On the edge of the bustling village of Seashell Cove stood a long-abandoned lighthouse, where a peculiar lantern flickered as if it had a life of its own. The townsfolk spoke in hushed tones about the Curious Lantern, claiming it would glow brightly when the moon was full. No one knew who had lit it or why it never went out. Young Jamie, with an insatiable sense of adventure and a nose for mystery, decided it was time to investigate this legendary light.

One bright afternoon, armed with a sandwich and an oversized, binocular-wearing rubber ducky named Quackers, Jamie tottered to the foot of the lighthouse. At the entrance, a sign read, “Beware of the Mighty Seagulls!” Jamie chuckled. “I’ll take my chances!” With a swift kick, the door swung open. Inside, cobwebs draped from the ceiling like curtains, and dust danced in the air as Jamie tiptoed towards the spiral staircase. Quackers, quacking in encouragement, seemed more than ready for the adventure!

As Jamie climbed, the lantern’s brightness heightened, revealing sketches of peculiar creatures—mermaids with snorkels and octopuses in roller skates! “What in the world?” Jamie exclaimed. A gust of wind rustled through, and suddenly, a grumpy old seagull named Frank zoomed in, wings flapping. “Oi! Who dares trespass in my lighthouse?” he squawked. Jamie was not intimidated. “I’m here to discover the mystery of the lantern!” Startled by the enthusiasm, Frank flapped back into the shadows, muttering something about “kids and their crazy ideas.”

At the top of the lighthouse, Jamie found the Curious Lantern pulsating with an almost magical glow! A sign next to it read, “To light a path, one must be full of laughter.” Just then, the lantern spoke in a booming voice, “You’ve tickled my funny bone! Tell me a joke to make me shine brighter!” Jamie grinned and, without hesitation, shared a silly knock-knock joke about a banana. The lantern erupted with laughter, illuminating the room with a dazzling light, and even Frank couldn’t help but crack a smile. Jamie realized that humor had a power of its own.

However, things took a sudden twist when the lantern declared, “You, brave adventurer, have awakened the Divine Dusk! I need your courage!” Jamie gasped as the walls transformed into swirling colors, and a pathway appeared leading to the ocean. “A mysterious whirlpool threatens Seashell Cove, and only laughter can tame its waters!” And just like that, Jamie, accompanied by Quackers and the now-friendly Frank, leaped into action, determined to save the village with laughter!

With jokes spilling from Jamie’s mouth like jellybeans, they reached the whirlpool. Frank squawked his best one-liners while Quackers honked and bobbed like a buoy. To everyone’s surprise, the swirling waters began to settle, as giggles turned into guffaws, creating a warm breeze. As the whirlpool transformed into a tranquil pond, Jamie realized that laughter not only brought light but also bound the town together. Seashell Cove was saved!

As Jamie returned to the village, Frank perched happily on Quackers while the Curious Lantern winked from the lighthouse. The townsfolk cheered and asked Jamie to share the secret of the mysterious light. With a sly smile, Jamie proclaimed, “To brighten the world, just share a laugh!” From that day on, the light of the lighthouse shone brightly, reminding everyone that happiness is best when shared, and sometimes, the silliest of adventures lead to the grandest lessons!

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What did the townsfolk believe about the Curious Lantern and its connection to the moon?
2. How did Jamie prepare for the adventure to the lighthouse?
3. What did Jamie find inside the lighthouse that surprised them?
4. How did the grumpy seagull, Frank, react to Jamie’s presence in the lighthouse?
5. What did the sign next to the Curious Lantern say, and how did it relate to Jamie’s actions?
6. What type of joke did Jamie tell the lantern, and what was the lantern’s reaction?
7. What challenge did the lantern present to Jamie, and how did it affect the story’s direction?
8. How did laughter play a role in saving Seashell Cove from the whirlpool?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

On the edge of the bustling (1)______ of Seashell Cove stood a long-abandoned lighthouse, where a peculiar lantern flickered as if it had a life of its own. The townsfolk spoke in hushed tones about the Curious Lantern, claiming it would glow brightly when the moon was full. No one knew who had lit it or why it never went out. Young Jamie, with an insatiable sense of adventure and a nose for mystery, decided it was time to investigate this legendary light.

One bright afternoon, armed with a sandwich and an oversized, binocular-wearing rubber ducky named Quackers, Jamie tottered to the foot of the lighthouse. At the entrance, a sign read, “Beware of the Mighty Seagulls!” Jamie chuckled. “I’ll take my chances!” With a swift kick, the door swung open. Inside, (2)______ draped from the ceiling like (3)______, and dust (4)______ in the air as Jamie tiptoed towards the spiral staircase. Quackers, quacking in encouragement, seemed more than ready for the adventure!

As Jamie climbed, the lantern’s brightness heightened, revealing sketches of peculiar creatures—mermaids with snorkels and octopuses in (5)______ skates! “What in the world?” Jamie exclaimed. A gust of wind rustled through, and suddenly, a grumpy old seagull named Frank zoomed in, (6)______ flapping. “Oi! Who dares trespass in my lighthouse?” he squawked. Jamie was not intimidated. “I’m here to discover the mystery of the lantern!” Startled by the enthusiasm, Frank flapped back into the shadows, muttering something about “kids and their crazy ideas.”

At the top of the lighthouse, Jamie found the Curious (7)______ pulsating with an almost magical glow! A sign next to it read, “To light a path, one must be full of laughter.” Just then, the lantern (8)______ in a booming voice, “You’ve tickled my funny bone! Tell me a joke to make me shine brighter!” Jamie grinned and, without hesitation, shared a silly knock-knock joke about a banana. The lantern erupted with laughter, illuminating the room with a dazzling light, and even Frank couldn’t help but crack a smile. Jamie realized that humor had a power of its own.

However, things took a sudden twist when the lantern declared, “You, brave adventurer, have awakened the Divine Dusk! I need your courage!” Jamie gasped as the walls transformed into swirling colors, and a pathway appeared leading to the (9)______. “A mysterious whirlpool threatens Seashell Cove, and only laughter can tame its waters!” And just like that, Jamie, (10)______ by (11)______ and the now-friendly Frank, (12)______ into action, determined to save the village with laughter!

With jokes spilling from Jamie’s mouth like jellybeans, they reached the whirlpool. Frank squawked his best one-liners while Quackers (13)______ and bobbed like a buoy. To everyone’s surprise, the swirling (14)______ began to settle, as giggles turned into guffaws, creating a warm breeze. As the whirlpool transformed into a tranquil pond, Jamie realized that laughter not only brought light but also bound the town together. Seashell Cove was saved!

As Jamie returned to the village, Frank perched happily on Quackers while the Curious Lantern winked from the lighthouse. The townsfolk cheered and asked Jamie to share the secret of the mysterious light. With a sly smile, Jamie proclaimed, “To brighten the world, just share a laugh!” From that day on, the light of the lighthouse (15)______ brightly, reminding everyone that happiness is best when shared, and sometimes, the silliest of adventures lead to the (16)______ lessons!
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a memory you have of a time when laughter helped you feel better in a difficult situation?

2. How would you feel if you discovered a mysterious object in your hometown that sparked your curiosity?

3. Do you think humor can truly solve problems? Why or why not?

4. What is a joke or funny story that always makes you laugh?

5. How would you react if you encountered a talking object, like the Curious Lantern?

6. Do you like exploring abandoned places? Why or why not?

7. What is a lesson you have learned from an unexpected adventure in your life?

8. How do you think the townsfolk of Seashell Cove felt when they learned about Jamie’s adventure?

9. Do you believe that sharing laughter can strengthen relationships? Why or why not?

10. What is a time when you had to be brave to face a challenge?

11. How would you feel if you had to save your community from a problem using only humor?

12. Do you think children have a unique perspective on life that adults often overlook? Why or why not?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. bustling
2. peculiar
3. insatiable
4. investigate
5. legendary
6. encouragement
7. heightened
8. peculiar
9. trespass
10. pulsating
11. dazzling
12. courage
13. transformed
14. tranquil
15. proclaimed

Meanings:
(A) Extremely bright and impressive
(B) The ability to face fear or danger
(C) Support or motivation given to someone
(D) Famous and well-known, often from ancient times
(E) Calm and peaceful
(F) To enter someone’s property without permission
(G) Changed in form or appearance
(H) Throbbing or vibrating rhythmically
(I) Announced publicly or officially
(J) To look into or examine closely
(K) Impossible to satisfy
(L) Strange or unusual
(M) Strange or unusual
(N) Increased or made more intense
(O) Full of activity and energy
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did the townsfolk call the lantern in the lighthouse?
(a) The Mysterious Light
(b) The Enchanted Beacon
(c) The Curious Lantern
(d) The Magical Flame

2. Who was Jamie’s companion during the adventure?
(a) Frank
(b) Quackers
(c) A dog
(d) A cat

3. What did the sign at the entrance of the lighthouse warn about?
(a) Mighty Seagulls
(b) Dangerous Creatures
(c) Hidden Treasures
(d) Ghosts

4. What did Jamie need to do to make the lantern shine brighter?
(a) Sing a song
(b) Tell a joke
(c) Dance
(d) Solve a riddle

5. What did the lantern say when Jamie tickled its funny bone?
(a) “You are brave!”
(b) “Thank you!”
(c) “Tell me a joke!”
(d) “Keep going!”

6. What did Jamie realize about laughter during the adventure?
(a) It can be annoying
(b) It is only for kids
(c) It makes people sad
(d) It has a power of its own

7. What did Jamie and friends do to tame the whirlpool?
(a) Told jokes
(b) Sang songs
(c) Danced around
(d) Built a dam

8. What lesson did Jamie share with the townsfolk upon returning?
(a) Adventure is the key to life
(b) Always be cautious
(c) Never go alone
(d) Happiness is best when shared

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The townsfolk believe that the Curious Lantern glows brightly only during a new moon.
2. Jamie and the characters Quackers and Frank work together to save Seashell Cove from a threatening whirlpool.
3. The Curious Lantern can speak and asks Jamie to tell a joke to make it shine brighter.
4. The entrance to the lighthouse has a sign warning visitors to beware of seagulls.
5. Inside the lighthouse, Jamie discovers sketches of ordinary creatures, including cats and birds.
6. The story concludes with the message that sharing tears can darken the world and weaken community bonds.
7. Jamie, the main antagonist, is characterized by a strong sense of fear and indifference.
8. The story takes place in a village called Seashell Cove, where an abandoned lighthouse stands.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What did the townsfolk believe about the Curious Lantern and its connection to the moon?
The townsfolk believed that the Curious Lantern would glow brightly when the moon was full.

2. How did Jamie prepare for the adventure to the lighthouse?
Jamie prepared for the adventure by bringing a sandwich and an oversized, binocular-wearing rubber ducky named Quackers.

3. What did Jamie find inside the lighthouse that surprised them?
Inside the lighthouse, Jamie found sketches of peculiar creatures, such as mermaids with snorkels and octopuses in roller skates.

4. How did the grumpy seagull, Frank, react to Jamie’s presence in the lighthouse?
Frank was startled by Jamie’s enthusiasm and initially reacted by squawking angrily, but he eventually flapped back into the shadows.

5. What did the sign next to the Curious Lantern say, and how did it relate to Jamie’s actions?
The sign next to the Curious Lantern said, “To light a path, one must be full of laughter,” which related to Jamie’s actions as they shared a joke to make the lantern shine brighter.

6. What type of joke did Jamie tell the lantern, and what was the lantern’s reaction?
Jamie told a silly knock-knock joke about a banana, and the lantern erupted with laughter, illuminating the room with a dazzling light.

7. What challenge did the lantern present to Jamie, and how did it affect the story’s direction?
The lantern presented the challenge of taming a mysterious whirlpool threatening Seashell Cove, which shifted the story’s direction towards Jamie’s quest to save the village with laughter.

8. How did laughter play a role in saving Seashell Cove from the whirlpool?
Laughter played a role in saving Seashell Cove by calming the swirling waters of the whirlpool as Jamie, Frank, and Quackers shared jokes, transforming the whirlpool into a tranquil pond.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) village
(2) cobwebs
(3) curtains
(4) danced
(5) roller
(6) wings
(7) Lantern
(8) spoke
(9) ocean
(10) accompanied
(11) Quackers
(12) leaped
(13) honked
(14) waters
(15) shone
(16) grandest
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. bustling
Answer: (O) Full of activity and energy

2. peculiar
Answer: (L) Strange or unusual

3. insatiable
Answer: (K) Impossible to satisfy

4. investigate
Answer: (J) To look into or examine closely

5. legendary
Answer: (D) Famous and well-known, often from ancient times

6. encouragement
Answer: (C) Support or motivation given to someone

7. heightened
Answer: (N) Increased or made more intense

8. peculiar
Answer: (L) Strange or unusual

9. trespass
Answer: (F) To enter someone’s property without permission

10. pulsating
Answer: (H) Throbbing or vibrating rhythmically

11. dazzling
Answer: (A) Extremely bright and impressive

12. courage
Answer: (B) The ability to face fear or danger

13. transformed
Answer: (G) Changed in form or appearance

14. tranquil
Answer: (E) Calm and peaceful

15. proclaimed
Answer: (I) Announced publicly or officially
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did the townsfolk call the lantern in the lighthouse?
Answer: (c) The Curious Lantern

2. Who was Jamie’s companion during the adventure?
Answer: (b) Quackers

3. What did the sign at the entrance of the lighthouse warn about?
Answer: (a) Mighty Seagulls

4. What did Jamie need to do to make the lantern shine brighter?
Answer: (b) Tell a joke

5. What did the lantern say when Jamie tickled its funny bone?
Answer: (c) “Tell me a joke!”

6. What did Jamie realize about laughter during the adventure?
Answer: (d) It has a power of its own

7. What did Jamie and friends do to tame the whirlpool?
Answer: (a) Told jokes

8. What lesson did Jamie share with the townsfolk upon returning?
Answer: (d) Happiness is best when shared
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The townsfolk believe that the Curious Lantern glows brightly only during a new moon. (Answer: False)
2. Jamie and the characters Quackers and Frank work together to save Seashell Cove from a threatening whirlpool. (Answer: True)
3. The Curious Lantern can speak and asks Jamie to tell a joke to make it shine brighter. (Answer: True)
4. The entrance to the lighthouse has a sign warning visitors to beware of seagulls. (Answer: True)
5. Inside the lighthouse, Jamie discovers sketches of ordinary creatures, including cats and birds. (Answer: False)
6. The story concludes with the message that sharing tears can darken the world and weaken community bonds. (Answer: False)
7. Jamie, the main antagonist, is characterized by a strong sense of fear and indifference. (Answer: False)
8. The story takes place in a village called Seashell Cove, where an abandoned lighthouse stands. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧