Kickstarter is Live!
Be among the first to bring The Lamplighter to life—
explore the campaign on Kickstarter.
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.
Spark Light…
One Book at a Time.
In this story of color and light, the tale begins with simplicity…and grows in color and vibrancy as each child steps out in courage, steps into the courtyard, and tells their tale. By the end of the story, the world is full of light, color and life.
Would you like to see a few sample pages?
It isn’t the full story— once you have that, you’ll learn all about Mrs. Finchley, why she believes everyone needs electric light, and how these hearts reach out for hers.
And, you’ll see the community of Evensong Square come to life, as its residents step into the light to hear the stories, and lend their hands to caring for a cracked and weary place.
We hope the sample pages give a taste of the enchantment that awaits you.
Here’s your sneak peek…
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.
Supporters can choose a simple book purchase —
or select from a few optional tiers that include added bonuses.
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.
Thank You, Early Lighters!
Thank You, Early Lighters!
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.