Reading time: about 5 minutes · Best for ages 4 to 8
The Lighthouse Cat is a 5 minute bedtime story about Biscuit, a brave orange cat who helps her keeper on a stormy night. It’s calm at the end, with the waves whispering “shhh”.
The Lighthouse Cat: Read the Story
On a rocky island at the edge of the sea stood a tall white lighthouse. An old keeper named Mr. Finn lived there with his cat, Biscuit.
Biscuit was orange and fluffy, and she had a very important job. Every evening, when the sun went down, she climbed the 99 steps to the top of the lighthouse and sat by the big lamp. She watched while Mr. Finn lit it, and then she watched the sea.
The lamp turned round and round, sending a long beam of light across the water. The light told the ships, “Be careful, there are rocks here. Sail around them and you’ll be safe.”
One stormy night, the wind howled and the rain rattled the windows. Mr. Finn lit the lamp as usual, then sat down in his chair to rest his tired legs. Soon he was snoring.
Biscuit watched the sea. The waves were big and grey. Then, far away, she saw something. A small fishing boat was bobbing in the storm, heading straight for the rocks.
Biscuit looked at the lamp. It was flickering. The wind had blown open a little window, and the flame was getting weaker.
Biscuit ran to Mr. Finn and jumped on his tummy. “Meow!” He kept snoring. She patted his nose with her paw. “MEOW!”
Mr. Finn woke with a snort. “What is it, Biscuit?” She ran to the lamp, and he saw the open window. He shut it tight, and the flame grew strong and bright again.
The long beam swept across the water. The little fishing boat turned just in time and sailed safely around the rocks, all the way into the harbor.
The next morning, the fisherman rowed out to the island with a basket. “Someone kept that light shining last night,” he said. “I brought a thank you.” Inside the basket was the freshest fish Biscuit had ever smelled.
Mr. Finn laughed. “I think that’s for you, Biscuit.”
That night the sea was calm and smooth. Biscuit climbed the 99 steps, curled up beside the warm lamp, and watched the light go round and round, round and round, until her eyes closed. Down below, the waves whispered “shhh, shhh” against the rocks.
The Moral of the Story
Paying attention and asking for help can keep everyone safe.
Questions to Ask After the Story
- What was Biscuit’s job at the lighthouse?
- How did Biscuit wake up Mr. Finn?
- What present did the fisherman bring?
