Every evening Lampie the lighthouse keeper's daughter must light a lantern to warn ships away from the rocks. But one stormy night disaster strikes. The lantern goes out, a ship is wrecked and an adventure begins. In disgrace, Lampie is sent to work as a maid at the Admiral's Black House, where rumour has it that a monster lurks in the tower. But what she finds there is stranger and more beautiful than any monster. Soon Lampie is drawn into a fairytale adventure in a world of mermaids and pirates, where she must fight with all her might for friendship, freedom and the right to be different.

"Lampie stood out... a dark-and-stormy-night of a fairytale that I absolutely loved" - Observer, Best Books of 2019

"Schaap is a famous illustrator in the Netherlands and her debut novel will illuminate children all around the world" - The Times 20 Children's Books for Summer

"Absorbing, old fashioned storytelling, reminiscent of The Secret Garden" - Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week

"I am very glad to recommend this absolute gem" - Fiona Noble, The Bookseller, Book of the Month

"A dark, quirky fairy tale of a story - beautifully written and beautifully translated too. A free, fresh narrative style expertly combined with classic storytelling. I loved it" - Lucy Strange, author of Our Castle by the Sea

"I was swept away in a sea foam storm by the spectacular Lampie and the Children of the Sea... What a treasure trove of a book" - Hilary McKay author of 'The Skylarks' War'

"A fairy story with as many twists as a mermaid's tail - both dark-edged and charming. You won't be able to put it down" - Julia Golding, author of The Diamond of Drury Lane

"Terrific. Deeply moving, yet never sentimental. It unfolds beautifully, with all the wonder and magic of the best fairy stories" - Tania Unsworth, author of The Girl Who Thought Her Mother Was a Mermaid

"It's a gripping and magical adventure, rich in fairytale elements" - Books for Keeps, Books of the Year

"A mesmeric tale of fierce friendships and loyalty. So good it reads like folklore. A beautiful, captivating tale" - Emma Carroll, author of 'Letters from the Lighthouse'

"An astonishing, mysterious seaswept story... Dazzles with darkness and glitters with light" - Cerrie Burnell, author of Harper and the Sea of Secrets

"Mermaids, pirates and fierce fights for freedom combine in a fast-paced fairytale" - Guardian

"An absolute delight... I just couldn't help but sit and read this from cover to cover in one sitting!" - Independent Book Reviews

"Such a marvellous story! One of those far too rare, perfect children's books" - Bookwitch

"Truly atmospheric and original stuff... Who can possibly resist the lure of a book so entangled and entwined with a love of the ocean. This is beautifully told and realised" - ReaditDaddy

"The writing is atmospheric and lyrical, drawing on the traditions of storytelling and folklore and the illustrations are delightful. Essential reading for those who enjoy something a little different" - North Somerset Teachers’ Book Award Blog

"A salty and exhilarating fairy-tale adventure... highly recommended" - School Librarian Association

"A beautifully written fantasy book with echoes of The Secret Gardenabout mermaids, grief and forgiveness" - Angels and Urchins

"A spectacular debut... A fantastic book... Guaranteed pleasure" - Trouw

"Compelling, magical, moving: Annet Schaap's stunning debut has all of these qualities... A reading experience that no one over the age of ten should be denied" - ***** De Morgen

"A grand and gripping fairy-tale adventure... Not only has Annet Schaap succeeded in constructing a captivating adventure that you will read in one sitting, she has also shown herself to be a writer with a touching, real story to tell" - NRC Handelsblad

"Some writers of children's books understand the art of creating characters that instantly capture your heart. Annet Schaap has succeeded in doing exactly this" - De Standaard

"There is tension, excitement and humour... A great story, which draws the reader in, and the characters are a delight, especially Lampie" - Books for Keeps

"A magical adventure" - The Week Junior

"Sends an inspiring message of positivity and encouragement to those who fear failure or feel they are "different" and don't fit in" - The Week Independent Schools Guide