Review: The Puffin Keeper

Title: The Puffin Keeper
Author: Michael Morpurgo, Benji Davies (illustrator)
Genre: Children’s, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Puffin Books
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 15, 2022
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

From bestselling author Michael Morpurgo comes a beautifully illustrated classic story about a lighthouse keeper, a daring rescue and puffins, for fans of War Horse and The One and Only Ivan.

As a child, Allen is saved from a nautical disaster by Benjamin Postlethwaite, a solitary lighthouse keeper. Years later, Allen returns to the lighthouse, and the two nurse an injured young puffin back to health. When Allen is called up to fight in World War Two, he’s not sure he’ll see his mother or Benjamin again, but his fond memories of his time at the lighthouse keep him going, even through prison camp.

Allen and Ben’s enduring friendship over the years is the basis for this story about friendship, art, war and an incredibly adorable puffin. From masterful storyteller Michael Morpurgo and world-class illustrator Benji Davies comes this truly beautiful tale which will enchant readers of all ages.

Review:

In 1926, Benjamin Postlethwaite looks after the lighthouse on Puffin Island. He takes his job very seriously. One day, he sees a ship in distress and goes to save the people on board. He rescues young Allen and his mother. Allen becomes Benjamin’s friend for life, bonding over painting and rescuing a puffin.

This is a beautiful story. I love puffins. I saw some on my trip to Newfoundland for the first time a couple of years ago, and I was shocked to see how tiny they were. They’re amazing little birds. Ironically, the island in this story didn’t have puffins on them anymore, until Ben and Allen healed one that kept returning to the island.

The story was beautiful as well as the illustrations. Ben and Allen loved to paint and used paintings to communicate. Ships and the sea were Allen’s favourite things to paint. The gorgeous puffins were in many of the illustrations as well.

The Puffin Keeper is a beautiful book and story.

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada for providing a copy of this book.

What to read next:

Have you read The Puffin Keeper? What did you think of it?