About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is struggling with the weight of a new responsibility or when you want to discuss why we follow through on tasks even when no one is watching. It is a beautiful entry point for talking about the difference between a fleeting desire and a lasting commitment to one's community. Set in 18th-century Korea, the story follows young Sang-hee, who must step up to light the signal fire on the mountain when his father is injured. The book explores the internal conflict between Sang-hee's desire to see the king's soldiers up close (which would only happen if the fire stayed dark) and his duty to ensure the safety of the kingdom. It is a gentle, high-stakes historical tale that models integrity and the quiet pride found in a job well done. Appropriate for children ages 4 to 8, it offers a window into a specific historical tradition while touching on universal themes of growing up.
