Frances and her younger brother Peter face a lonely Christmas with their father in the island lighthouse where they live. Peter is eager to accept an invitation to spend Christmas with their aunt, even though their father will have to stay behind to keep the light burning. Frances is torn, but agrees. Then weather prevents Frances and Peter from leaving, and a rescued fisherman turns up as an unexpected guest. Frances is determined they will still have Christmas, making the most of what they have on hand to inspire a humble but welcome celebration that turns to one filled with surprise with the sudden sound of a small airplane overhead. The pilot drops a small package containing treats and gifts from “The Flying Santa.” An author’s note describing the Flying Santa Service, begun in 1929 to honor Penobscot Bay lighthouse keepers and their families, concludes this compelling and cozy holiday story. Illustrations gracefully capture both the historic setting and the characters’ feelings, including the love in their home. (Ages 4–8)

From the author of the 2013 Caldecott Honor Book, ONE COOL FRIEND!
Frances is determined to make Christmas jolly for her younger brother, even if it means joining family on the mainland and leaving Papa behind on their isolated lighthouse island. After all, would Santa even know how to find them in this faraway spot? But when Christmas Eve is ushered in on a wild storm and Papa risks his life to rescue a drowning man, the children realize that the most important thing about the holiday is being together.
As in all great Christmas stories, a happy ending is in store, and Santa finds them after all. Cozy and nostalgic, this story was inspired by the Flying Santa program, a New England tradition since 1929. It's the perfect book for a family to read together in front of the fire on Christmas morning.