Freddie Steers Through the Storm
A ferocious storm hits the pirate ship. Only teamwork can bring the crew safely home.
The pirate ship Brave Heron was sailing home to Lantern Bay with bundles of cloth in the hold. The sun was shining. The sea was calm. Freddie was at the wheel, whistling a tune. ‘Smooth sailing,’ said Rory.
But Uma the parrot flew down from the mast, squawking, ‘Storm! Storm! Storm!’ Far away, a huge dark cloud was rolling in. The waves began to grow. The wind began to howl.
‘All hands on deck!’ shouted Freddie. Pippa the pony, the strongest sailor, tied down the barrels. Rory climbed the mast to lower the sails. Uma flew ahead to look for the lighthouse.
The storm hit with a roar. Great waves crashed over the deck. Rain lashed down. Freddie gripped the wheel and held on. His knees shook, but he thought, ‘If I stay calm, everybody else will too.’
‘Steady!’ called Freddie. ‘Everyone, hold fast!’ Up on the mast, Rory yelled that the sail was safe. Below deck, Pippa shouted that the barrels were tied. Everyone did their part, and the ship rode the waves.
Hours passed. The wind slowly died down. The clouds broke apart. Then Uma gave a loud squawk. ‘Light! Light!’ Far ahead, the sweep of a lighthouse beam cut through the dark.
They followed the light all the way into Lantern Bay. When the Brave Heron bumped against the dock, everyone cheered. Freddie slid down onto the planks, weak with relief, but smiling.
‘Great sailing, Captain,’ said Pippa, patting Freddie on the back. ‘I couldn’t have done it without you all,’ said Freddie. And that night, the whole crew ate hot soup on the deck under a sky full of stars.
The little lesson
In rough seas, calm voices and working together keep everyone safe.
Let’s talk about it
- What do you do when you feel scared?
- Which crew member’s job was most important?
Finish stories to collect Freddie as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Pirates stories
Pippa’s Treasure Was a Friend
Pippa digs up a chest. There’s no gold inside, just a note that says ‘look behind you’.
Caleb Steers Through the Storm
A ferocious storm hits the pirate ship. Only teamwork can bring the crew safely home.
Kofi Finds a Chest
Kofi digs up a chest. There’s no gold inside, just a note that says ‘look behind you’.
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