Mateo, Keeper of the Light
When a big storm puts out the lighthouse lamp, Mateo climbs the stairs to save the boats.
On a cliff by the sea stood a tall white lighthouse. Bella the bear was the lighthouse keeper, and Mateo came to help every day after school.
One evening, the sky turned dark and the wind began to howl. Big waves crashed on the rocks. ‘Storm’s coming,’ said Bella. ‘We must keep the light shining so that the boats can find the harbour.’
But suddenly, a loud CRACK! Lightning struck, and the lighthouse lamp went dark. Bella tried the switch. Nothing. ‘The bulb has blown,’ Bella said. ‘And I can’t climb the stairs with my sore leg.’
Out on the water, a chugging green ferry was heading for the rocks. It couldn’t see where to go. Mateo looked at the dark tower, then at the stormy sea. ‘I’ll go,’ said Mateo. ‘I can do it.’
Mateo took the spare bulb and a torch and began to climb. Up, up, up the spiral stairs. ‘One hundred steps,’ he counted. The wind rattled the windows, but Mateo kept going.
At the very top, Mateo carefully swapped the old bulb for the new one. He flipped the switch. FLASH! A great golden beam swept across the waves, lighting up the whole sea.
Far out, a chugging green ferry turned and followed the light safely into the harbour. The crew waved. Mateo waved back from the tower. ‘Well done,’ said Bella, when Mateo came back down. ‘You are a true keeper of the light.’
The little lesson
When others are in trouble, brave and helpful hearts can light the way.
Let’s talk about it
- Why is a lighthouse important?
- Was Mateo scared, and how did he keep going?
Finish stories to collect Mateo as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Under the Sea stories
Kira and the Stormy Night
When a big storm puts out the lighthouse lamp, Kira climbs the stairs to save the boats.
Little Alba, Big Sea
Alba is a little fish with a big wish: to see what lies beyond the coral reef.
Oscar’s Colourful Hide-and-Seek
Oscar the octopus is the best hider in the sea. Can anybody find him?
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