Rufus and the Stormy Night
When a big storm puts out the lighthouse lamp, Rufus climbs the stairs to save the boats.
On a cliff by the sea stood a tall white lighthouse. Oscar the owl was the lighthouse keeper, and Rufus 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 Oscar. ‘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. Oscar tried the switch. Nothing. ‘The bulb has blown,’ Oscar said. ‘And I can’t climb the stairs with my sore leg.’
Out on the water, a little red fishing boat was heading for the rocks. It couldn’t see where to go. Rufus looked at the dark tower, then at the stormy sea. ‘I’ll go,’ said Rufus. ‘I can do it.’
Rufus 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 Rufus kept going.
At the very top, Rufus 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 little red fishing boat turned and followed the light safely into the harbour. The crew waved. Rufus waved back from the tower. ‘Well done,’ said Oscar, when Rufus 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 Rufus scared, and how did he keep going?
Finish stories to collect Rufus as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
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