author really paints a vivid world through his writing - and as the characters head out on their initial mission you feel like you're priviledged to be on an expedition into the unknown.
July 21, 2022
Anthony Burt has created a lighthearted swashbuckling romp to share with family and friends.
With lots to engage a younger audience, science and STEM for curious minds and a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, true friends will always look out for you. Ciara Flood's beautiful illustrations have the characters leaping from the page and into your heart; leaving you wanting more adventures with Jim and the crew of the Animal Lighthouse.
With lots to engage a younger audience, science and STEM for curious minds and a powerful reminder that no matter how tough life gets, true friends will always look out for you. Ciara Flood's beautiful illustrations have the characters leaping from the page and into your heart; leaving you wanting more adventures with Jim and the crew of the Animal Lighthouse.
April 7, 2023
I met the author Anthony back in December 2022 at a signing event for this book.
The Animal Lighthouse is a fast-paced middle-grade adventure following a young boy called Jim. He lives on a remote island populated just by other animals and he is raised by them. Life is perfectly fine until the filaments of a lighthouse bulb are stolen and a growing threat of pirates invading the island disrupts the peace that's always been there.
Very enjoyable!
The Animal Lighthouse is a fast-paced middle-grade adventure following a young boy called Jim. He lives on a remote island populated just by other animals and he is raised by them. Life is perfectly fine until the filaments of a lighthouse bulb are stolen and a growing threat of pirates invading the island disrupts the peace that's always been there.
Very enjoyable!
May 19, 2022
This is a cracking romp with a lot of heart. Jim lives on a hidden island with a menagerie of friends including an elephant and an orangutan. His idyllic life is thrown into chaos when his unknown past catches up with him and ruthless pirates come looking for bounty. Hilarious and heart-felt, this story will suits girls and boys alike. Oh, and enjoy Mr Toad! He's awesome!
May 14, 2022
Enjoyable MG Adventure, think Dr Dolittle meets Treasure Island. You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
July 11, 2022
A wonderful swashbuckling adventure with strong messages of friendship and family. The story has a kind and brave young hero, talking animal friends, a mysterious island and a generous sprinkling of dastardly baddies - what's not to love 😍📖😍
June 10, 2022
Fabulous and rip-roaringly funny.
September 17, 2022
A really great adventurous story, with well-described and engaging characters. Fantastic vocabulary and a fast-paced story, also sets up nicely for a sequel. What's not to like?!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews