The Little Lantern

Milo was the smallest firefly in the garden.

Every evening, the other fireflies flew high above the flowers, filling the garden with hundreds of tiny golden lights. Milo tried his best to glow like them, but his light was always small.

One evening, a strong wind swept through the garden. Leaves flew everywhere, flowers bent low, and the fireflies quickly hid under the bushes.

When the wind finally stopped, Milo heard a tiny cry.

“Help! Is anyone there?”

Milo followed the voice and found a little field mouse trapped beneath a fallen leaf.

“I can't see in the dark,” the mouse said.

Milo looked at his tiny glow. It wasn't very bright, but it was enough to show the mouse where to push.

“Try this way,” Milo said.

Together, they pushed the leaf until the mouse was free.

“Thank you!” the mouse smiled. “Your light saved me.”

Milo felt proud.

Just then, they heard another sound. A baby bird had fallen from its nest and was sitting frightened beneath a tree.

Milo flew closer and lit the ground so the little bird could see its way back to the tree.

One by one, the garden animals began to notice Milo's little light.

“You may be small,” said the old owl, “but even a small light can make a big difference.”

Milo looked up at the sky. For the first time, he didn't wish his light were bigger.

He was happy to have the light he had.

And that night, the smallest firefly in the garden shone brighter than ever.