Okay, okay, I know it's a childrens' book, yes, but if you're like me you might have some curiosity regarding the book which was responsible for saving Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse in New York.

Written in 1942 as an inspirational book for children, the authoress makes the point that all things, large and small, have a contribution to make and a role to play, and size is not a valid determinant of value.

The book has subsequently become a childrens' classic and was the impetus to the decision to save and restore the Jeffrey's Hook Lighthouse located under the George Washington Bridge on the east bank of the Hudson River in New York City.

"The Little Red Lighthouse And The Great Gray Bridge"

Hildegarde Hoyt Swift and Lynd Ward

Voyager Books
Harcourt Brace & Company
525 B Street
San Diego, CA 92101

ISBN 0-15-247040-9
ISBN 0-15-652840-1 pb

1970 (originally 1942)

Soft cover, 8 5/8" x 9 3/4", 56 pages, color illustrations on every other page, $8.00 U.S.
(I purchased mine from Barnes & Noble.com Books for $6.40)

While not fascinating nor gripping, and with no stunning photographs normally associated with lighthouse books, this book is well worth having nonetheless. Delightful, simple, and childlike, the message comes through loud and clear: even small things can be important. The illustrations are primarily done in red, blue, white, gray, and black and are visually interesting.

Although I bought this book in order to satisfy my curiosity as to what all the stir was about, having heard of the title and authoress in various other publications, I think it's well worth having as a companion to your Harbour Lights JEFFREY'S HOOK piece.

I think it adds background and dimension to that sculpture, and is sure to pique the curiosity of guests to your collection who may not necessarily have an interest in lighthouses but who love children. It sort of ties them together.

*** - Three stars: recommended

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Bob Steinbrunn
Nautical Research Guild

My wife is fascinated with lighthouse tales that include families, or struggles to save lighthouses. I got her Jeffrey's Hook and the book for her birthday.

This is a must read for all lighthouse people everywhere. I have read it numerous times both for myself and for my nieces and nephews.

Bob's review is right on the money.

I agree the book adds to the mystique of the "Little Red Lighthouse". We visited it this past Spring. I vaguely remembered our boys having the book. Sure enough, it was in the attic. Our youngest is thirteen, we never throw anything out!
After re-reading it I had even more of a fondness for the little red guy so totally overshadowed by the big gray bridge. I never cross the George Washington Bridge that I don't think about our little red lighthouse underneath.
It is a wonderful story about the reason for being for all lighthouses.

Donna

Hi fellow readers,

As a Media Specialist, I have found so many children's books that are real finds. This book is a favorite in the Media Center where I work.(Wonder why?) There are also others that you all may look for that are very descriptive and really good for introduction to children about lighthouses.
Megan O'Hara---Lighthouse:Living in a Great Lakes Lighthouse-ISBN:1-56065-725-1

Gail Gibbons---Beacons of Light:Lighthouses
ISBN:0-688-07379-4
This one is really a great book

Jason Cooper---Man Made Wonders
ISBN:0-86592-630-1

Check some of these out....You'll really like them...
Derith

Anyone know where I can find an original of this book? I have the Barnes and Noble's lastest print but I want an original from the first publication.

"The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Grey Bridge"

Moby

Moby:

This is an easy one. You can go to Barnes & Noble's Web site at:

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/bargain/index.asp?sourceid=00009677500113920429&bfdate=05-04-1999+17:22:40

Run a search in the "Out of Print & Used Books" site, and you'll find a variety of about 17 or so editions available at a wide range of prices.

If you're a comparison shopper, you can also do the same at the following sites:

Amazon.com Books: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/home/home.html/002-9087338-5378229

Bibliofind: http://www.bibliofind.com

Bookfinder: http://www.bookfinder.com

Powell's Books: http://www.powells.portland.or.us

This should yield just what you're looking for.

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Bob Steinbrunn
Nautical Research Guild