Peppe the Lamplighter - by Elisa Bartone

About the Book

A long time ago when there was no electricity and the streetlamps in Little Italy had to be lit by hand, Peppe lived in a tenement on Mulberry Street. His family was poor, and so, though he was just a boy, he needed to work. But a job as a lamplighter was not what his father had dreamed of for Peppe. Full color. 1994 Caldecott Honor Book.

Book Synopsis

This Caldecott Honor-winning picture book is a touching snapshot of 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 on the streets of Little Italy 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.

"A beautiful, moving book," commented Kirkus in a starred review.

From the Back Cover

Peppe becomes a lamplighter to help support his immigrant family in turn-of-the-century New York City, despite his papa's disapproval. But when Peppe's job helps save his little sister, he earns the respect of his entire family.

Review Quotes

"A beautiful, moving book." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Deftly vivifies a slice of American history." - Publishers Weekly