The Girls of Lighthouse Lane

April 19, 2004
Kinkade spins off his Cape Light Novels for adults with this engaging if sometimes contrived debut book of a series set in the same New England coastal town, co-written with Tamar. Aspiring artist Kat, the daughter of the lighthouse keeper, stands watch in the tower one stormy night in 1905 when the lighthouse beacon suddenly goes out. Holding a lantern, the 12-year-old guides a floundering boat to shore, and the grateful sailors, a couple from Boston, thank their rescuer by securing her admission to an art school in their city—a dream come true for the heroine. Kat's father agrees to pay half the tuition money if Kat can raise the other half, which she uses her artistic talents to accomplish. But when her parents are not able to come up with their half, Kat stows away on a Boston-bound boat, determined to convince the headmaster to let her work at the school for the remaining tuition. In a stretch of credibility, the vessel sinks and Kat and the crew are rescued by her father, who sets out in another boat when he learns of Kat's whereabouts. The authors incorporate—at times laboriously—period details into the novel, which will be followed by tales focusing on Kat's cousin and friends. Readers are likely to find these characters sufficiently likable to justify another visit to Cape Light. Ages 10-up.

April 1, 2004
Gr 4-6-A solidly commercial work, the first in a new line that will feature stories ostensibly around the subjects of Thomas Kinkade's paintings. Resourceful and determined Kat, 12, will let nothing stand in her way of becoming an artist, even if few early-20th-century women have achieved such recognition. Given the opportunity to study at an elite school in Boston, she soon finds a means to earn her share of the tuition. When her father is unable to come up with his promised share, the girl is disappointed but undaunted. In an effort to see the headmaster and convince him to admit her anyway, Kat stows away on a ship that sinks. When everyone is rescued, she comes to appreciate her family and her life in Cape Light and decides to stay put until she is mature enough to live independently. The novel is steeped in the cozy and traditional values observed in the works of the popular "Painter of Light." Discriminating readers may catch some stereotypical elements in this story and find it somewhat unsatisfying as a result. Children who are simply looking for a good read should find much to enjoy.-Catherine Ensley, Latah County Free Library District, Moscow, ID

Copyright 2004 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

July 1, 2004
Twelve-year-old Kat dreams of attending art school in Boston, and fourteen-year-old Rose desperately tries to save a horse from slaughter in these sentimental stories set in a small, picturesque Massachusetts fishing village. There are few surprises from the predictable characters and formulaic circumstances, but the quaint setting is sure to find fans.

(Copyright 2004 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)