Tilly’s Night the Light Went Out
When a big storm puts out the lighthouse lamp, Tilly climbs the stairs to save the boats.
On a cliff by the sea stood a tall white lighthouse. Kiki the pony was the lighthouse keeper, and Tilly 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 Kiki. ‘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. Kiki tried the switch. Nothing. ‘The bulb has blown,’ Kiki said. ‘And I can’t climb the stairs with my sore leg.’
Out on the water, a tall white sailing boat was heading for the rocks. It couldn’t see where to go. Tilly looked at the dark tower, then at the stormy sea. ‘I’ll go,’ said Tilly. ‘I can do it.’
Tilly took the spare bulb and a torch and began to climb. Up, up, up the spiral stairs. ‘One hundred steps,’ she counted. The wind rattled the windows, but Tilly kept going.
At the very top, Tilly carefully swapped the old bulb for the new one. She flipped the switch. FLASH! A great golden beam swept across the waves, lighting up the whole sea.
Far out, a tall white sailing boat turned and followed the light safely into the harbour. The crew waved. Tilly waved back from the tower. ‘Well done,’ said Kiki, when Tilly 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 Tilly scared, and how did she keep going?
Finish stories to collect Tilly as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Under the Sea stories
Opal the Octopus Plays Hide and Seek
Opal the octopus is the best hider in the sea. Can anybody find her?
Willow’s Silent Ocean
Willow the whale wakes up unable to sing. Her ocean friends lend a hand, or a fin.
Otto’s Lighthouse Light
When a big storm puts out the lighthouse lamp, Otto climbs the stairs to save the boats.
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