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Peppe the Lamplighter
In the tradition of Lois Lowry and Paul Fleischman, Elisa Bartone's Caldecott Honor-winning book gives children a glimpse into American history and the immigrant experience.
This is the story of Peppe, who becomes a lamplighter to help support his immigrant family in turn-of-the-century New York City, despite his papa's disapproval. Peppe's family is very poor, and though he is just a boy he needs to find work. Being a lamplighter is not the job his father had dreamed of for Peppe, but when Peppe's job helps save his little sister, he earns the respect of his entire family.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
This is the story of Peppe, who becomes a lamplighter to help support his immigrant family in turn-of-the-century New York City, despite his papa's disapproval. Peppe's family is very poor, and though he is just a boy he needs to find work. Being a lamplighter is not the job his father had dreamed of for Peppe, but when Peppe's job helps save his little sister, he earns the respect of his entire family.
Supports the Common Core State Standards.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 26, 1993
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 220 reviews
June 15, 2019
The artwork is very stark. It is dark using a lamp or a small source of light to play with the shadows. An immigrant family lost their mother and their father is sick. Peppe looks all over for a job and finally finds one lighting the lamps. His father thinks it’s a horrible job and he is ashamed of Peppe. It’s the illness talking. One night Peppe is so ashamed of his job now, that he doesn’t light the lamps. His sister is not home. His father begs him to light the lamps so the young girl can find her way home. So Peppe lights the lamps. It’s a tough story. Immigrant stories are tough.
One aspect of the story that touched me was that when Peppe first gets his job, he sends up a prayer for each lamp he lights. It’s a beautiful practice. That’s making the mundane sacred is what that is. The artwork is oppressive in some ways, but it does have its beauty. It's not really beautiful, except it's darkness, but it's powerful in it's truth.
The niece thought this was a sad tale and it made her feel sad even though there was a nice ending. She gave this 3 stars. She asked if people had to live like that and yes, many people did and still do. The nephew thought this was long. It was too serious for him and he said it could have been funnier. I told him it wasn’t supposed to be funny and he shrugged. He gave this 2 stars.
One aspect of the story that touched me was that when Peppe first gets his job, he sends up a prayer for each lamp he lights. It’s a beautiful practice. That’s making the mundane sacred is what that is. The artwork is oppressive in some ways, but it does have its beauty. It's not really beautiful, except it's darkness, but it's powerful in it's truth.
The niece thought this was a sad tale and it made her feel sad even though there was a nice ending. She gave this 3 stars. She asked if people had to live like that and yes, many people did and still do. The nephew thought this was long. It was too serious for him and he said it could have been funnier. I told him it wasn’t supposed to be funny and he shrugged. He gave this 2 stars.
January 2, 2022
An evocative marriage of text and image is Peppe the Lamplighter, with both Elisa Bartone's moving (albeit at times rather desolate and upsetting) narrative and Ted Levin's realistically brilliant and atmospheric accompanying illustrations perfectly mirroring and complementing one another, as they emotionally, gracefully relate a story that according to the dust cover is actually based on the author's own family history. And indeed Elisa Bartone’s narrative flows gently and sweetly, although by necessity at times also with much sadness, describing a by-gone era with a thought-provoking universality of purpose (which nevertheless still manages to remain intensely personal), whilst Ted Levin's watercolours demonstrate both a grim and yet joyful reality (both darkness and light, as epitomised by Peppe and his job as a lamplighter, who as his youngest sister Asunta so lovingly claims, chases away the darkness).
Now quite a number of my GR friends do not seem to like Peppe the Lamplighter all that much as a story, and mostly due to the unfortunate fact that Peppe's father is indeed a rather nasty and opinionated individual (denigrating Peppe and his job as a lamplighter, telling him that his job is shameful, and that he is therefore in all ways unworthy). However, while Peppe's father is definitely majorly biased, illogical, and really quite viciously verbally abusive to his son (and thus, yes a total jerk so to speak), I think one should perhaps also ponder and consider the possible reasons as to why the father might originally be so very much against Peppe becoming a lamplighter. First and foremost, the father, as undoubtedly a proud and probably rather macho Italian "pater familias" type, might well deep in his innermost soul be ashamed of himself for being ill and unable to work, to provide for his family. And perhaps, if he, if the father, before the family had immigrated to America, had also been a well-known and respected "pillar" of his native community (or had been more than basically and rudimentarily educated), the mere concept of his son becoming, working as a menial labourer, as a lamplighter, might really have massively chafed for the father (totally unreasonable to be sure, but really, not all that historically uncommon, although the father's behaviour is both extreme and therefore also more than a bit worrisome in and of itself). And while I thus agree wholeheartedly that Peppe's father acts with loatheworthy prejudice, bias and illogical anger towards his son and his new profession, I for one also and majorly do APPLAUD Elisa Bartone for not sugar coating this or pretending it away (especially considering that Peppe's story is supposedly based on her own family history, her own ethnic background), for showing, or rather for daring to present the father as he likely was (and let's face it, the father does finally apologise and even tells Peppe that he is proud of him, something that is NOT an automatic given with and for parents). Recommended, but with the caveat that the father's verbally abusive behaviour really does need to be discussed, actualised and harshly condemned and citicised (and with that salient fact in mind, Peppe the Lamplighter is therefore perhaps also more suitable for slightly older children and not necessarily the very young).
Now quite a number of my GR friends do not seem to like Peppe the Lamplighter all that much as a story, and mostly due to the unfortunate fact that Peppe's father is indeed a rather nasty and opinionated individual (denigrating Peppe and his job as a lamplighter, telling him that his job is shameful, and that he is therefore in all ways unworthy). However, while Peppe's father is definitely majorly biased, illogical, and really quite viciously verbally abusive to his son (and thus, yes a total jerk so to speak), I think one should perhaps also ponder and consider the possible reasons as to why the father might originally be so very much against Peppe becoming a lamplighter. First and foremost, the father, as undoubtedly a proud and probably rather macho Italian "pater familias" type, might well deep in his innermost soul be ashamed of himself for being ill and unable to work, to provide for his family. And perhaps, if he, if the father, before the family had immigrated to America, had also been a well-known and respected "pillar" of his native community (or had been more than basically and rudimentarily educated), the mere concept of his son becoming, working as a menial labourer, as a lamplighter, might really have massively chafed for the father (totally unreasonable to be sure, but really, not all that historically uncommon, although the father's behaviour is both extreme and therefore also more than a bit worrisome in and of itself). And while I thus agree wholeheartedly that Peppe's father acts with loatheworthy prejudice, bias and illogical anger towards his son and his new profession, I for one also and majorly do APPLAUD Elisa Bartone for not sugar coating this or pretending it away (especially considering that Peppe's story is supposedly based on her own family history, her own ethnic background), for showing, or rather for daring to present the father as he likely was (and let's face it, the father does finally apologise and even tells Peppe that he is proud of him, something that is NOT an automatic given with and for parents). Recommended, but with the caveat that the father's verbally abusive behaviour really does need to be discussed, actualised and harshly condemned and citicised (and with that salient fact in mind, Peppe the Lamplighter is therefore perhaps also more suitable for slightly older children and not necessarily the very young).
August 4, 2011
Peppe works, against his father's wishes, as a lamplighter in Little Italy. He is young but he must work to help support his many sisters. One night, Peppe is too discouraged to light the lamps and his sister is to frightened to come home...can Peppe save the day?
The illustrations are beautiful and are true to the time period. I also appreciate the family dynamics of this story. The father's pride shows the high expectations that immigrants often had for America. Peppe had to grow up fast in order to contribute to his family, this was common at the time but might be tough for today's young readers to grasp.
The illustrations are beautiful and are true to the time period. I also appreciate the family dynamics of this story. The father's pride shows the high expectations that immigrants often had for America. Peppe had to grow up fast in order to contribute to his family, this was common at the time but might be tough for today's young readers to grasp.
January 23, 2016
Being of Italian heritage, I needed this book (even though our grandparents came straight to Colorado). Italian, immigrants, working at low-skill jobs to make a living, family, brothers and sisters (their names!), life c 1900 ... I especially appreciated the darkness of the art; that was life before electricity.
(This is one of those books that looks like a picture book for young children but is really more appropriate for older kids.)
(This is one of those books that looks like a picture book for young children but is really more appropriate for older kids.)
October 28, 2015
Peppe the Lamplighter is a beautiful historical fiction picture book. It's filled with engaging, beautiful and authentic language. This story is about a little boy named Peppe, who is trying to help make money for his family in Little Italy, New York. He comes from a family of immigrants consisting of a dead mother, a frustrated father and six sisters. Peppe does not let his situation define him and shows real persistence in trying to find a job. His father was saddened at first because he thought lamp-lighting was a street job, but then had a revelation that it was actually a very important job which made him and Peppe proud.
I believe this book would be perfect for read alouds among younger elementary students and could be a good independent book for older students. One could use this book when talking about the importance of work ethic and not giving up. It also teaches children to be grateful for the little things and showing them about life in New York when there was no electricity. Perhaps, one could turn this into a writer's workshop where students try to write about what life would have been like without electricity! So many places to go with this heartwarming story.
I believe this book would be perfect for read alouds among younger elementary students and could be a good independent book for older students. One could use this book when talking about the importance of work ethic and not giving up. It also teaches children to be grateful for the little things and showing them about life in New York when there was no electricity. Perhaps, one could turn this into a writer's workshop where students try to write about what life would have been like without electricity! So many places to go with this heartwarming story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2015
A gorgeous reminder that all work is honorable and that the words we say as parents can make or break a child. I highly recommend this one.
November 13, 2016
Peppe's mother has died and his father is sick. So Peppe searches for a job to help support his family. When he gets a job as a lamplighter, his father is angry and says, "Did I come to America for my son to light the streetlamps?" Then he walks out, slamming the door. Peppe continues to light the lamps but begins to feel that it is a bad and worthless job, due to his father's continued expressions of disappointment and anger. One night he decides not to light the lamps and his sister does not come home; she is too scared to walk home without the light from the lamps.
The illustrations are absolutely wonderful...such emotion shines through.
His sister says that he has the best job in the world. He asks why. She says, "You scare the dark away."
This got me thinking a bit philosophically...how can we "scare the dark away?" How can we light up the world and make it a safer place? The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came to mind: "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." So we love. We work to add light. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." We remember Edith Wharton's words: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." If speaking metaphorically, then perhaps Peppe's job of being the lamplighter really was one of the most important jobs.
The illustrations are absolutely wonderful...such emotion shines through.
His sister says that he has the best job in the world. He asks why. She says, "You scare the dark away."
This got me thinking a bit philosophically...how can we "scare the dark away?" How can we light up the world and make it a safer place? The words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. came to mind: "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." So we love. We work to add light. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness." We remember Edith Wharton's words: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it." If speaking metaphorically, then perhaps Peppe's job of being the lamplighter really was one of the most important jobs.
January 9, 2014
The 1994 Caldecott Honor book is filled with page after page of beautiful illustrations telling the tale of the search for the American dream.
Peppe's large Italian family immigrated to the United States. His father was sick and his mother was dead, thus with little money, they settled in a tenement on Mulberry Street, As he only male child in the family, Peppe sought work and found a job as the lamplighter.
In frustration his father lashed out night after night expressing anger and pent up disappointment, Peppe was told his job and that he did not bring his family to America for his son to be a mere lamplighter.
When, one night his father looked down on him from the window and told him that he belonged to the streets, Peppe cried. When his father told him he was ashamed, Peppe cried and began to believe his father was correct.
When afraid of the nastiness, his young sister ran away into the darkness, Peppe's father realized the importance of his job. Lighting the lamps enabled Peppe to find his sister.
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Rich in history, accurate in cultural beliefs, I highly recommend this book.
Peppe's large Italian family immigrated to the United States. His father was sick and his mother was dead, thus with little money, they settled in a tenement on Mulberry Street, As he only male child in the family, Peppe sought work and found a job as the lamplighter.
In frustration his father lashed out night after night expressing anger and pent up disappointment, Peppe was told his job and that he did not bring his family to America for his son to be a mere lamplighter.
When, one night his father looked down on him from the window and told him that he belonged to the streets, Peppe cried. When his father told him he was ashamed, Peppe cried and began to believe his father was correct.
When afraid of the nastiness, his young sister ran away into the darkness, Peppe's father realized the importance of his job. Lighting the lamps enabled Peppe to find his sister.
--------------------
Rich in history, accurate in cultural beliefs, I highly recommend this book.
November 10, 2022
A likable though clique story about a little boy who gets a job and finds out his father is now ashamed of him for what he does.
Set in the Italian district of New York City at the turn of the century, this tale indicates a smidgen of what life was like for immigrants at the time.
Loved how the illustrations really captured and brought out the light!
Ages: 4 - 10
Cleanliness: a boy goes into a bar asking for a job to wash the glasses. He also goes into a cigar shop looking for a job.
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Set in the Italian district of New York City at the turn of the century, this tale indicates a smidgen of what life was like for immigrants at the time.
Loved how the illustrations really captured and brought out the light!
Ages: 4 - 10
Cleanliness: a boy goes into a bar asking for a job to wash the glasses. He also goes into a cigar shop looking for a job.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
October 27, 2015
"Peppe the Lamplighter" is a sweet, wonderful story about a boy who struggles to help support his immigrant family after they move to New York City. This book exposes students to concepts and realities of immigration, history of past immigration movements, and a diverse vocabulary, and thus is best for students in grades 3-5. This book could, obviously, be connected to social studies lessons regarding immigration and American history, as well as how those topics are relevant today.
Elisa Bartone's eloquent writing, like in the line "small flame of promise for the future," inspires and captivates her readers. Additionally, the illustrations that go along with the book are beautiful and do a great job of illustrating a reality that goes along with the story. I would love to use this book with my class if I were placed with upper grade students!
Elisa Bartone's eloquent writing, like in the line "small flame of promise for the future," inspires and captivates her readers. Additionally, the illustrations that go along with the book are beautiful and do a great job of illustrating a reality that goes along with the story. I would love to use this book with my class if I were placed with upper grade students!
November 2, 2016
1994 Caldecott Honor - Favorite Illustration: When Peppe finds his little sister sitting beneath an unlit street lamp.
I love the beautiful illustrations in this book. They fit the tone and the time frames wonderfully and definitely help tell the story of a young boy struggling in a new country to help feed his family. However, I don't like the story. I think Peppe's father is a jerk and it doesn't really make sense why he is so angry with his son for taking a job to help the family. I understand if he were sorrowful at the necessity, but standing about yelling and slamming doors won't help the situation. Overall, underwhelmed with what could have been a lovely look into the lives of immigrants.
I love the beautiful illustrations in this book. They fit the tone and the time frames wonderfully and definitely help tell the story of a young boy struggling in a new country to help feed his family. However, I don't like the story. I think Peppe's father is a jerk and it doesn't really make sense why he is so angry with his son for taking a job to help the family. I understand if he were sorrowful at the necessity, but standing about yelling and slamming doors won't help the situation. Overall, underwhelmed with what could have been a lovely look into the lives of immigrants.
May 26, 2018
This is a story of a young boy named Peppe who lived with his family in the neighborhood of Little Italy back when there was no electricity and streetlights had to be lit by hand. Peppe's mother had died and his father became ill so he had to find work to take care of himself, his father, and seven sisters. Peppe searched around for work but could not find anything until one day a friend of his asked him to light the streetlights that night for him. Peppe was so excited and found a love for this job but his father was no so happy. He had higher expectations for Peppe when they moved to America. Throughout the story, Peppe tries to win his father's respect and one day it finally happens. This book would be good to use for an immigration unit.
July 9, 2011
I can hardly stand it! What a wonderful book. This was pulled out of my next to bed closet from my 4 yr old and I marveled that I had not read it in so long. LOVE IT! A perfect example of sanctifying yourself through your work.
Young Peppe lights each lamp with an intention and a prayer. Doing his very best as a gift to God. He does finally receive the appreciation and praise from his father that he longs for but it is not a preachy book at all. A great example of doing your work well to please God.
Young Peppe lights each lamp with an intention and a prayer. Doing his very best as a gift to God. He does finally receive the appreciation and praise from his father that he longs for but it is not a preachy book at all. A great example of doing your work well to please God.
November 12, 2016
I really liked the story and the lovely paintings. I am not sure why the father was so unreasonable, but perhaps he couldn't get a job himself and was a bit jealous.
June 4, 2013
I found myself drawn to the underlying message of the dignity to be found in each person's work, no matter how menial it may seem.
February 6, 2023
Came across this beautiful children’s story just now at a Free Little Library in my neighborhood. It’s a story about treating all workers with kindness and respect. Even without garbage pick up workers, we’re all affected.
May 16, 2019
Peppe the Lamplighter is set in New York City in a part of town known as Little Italy, on a street named Mulberry Street. The story takes place long ago, before the days of electric streetlamps. Peppe is a young boy that lives with his father and eight sisters in a small apartment building after immigrating to America. Their family is very poor, and Peppe sets out in search of a job to help support his family.
After much searching, Peppe secures the job of manually lighting each streetlight in Little Italy, a job that while not very promising socially, Peppe takes very seriously. Each night he goes to every street light and joyously lights it with his lamplighter stick. With each lighting, "...Peppe imagined [it] to be a small flame of promise for the future". Despite Peppe's pride and joy he finds as a lamplighter, his father is disgraced and ashamed of Peppe, claiming he would "belong to the streets". Peppe's father soon discovers that one of his daughters is missing in the dark, and Peppe would be the one to bring her back after lighting the way.
Awarded as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1994 and noted as an ALA Notable Children's Book, Peppe the Lamplighter tells the story of the struggles of American immigrants as they hope for a new and better life. It also speaks to the dedication that Peppe has to his family, even as a young child. The detailed double spread illustrations capture what life was like in Little Italy for many immigrants. This text would be appropriate for elementary students to discuss themes such as hope, family, perseverance, as well as the topic of immigration to America.
After much searching, Peppe secures the job of manually lighting each streetlight in Little Italy, a job that while not very promising socially, Peppe takes very seriously. Each night he goes to every street light and joyously lights it with his lamplighter stick. With each lighting, "...Peppe imagined [it] to be a small flame of promise for the future". Despite Peppe's pride and joy he finds as a lamplighter, his father is disgraced and ashamed of Peppe, claiming he would "belong to the streets". Peppe's father soon discovers that one of his daughters is missing in the dark, and Peppe would be the one to bring her back after lighting the way.
Awarded as a Caldecott Honor Book in 1994 and noted as an ALA Notable Children's Book, Peppe the Lamplighter tells the story of the struggles of American immigrants as they hope for a new and better life. It also speaks to the dedication that Peppe has to his family, even as a young child. The detailed double spread illustrations capture what life was like in Little Italy for many immigrants. This text would be appropriate for elementary students to discuss themes such as hope, family, perseverance, as well as the topic of immigration to America.
October 23, 2018
"Peppe the Lamplighter" is a heartwarming tale about a little boy who's sole desire is to make his father proud. He experiences setback when his father disapproves of his efforts, but eventually his father realizes that Peppe's role as the lamplighter is important to every member of their community. The story is intended for children 6 years of age and older. This age range is appropriate because the text includes some words that may be difficult for younger readers to pronounce or comprehend. In addition, there is also historical background to the story that young children would not be able to recognize. Peppe and his family are immigrants living in a tenant on the streets of Little Italy in New York City, which might be confusing for some readers. The book received the Caldecott Honor in 1994 for its beautiful artwork displayed through watercolor painting and realism. I know that watercolor painting is the medium and realism is the style because I researched the illustrator, Ted Lewin, and found that these are his most popular styles of illustration. The detailed street scenes painted throughout the story provide historical context through the clothing that people are wearing and the emotions that are felt in each particular moment. I love the cover of the book because it is a wrap around cover showing a picture of Peppe lighting up the dark night with a lamp post. The illustrations are double page spreads throughout the book with the text residing in the top left or right corners. I loved this book because of its historical context, but I am not sure that children would be intrigued by the story line. However, the illustrations are beautiful and fun to examine. I would read this book to children if I were teaching them a history lesson, but I am not sure that I would choose to read it for fun. Overall, a very well-written story with phenomenal illustrations.
June 20, 2018
Caldecott Honor Book, Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone is a beautiful glimpse at America's history and immigration. Illustrator, Ted Lewin dedicates this book to the American Dream and his artwork sheds light on an Italian boy who did whatever it took to experience such life that was promised to him. Although his position did not appear to be much to others it meant everything to Peppe; Bartone writes, "one by one he lit them all... he imagined them to be a small flame of promise for the future."
I really like this book and the message it has toward, perspectives. It is our view really of what makes something valuable or not. Is a job respected only out of what others think? or does one's role in society matter through the eyes of the beholder and what lies within? Such ideas and thoughts could be discussed by asking them to our students first, in a journal writing activity and then second, asking those to share their personal beliefs on what are important positions today.
This story could easily be integrated into a Social Studies unit of tracing the role of migration and immigration of people in the development of the United States. Encourage students to think about the role of children and those of smaller jobs that had a part in what America is today, because of them.
I really like this book and the message it has toward, perspectives. It is our view really of what makes something valuable or not. Is a job respected only out of what others think? or does one's role in society matter through the eyes of the beholder and what lies within? Such ideas and thoughts could be discussed by asking them to our students first, in a journal writing activity and then second, asking those to share their personal beliefs on what are important positions today.
This story could easily be integrated into a Social Studies unit of tracing the role of migration and immigration of people in the development of the United States. Encourage students to think about the role of children and those of smaller jobs that had a part in what America is today, because of them.
May 5, 2019
This story is about a boy who was looking for a job in order to support his sisters. He soon found a job as a lamplighter and his father despise of it. This book teaches readers how hard immigrants worked in this country at any age. It is a good story to learn about history, hard work, dedication, and the importance of family. A very good book to read for life lessons to children.
October 5, 2017
Peppe the Lamplighter is an interesting glimpse into Italian-American culture and history. I loved the names of each of the kids in Peppe’s family. The use of light in the illustrations is really beautiful, especially on the page where Peppe’s sister Assunta lights the lamp. I also love the way Peppe lights each lamp in the name of someone he loves. I enjoyed the parallels between his lamp-lighting and the way people will light candles for others in church.
November 6, 2018
Historical Fiction
3rd-5th grade reading level
I liked the inspiring story that this book tells. It encourages a person to chase after his/her dreams and persevere even when things get tough in life. I think that this encouragement could inspire any child, especially those who are going through a hard time or those that have parents who don’t really care about his/her dreams. There is a few words and names in this book that I think might be hard for students to pronounce.
3rd-5th grade reading level
I liked the inspiring story that this book tells. It encourages a person to chase after his/her dreams and persevere even when things get tough in life. I think that this encouragement could inspire any child, especially those who are going through a hard time or those that have parents who don’t really care about his/her dreams. There is a few words and names in this book that I think might be hard for students to pronounce.
May 27, 2018
Inspiring!
November 20, 2017
Peppe the Lamplighter is a book about a young boy who lives in Little Italy. He lives with his father and many sisters, so he to find work to help sustain his family. He has bad luck at first trying to find a job, but he ends up getting a job as the town’s lamplighter. He is so excited to have this job, but his father is verbal about his disappointment at Peppe’s decision. One night, Peppe feels so ashamed at his father’s disapproval that he decided to not go out and light the lamps, so the town is pitch black when sunset arrives. However, because it is so dark, Peppe’s younger sister doesn’t arrive home which worries everyone. His father apologizes to Peppe and begs him to light the lamps and bring the sister home. Once Peppe finishes the job and carries his sleeping sister home, Peppe’s father and family thank him and tell Peppe how proud they are of him.
The major theme of this book is that hard work will always be important and appreciated. Peppe is led to believe that his job is meaningless and that everyone is laughing at him behind his back, but in the end, Peppe’s lack of work leaves the town in darkness and even makes his sister get lost. His family finally acknowledges that Peppe’s hard work is very important to the safety and productivity of everyone in the town.
I really enjoyed this book because it is a heartwarming story of a young boy trying to work to sustain his large family. The images are very well designed in colors and details to focus on the theme of the book and all the hidden emotions the characters experience. Throughout the whole book, Peppe works hard to either find a job and to do his job well. At first his hard work isn’t acknowledged in a positive light, especially from his father. I feel like many children or people who read this book can relate to their work being ridiculed or taken for granted to the point where they want to give up. In the end, Peppe is needed and everyone appreciates the work he does as a lamplighter.
I highly recommend this book to parents or teachers as either a read aloud or to have in a library for children because it shares an important message that children of any age should know. Hard work may not always be publicly acknowledged, but it will always be noticed and appreciated. The book would also be a good resource for teachers to either talk about the immigration that occurred in history, or it can be used to show how poverty can impact families.
The major theme of this book is that hard work will always be important and appreciated. Peppe is led to believe that his job is meaningless and that everyone is laughing at him behind his back, but in the end, Peppe’s lack of work leaves the town in darkness and even makes his sister get lost. His family finally acknowledges that Peppe’s hard work is very important to the safety and productivity of everyone in the town.
I really enjoyed this book because it is a heartwarming story of a young boy trying to work to sustain his large family. The images are very well designed in colors and details to focus on the theme of the book and all the hidden emotions the characters experience. Throughout the whole book, Peppe works hard to either find a job and to do his job well. At first his hard work isn’t acknowledged in a positive light, especially from his father. I feel like many children or people who read this book can relate to their work being ridiculed or taken for granted to the point where they want to give up. In the end, Peppe is needed and everyone appreciates the work he does as a lamplighter.
I highly recommend this book to parents or teachers as either a read aloud or to have in a library for children because it shares an important message that children of any age should know. Hard work may not always be publicly acknowledged, but it will always be noticed and appreciated. The book would also be a good resource for teachers to either talk about the immigration that occurred in history, or it can be used to show how poverty can impact families.
October 3, 2017
Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone tells a story of immigration to the United States. This book is a historical fiction book that tells the story of a young boy named Peppe living in Little Italy, New York. Peppe is trying to find a job to help his family, and after searching all over town, he finally finds one as a lamplighter. Peppe loves his job but struggles to feel proud as his father tells him he is ashamed, and that this was not the job he had in mind for his children when they came to America. However, Peppe comes to the rescue after he lights the town and finds his little sister, which in the end, makes his father extremely proud.
Some major themes in this book are ambition and family. Peppe takes initiative and finds a job to help support his family and create a life for himself in America. He was ambitious and excited as he began his job as the city lamplighter, and viewed each light as hope for the future. The theme of family is evident because Peppe got the job to support his family, and as he lit each lamp, he wished for good things to come to his sisters, mother, and father.
This book is fabulous for many reasons. The illustrations convey what life must have been like in Little Italy, and there is a strong emphasis on light, as each page is done in dark colors with many shadows. As a fourth generation American from Italian Immigrants myself, I loved how the pictures and the text included aspects of Italian culture. The story is heartwarming as it portrays the importance of family during hard times.
I would absolutely recommend this book for upper elementary levels. It gives students a look into the lives of immigrants, past and present. It also emphasizes that working toward the betterment of your life or your family's is always something to be proud of.
Some major themes in this book are ambition and family. Peppe takes initiative and finds a job to help support his family and create a life for himself in America. He was ambitious and excited as he began his job as the city lamplighter, and viewed each light as hope for the future. The theme of family is evident because Peppe got the job to support his family, and as he lit each lamp, he wished for good things to come to his sisters, mother, and father.
This book is fabulous for many reasons. The illustrations convey what life must have been like in Little Italy, and there is a strong emphasis on light, as each page is done in dark colors with many shadows. As a fourth generation American from Italian Immigrants myself, I loved how the pictures and the text included aspects of Italian culture. The story is heartwarming as it portrays the importance of family during hard times.
I would absolutely recommend this book for upper elementary levels. It gives students a look into the lives of immigrants, past and present. It also emphasizes that working toward the betterment of your life or your family's is always something to be proud of.
December 9, 2018
In this book, the illustrations match the mood and the theme of the story—it has both a dark and sad side, as well as a light and happy side too. I was surprised at the seriousness of the topics it dealt with, and for that reason, as well as some higher level vocabulary and hard-to-pronounce Italian names, I would recommend this book for children a little bit older, maybe grades second through fourth or fifth. In my opinion, this book, which was the recipient of a Caldecott Honor in 1994, had illustrations that were very intense; to my eyes, it seemed like Lewin used oil paint to achieve the “moody and rich” artwork, and that mirrored the sad and somewhat dark struggles Peppe faces of having lost his mother and trying to win the approval of his father, who keeps telling him he is ashamed and disappointed in Peppe’s job as a lamplighter. I would say that the style is closest to realism, and the faces and expressions that Lewin paints are very realistic, allowing the reader to feel like they are right there with Peppe. Lewin also makes great use of shadows through his painting and pays special attention to illustrating the darkness of the night in the streets, and the light that comes from the lamps that Peppe lights. I especially loved Lewin's use of the two-page spreads to illustrate the city streets, and I thought that this helped bring the book to life, but also show how big and busy the world was in comparison to Peppe, implying that he is just a small young boy trying to make money for his family in a big, "adult" world. This book would be best to use as a read-aloud in a classroom of older students, and I think that they would be fascinated and drawn in by the deep richness of the illustrations, much like I was.
March 21, 2021
In this historical fiction text, set in the 1800-1900s it depicts the life an immigrant family living in Little Italy. With the death of his mother and his father sick, Peppe is a child looking for a job to take care of his family. He searches all over for a job until finally his is asked to take over for Domenico as a lamplighter. He is so proud and excited about his job but, when he gets home to tell his father he receives an unexpected reaction. His father is very upset he has taken this job. In the beginning Peppe loves lighting the streetlamps but as his relationship with his father is strained, he decides no night not to light the streetlamps. Since he did not light the streetlamps the city becomes dark, and his sister is lost because she can’t find her way home. Peppe and his father have a conversation and he urge him to light the lamps in order to find his sister. In doing so he finds his sister at the very last lamp on the street. In the end his father tells him he is proud him and the job his doing.
The dark illustrations throughout the book not only show the importance of lamp lighting but also the dark times financially for Peppe’s family. The life of an immigrant family both then and now can be hard.
This would be a great book to highlight the diversity of this country. It also shows the struggles of immigrant families as they try to create a home in a new country. It also would be great to use when discussing community members or looking at the evolution of lights and electricity.
The dark illustrations throughout the book not only show the importance of lamp lighting but also the dark times financially for Peppe’s family. The life of an immigrant family both then and now can be hard.
This would be a great book to highlight the diversity of this country. It also shows the struggles of immigrant families as they try to create a home in a new country. It also would be great to use when discussing community members or looking at the evolution of lights and electricity.
November 14, 2017
1. Awards Received: This book has received the Caldecott Medal.
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool to grade 3.
3. Summary: In the early 1900’s Pepe, a young immigrant, lives in Little Italy. His mother had died and his father is sick. Because of this, Peppe has to help support his eight sisters as a temporary street lamplighter. While his father disapproves of the job, his sisters support him. Peppe’s father’s disapproval continues to bother him until the point where he gives up one night. This same night, his youngest sister does not come home because she is afraid of the dark. Peppe’s father realizes how important Peppe’s job is and pleads with him to light the lamps.
4. The colors illustrations in the book are very beautiful and reflect the time period and the neighborhood that the story takes place in. I also like that it brings in aspect of Italian culture, especially the historical aspects of Italian culture in little Italy decades ago. On top of Italian culture, it gives perspective into the ambitious lives of immigrants and the lengths they made to go through to make a living for their families.
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Going off of what the sister says: “You scare the darkness way,” the children could think metaphorically about how they can bring light into the world.
-Talk about ambition: how Peppe’s ambitious and then connect that to how the students themselves are ambitious about something in their life
2. Appropriate grade level(s): This book is appropriate for preschool to grade 3.
3. Summary: In the early 1900’s Pepe, a young immigrant, lives in Little Italy. His mother had died and his father is sick. Because of this, Peppe has to help support his eight sisters as a temporary street lamplighter. While his father disapproves of the job, his sisters support him. Peppe’s father’s disapproval continues to bother him until the point where he gives up one night. This same night, his youngest sister does not come home because she is afraid of the dark. Peppe’s father realizes how important Peppe’s job is and pleads with him to light the lamps.
4. The colors illustrations in the book are very beautiful and reflect the time period and the neighborhood that the story takes place in. I also like that it brings in aspect of Italian culture, especially the historical aspects of Italian culture in little Italy decades ago. On top of Italian culture, it gives perspective into the ambitious lives of immigrants and the lengths they made to go through to make a living for their families.
5. Uses in the classroom:
-Going off of what the sister says: “You scare the darkness way,” the children could think metaphorically about how they can bring light into the world.
-Talk about ambition: how Peppe’s ambitious and then connect that to how the students themselves are ambitious about something in their life
October 27, 2021
Elisa Bartone’s book, Peppe the Lamplighter, tells the story of an Italian family that moved to the USA and Peppe starts looking for a job to help his sisters. After a long time of looking for a job Peppe finally got one, when Domenico asked him to keep his job for him since he was leaving to Italy. Once he got the happy news Peppe went back home to tell his father and sisters, but his father wasn’t happy about it. He said that he didn’t brought them to the Americas to become a lamplighter. Peppe when happy to light the lamps and said that each one was a promise for tomorrow. After his father told him that he belonged to the streets Peppe didn’t light the lamps and after his little sister got lost his father finally recognized that it was a good job.
The illustrations are very realistic and well detail. It looks that the book was painted, having the entire pages painted makes you feel like you are in the story. The dark colors implement during the late nights makes you face all of Peppe’s emotions throughout the book. The book as a whole is great, the illustrations, story, and the message it leaves at the end. It is a great book that combines fiction with historical facts. I think is a book worth having in your bookshelf, since it shows some of the adversities that immigrants face and feelings they encounter after moving to a new country.
The illustrations are very realistic and well detail. It looks that the book was painted, having the entire pages painted makes you feel like you are in the story. The dark colors implement during the late nights makes you face all of Peppe’s emotions throughout the book. The book as a whole is great, the illustrations, story, and the message it leaves at the end. It is a great book that combines fiction with historical facts. I think is a book worth having in your bookshelf, since it shows some of the adversities that immigrants face and feelings they encounter after moving to a new country.
April 21, 2018
_Peppe the Lamplighter_ by Elisa Bartone and illustrated by Ted Lewin was a Caldecott Honor book from 1994. This story gives a realistic view of a struggling immigrant family and how a young boy must grow up too quickly to help support his family. While this story is a little deep for a young audience when his father is disapproving of his son’s job, it does give an excellent example of a struggling father who only wants the best for his children. This would be something that would have to be explained because to a young innocent audience, he could simply appear to be a mean father. An adult would potentially need to elaborate on how the father brought his family to America for a better life and his words and actions only come out of a frustration that he is unable to deliver a better life for his children. I would suggest using this book with elementary school aged kids. It would be a useful tool to help teach immigration. There is a lot of text which could make it difficult for new readers to read alone, but older elementary school students should be able to read it with less difficulty. This book would also be a good read for circle time as it can lead to good discussion on a very important topic in society today being about immigrants. The chosen art medium appears to be acrylic paints. Each double page spread gives a very detailed depiction of the setting and characters. The paintings look very realistic which further helps elaborate on the realistic situation in the book for the time period it is set in. Overall it is a well written book with colorful illustrations that help bring the story to life. With careful teacher guidance, this book can be a great teaching tool for immigration.
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