Early Lighters
Reserve Your Early Supporter Spot for The Lamplighter
A $1 reservation unlocks early access and exclusive Kickstarter discounts.
Meet
The Lamplighter
In a courtyard of old brick and fading charm, one of London’s last gas lamps glows. Four children embark on a daring adventure—to save the lamplighter’s job—and along the way, discover friendship, courage, and the magic of hope, touching everyone they meet as they learn that what the lamplighter says is true:
"Just recall
You never know
Just how far
A light can go…"
With every turn of the page, the story grows brighter, more colorful, and alive with light—just like the hearts of its readers. By the end, children will carry a joyful thought: they, too, are lamplighters, spreading hope wherever they go.
The Lamplighter blends the timeless charm of classics like Madeline and Make Way for Ducklings with fresh storytelling full of adventure and delight.
We’re using Kickstarter as a way to launch this book with a community —
inviting readers in at the beginning rather than after the fact.
It allows us to gauge interest, cover creation costs, and make it possible to tell more stories like this together.
When the campaign opens, supporters can choose a simple book purchase —
or select from a few optional tiers that include added bonuses.
This $1 reservation is simply a way to raise your hand early.
What does my $1 do?
Gets you first access to the early bird priced tiers (which have limited quantities) when the campaign launches. These are prices at least $3 below general pricing, recouping your $1 reservation and saving another $2.
Reserves your place at group-exclusive live Zoom with the author and illustrator
Helps us gauge print numbers and bonuses (though there’s no obligation to purchase the book)
Signals support for this kind of story — and the possibility of more like it
To thank you for being an Early Lighter, you’ll be emailed this phone background:
Please add me to the Early Lighters group! With my $1 reservation, I gain access to the author/illustrator live Zoom in April, early access to the Kickstarter at least 12 hours before it’s announced to the general public, and with that, best chance at “first dibs” on early bird pricing set at least $3 below the general pricing for certain tiers (regaining my $1 reservation deposit and saving another $2 as well!). I’ll also receive a digital phone wallpaper image (pictured above) via email as a “thank you” gift.
The Lamplighter is a beautifully illustrated picture book created to feel timeless, enchanting, and hope-giving— the kind of story families return to year after year.
This $1 reservation simply helps us invite our earliest supporters first, before the public launch on Kickstarter.
Thank You, Early Lighters!
Thank You, Early Lighters!
What Happens Next
Completing your reservation using the button above automatically adds you to the limited Early Lighters email list.
You’ll receive a confirmation email containing your phone background file
In April, you’ll receive an emailed invitation to the author/illustrator Zoom gathering, where we’ll celebrate community, the joy of story, and invite all your questions and thoughts!
You’ll be notified before the Kickstarter goes live in May
You’ll be notified when the Kickstarter is live, at least 12 hours before we send out broader emails, post on social media, etc.
While no book purchase is necessary, if you do decide to purchase, your early support in May exponentially helps the project gain more momentum and visibility on the Kickstarter platform.
No spam.
No obligation beyond the $1 reservation.
Just invitation, warmth, and thanks!
FAQs
What is Kickstarter?
1
Kickstarter is a crowd-funding approach to launch new projects. For The Lamplighter, it allows us to see if we can recoup the costs of the book’s creation, and whether we can fund a second children’s picture book with a real illustrator (no A.I. illustrations) and the ingredients of heart, soul, and time.
Is this the only way to purchase the book?
2
No; the book will be available on traditional book retail websites like Amazon starting this fall, and bookstores are able to stock or special order it then as well. Kickstarter orders will be fulfilled over the summer, so if you purchase via Kickstarter, you will receive the bonuses of your chosen tier, plus you’ll receive your book(s) before they’re available on the wider retail market.
Why purchase through Kickstarter?
3
In addition to receiving the bonus material unique to the Kickstarter campaign, it’s an invitation to be a part of the start of something: the new endeavor of Lanternwood Press, a publisher of timeless and enchanting children’s picture books with values of courage, creativity, and care. By being a part of the Kickstarter, you help create “buzz”, and launch it with energy and excitement.
Do I have to do the $1 reservation to take part?
4
No; the Kickstarter is open to everyone once it goes live in May! The $1 reservation gets you all the perks listed on the website above, and helps the Kickstarter campaign with visibility on that platform.