Hello Lighthouse

Blackall illustrated the book using Chinese ink and watercolor.^[4] The illustrations were bright and detailed and drew inspiration from traditional or old fashioned art to make a unique effecting style.^[7][8] This style paired well with the nostalgic text, whose sparseness evokes the log the keeper maintains, and the books long vertical format, evoking the lighthouse itself.^[4][8][9] The repetition and even pace of the text also helps to reinforce the routines of the characters.^[9][10] Reviewers noted the role constancy and change plays as the lighthouse stays the same, even being in the same space on different pages, even as the keeper experiences changes in his life and the sea itself goes through different phases.^{[7][8][11][12]} Reviewers have also noted that the historical accuracy of the illustrations sets it apart from other children's books.^[13] The sea remains present in the background throughout the book, even on pages which focus on special events in the life of the lighthouse's residents.^[9] Circles are also a repeated motif in the illustrations.^[12][14] Rather than a sad look back, the book is instead a celebration of those times.^[5][11] While the passage of time and the consistency of the lighthouse's presence are themes often discussed with the book, some have also commented about Blackall commenting on the evolution of technology through the ending of the book, as the lighthouse keeper is replaced by an automated process.^[15]

The book was well reviewed and received starred reviews from Booklist,^[8] the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books,^[9] Kirkus Reviews, who named to the book to a "Best Book of the 21st Century" list, ^[4] Publishers Weekly, who also named it a best book of 2018 calling it "a jewel of a creation",^[5][16] and School Library Journal where reviewer Elizabeth Blake wrote that, "readers feel as though they are inside the lighthouse along with the keeper, surrounded by the beauty and drama of the ever-changing sea."^[11] The New York Times, who named the book to its notables list of 2018,^[17] also praised the book, with writer Bruce Handy noting, "I will be surprised if a more exquisite picture book is published this year."^[7]

The book also won the 2019 Caldecott Medal.^[18] Caldecott Medal Committee Chair Mary Fellows said that, “Children will delight in immersing themselves in the captivating discoveries each new look at ‘Hello Lighthouse’ will bring.”^[19]