The Lighthouse Family #1 The Storm by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Preston McDaniels*

As a kitten Pandora vowed to become a lighthouse keeper as this device saved her and her father's life.  Now four years into fulfilling her vow, Pandora is lonely.  She spends hours spewing light upon storm ridden waves, not always knowing if she is saving a life or not.  Occasionally transient creatures stop by to chat but Pandora lacks consistent friends and a family.
Then one day a storm brings Seabold, a sea loving dog.  As Pandora nurses him back to health, she dreads the day he must leave.  Before he leaves, however, the sea brings another gift-three orphaned mouse children.
Will Pandora's longings for friendship and family be fulfilled?
A perfect series for transitional readers and/or a read aloud series for toddlers/preschoolers.
Love the vocab./word choice!
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.8
*Highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.