Peppe the Lamplighter: A Caldecott Honor Award Winner

I purchased this book for my husband for Father's Day (he's Italian American")--I didn't really think that our then 2.5 year old would really care for the book. But he loves it! It's a good story, although at times the messages can be a bit confusing for a very young child--but my son seems to enjoys the illustrations, the sounds of the Italian names, and of course the most elemental aspects of the story.

"Peppe the Lamplighter" combines a story by Elisa Bartone with illustrations by Ted Lewin. The story takes place "[a] long time ago when there was no electricity and the street lamps in Little Italy had to be lit by hand." The hero of the book is Peppe, who lives with his widowed father and sisters in a tenement. Peppe's decision to get a job as a lamplighter leads to conflict between Peppe and his father.This is a good story that is greatly enhanced by Lewin's superb artwork. Most of the illustrations are two-page spreads that are packed full of energy and emotion. Lewin's realistic style is well-suited to capturing many colorful details: the sausages hanging in the butcher shop, a crowded street scene, the old-fashioned iron stove in Peppe's home, etc. Overall, a memorable celebration of Italian-American history.

I think this is a moving book which helps students think about the lives of many immigrants in early 20th century New York.

A wonderful, beautiful book that truly inspired my child. He now recognizes that even the "little things" are important. The illustrations are outstanding.

A children's book about immigrant life in Little Italy in lower Manhattan around 1900. A young boy gets a job as a lamplighter to help bring in income for his family. His father doesn't like it but comes to recognize its value and contributions to the community. The book is beautifully and authentically illustrated by Ted Lewis and it was a 1994 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children. Children come to appreciate the importance of all jobs.