Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Journey to the Starlit Sky

Tilly discovers that sharing stories can reignite the stars' sparkle and brighten the night.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a tiny village surrounded by whispering woods and bubbling brooks, there lived a young girl named Tilly. Tilly was known for her wild imagination and her dreams that sparkled as brightly as the stars above. Every night, she would gaze at the starlit sky, her mind swirling with thoughts of distant galaxies and unimaginable adventures. One evening, after a particularly delicious apple pie, Tilly made a wish upon her favorite star, “I want to see the starlit sky up close!”

To her surprise, the ground shook and a dazzling light appeared before her. Out popped a cheerful little creature named Twinkle, a bright blue fairy with wings that shimmered like diamonds. “Did someone call for a journey?” Twinkle exclaimed, doing a tiny somersault in the air. Tilly could hardly believe her eyes. “Yes! I want to go to the starlit sky!” she cheered. With a sprinkle of glittery dust, Twinkle magically transformed a nearby tree into a sparkling staircase that led into the clouds.

Tilly climbed the tree, her heart racing with excitement. But just as she reached the top, a mischievous cloud named Fluffy appeared. “Hey, where are you off to in such a hurry?” Fluffy puffed, blocking her way with a silly grin. Tilly giggled at the cloud’s goofy expression. “I’m going to the starlit sky!” she replied. Fluffy decided to play a game. “Only if you can make me laugh!” Tilly took a deep breath and pulled on her funniest face, making silly noises that echoed across the sky. Soon, Fluffy was rolling with laughter, allowing her to pass while promising to float by later for more fun.

As Tilly began to dance among the stars, she noticed that many of them seemed a bit sad. “What’s wrong?” she asked a star who looked like a shiny disco ball. “We’ve lost our sparkle,” the star replied dramatically. “We need a splendid story to shine again!” Tilly thought hard and shared her most exciting tale about a brave cat who saved a castle from a sneaky raccoon. The stars listened closely, their eyes growing wide with every twist and turn. By the end of the story, they erupted into brilliant flashes of light, twinkling joyfully across the night sky.

Just then, Twinkle returned, glowing brighter than before. “You did it!” she clapped her tiny hands. “You made the stars shine! Now, we must hurry back before the sunrise!” They raced through the sky, leaving trails of sparkles behind them. Suddenly, Fluffy appeared again, ready for one last laugh. “Can you outrun a cloud?” he teased, puffing up beside them. Tilly giggled, “We’ll see!” With a burst of speed, they dodged Fluffy who started doing cartwheels, trying to catch up.

Finally landing back on solid ground, Tilly thanked Twinkle for the most magical adventure of her life. As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, she realized an important lesson: sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone’s day is to share a story or make them smile. Filled with joy and laughter, Tilly headed home, her heart glowing like the starlit sky itself, ready to create new tales both on Earth and beyond. And from that day on, she knew that the magic of friendship and laughter could light up even the darkest of nights.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1imaginationThe ability to form new ideas or images not present to the senses
2galaxiesLarge systems of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
3unimaginableBeyond what can be conceived or thought of
4dazzlingExtremely bright and impressive
5mischievousPlayfully causing trouble or harm
6somersaultA complete flip in the air
7transformedChanged in form or appearance
8mischievousPlayfully causing trouble or harm
9splendidMagnificent and impressive in appearance
10eruptedBurst forth suddenly and violently
11twinklingShining with a flickering or sparkling light
12horizonThe line where the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet
13magicalRelating to or resembling magic
14adventureAn unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity
15glowingEmitting light or warmth

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What did Tilly wish for when she gazed at the starlit sky?

2. How did Twinkle help Tilly reach the starlit sky?

3. What game did Fluffy propose to Tilly before allowing her to pass?

4. What story did Tilly share with the stars to help them regain their sparkle?

5. How did the stars react to Tilly’s story?

6. What lesson did Tilly learn by the end of her adventure?

7. How did Tilly feel when she returned to solid ground after her adventure?

8. In what ways did Tilly’s adventure change her perspective on friendship and laughter?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a tiny village surrounded by whispering woods and (1)______ brooks, there lived a young girl named Tilly. Tilly was known for her wild imagination and her dreams that sparkled as brightly as the stars above. Every night, she would gaze at the starlit sky, her mind swirling with thoughts of distant galaxies and unimaginable adventures. One evening, after a particularly delicious apple pie, Tilly made a wish upon her favorite star, “I want to see the starlit sky up close!”

To her surprise, the ground shook and a (2)______ light appeared before her. Out popped a cheerful (3)______ creature named Twinkle, a bright blue fairy with wings that shimmered like diamonds. “Did someone call for a (4)______?” Twinkle exclaimed, doing a tiny somersault in the air. Tilly could hardly believe her eyes. “Yes! I want to go to the starlit sky!” she cheered. With a (5)______ of (6)______ dust, Twinkle magically transformed a nearby tree into a sparkling staircase that led into the clouds.

Tilly climbed the tree, her heart racing with excitement. But just as she reached the top, a mischievous cloud named Fluffy appeared. “Hey, where are you off to in such a hurry?” Fluffy puffed, blocking her way with a silly grin. Tilly giggled at the cloud’s goofy (7)______. “I’m going to the starlit sky!” she replied. Fluffy (8)______ to play a game. “Only if you can make me laugh!” Tilly took a deep breath and pulled on her funniest face, making silly noises that echoed across the sky. Soon, Fluffy was rolling with laughter, allowing her to pass while promising to float by later for more fun.

As Tilly began to dance among the stars, she noticed that many of them seemed a bit sad. “What’s wrong?” she asked a star who looked like a shiny disco ball. “We’ve lost our sparkle,” the star replied dramatically. “We need a splendid story to shine again!” Tilly thought hard and shared her most exciting tale about a brave cat who saved a (9)______ from a sneaky raccoon. The stars listened closely, their eyes growing wide with every twist and turn. By the end of the story, they erupted into brilliant flashes of light, twinkling joyfully across the night sky.

Just then, Twinkle returned, (10)______ brighter than before. “You did it!” she clapped her tiny hands. “You made the stars shine! Now, we must hurry back before the (11)______!” They raced through the sky, leaving (12)______ of sparkles behind them. Suddenly, (13)______ appeared again, (14)______ for one last (15)______. “Can you outrun a cloud?” he teased, puffing up beside them. (16)______ giggled, “We’ll see!” With a burst of speed, they dodged Fluffy who started doing cartwheels, trying to catch up.

Finally landing back on solid ground, Tilly thanked Twinkle for the most magical adventure of her life. As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, she realized an important lesson: sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone’s day is to share a story or make them smile. Filled with joy and laughter, Tilly headed home, her heart glowing like the starlit sky itself, ready to create new tales both on Earth and beyond. And from that day on, she knew that the magic of friendship and laughter could light up even the darkest of nights.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is a magical adventure you would like to experience, and why?
2. How would you feel if you were able to meet a fairy like Twinkle?
3. Do you think sharing stories can really brighten someone’s day? Why or why not?
4. What is a story from your life that you believe could make others smile?
5. How do you think Tilly’s imagination influenced her adventure?
6. Do you like watching the stars at night? What feelings does it evoke in you?
7. If you could make a wish upon a star, what would it be and why?
8. How would you react if a cloud like Fluffy blocked your path?
9. What is a lesson you have learned from a fun experience, similar to Tilly’s adventure?
10. Do you think laughter is important in friendships? Why or why not?
11. How do you feel about the idea that stories can have the power to change emotions?
12. What is a way you bring joy to others in your life?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. imagination
2. galaxies
3. unimaginable
4. dazzling
5. mischievous
6. somersault
7. transformed
8. mischievous
9. splendid
10. erupted
11. twinkling
12. horizon
13. magical
14. adventure
15. glowing

Meanings:
(A) Magnificent and impressive in appearance
(B) Large systems of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity
(C) The ability to form new ideas or images not present to the senses
(D) Relating to or resembling magic
(E) Playfully causing trouble or harm
(F) Emitting light or warmth
(G) Playfully causing trouble or harm
(H) Changed in form or appearance
(I) Extremely bright and impressive
(J) Shining with a flickering or sparkling light
(K) A complete flip in the air
(L) An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity
(M) Beyond what can be conceived or thought of
(N) Burst forth suddenly and violently
(O) The line where the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the young girl in the story?
(a) Lily
(b) Tilly
(c) Sally
(d) Molly

2. Who does Tilly meet when she makes her wish?
(a) Sparkle
(b) Twinkle
(c) Dazzle
(d) Flare

3. What does Twinkle transform into a staircase?
(a) A rock
(b) A flower
(c) A tree
(d) A cloud

4. What does Fluffy the cloud want Tilly to do before letting her pass?
(a) Make him laugh
(b) Sing a song
(c) Tell a secret
(d) Dance

5. What do the stars need to regain their sparkle?
(a) A splendid story
(b) A magical potion
(c) A bright light
(d) A new friend

6. What story does Tilly share with the stars?
(a) About a lost puppy finding its way home
(b) About a princess and her dragon
(c) About a wizard’s magical adventure
(d) About a brave cat saving a castle

7. What lesson does Tilly learn at the end of her adventure?
(a) Adventures are best when taken alone
(b) Wishes should always be kept secret
(c) The magic of friendship and laughter can brighten someone’s day
(d) Stars are only bright at night

8. How does Tilly feel as she heads home after her adventure?
(a) Sad
(b) Angry
(c) Confused
(d) Joyful

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Tilly has a vivid imagination and often dreams of adventures in distant galaxies.
2. Tilly learns that sharing stories and laughter can brighten someone’s day and create magic.
3. A green fairy named Twinkle appears to hinder Tilly on her journey after she makes her wish.
4. Tilly encounters a mischievous cloud named Fluffy who challenges her to make him laugh before she can continue her journey.
5. Tilly is a young girl who lives in a tiny village surrounded by woods and brooks.
6. After eating apple pie, Tilly makes a wish to avoid seeing the starlit sky up close.
7. Twinkle criticizes Tilly for making the stars shine and urges her to stay out after sunrise.
8. Tilly shares a story about a lazy cat to help the stars regain their sparkle.
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 Tilly wish for when she gazed at the starlit sky?
Tilly wished to see the starlit sky up close.

2. How did Twinkle help Tilly reach the starlit sky?
Twinkle transformed a nearby tree into a sparkling staircase that led into the clouds.

3. What game did Fluffy propose to Tilly before allowing her to pass?
Fluffy proposed that Tilly could only pass if she could make him laugh.

4. What story did Tilly share with the stars to help them regain their sparkle?
Tilly shared a story about a brave cat who saved a castle from a sneaky raccoon.

5. How did the stars react to Tilly’s story?
The stars listened closely and erupted into brilliant flashes of light, twinkling joyfully across the night sky.

6. What lesson did Tilly learn by the end of her adventure?
Tilly learned that sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone’s day is to share a story or make them smile.

7. How did Tilly feel when she returned to solid ground after her adventure?
Tilly felt filled with joy and laughter, with her heart glowing like the starlit sky itself.

8. In what ways did Tilly’s adventure change her perspective on friendship and laughter?
Tilly realized that the magic of friendship and laughter could light up even the darkest of nights.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) bubbling
(2) dazzling
(3) little
(4) journey
(5) sprinkle
(6) glittery
(7) expression
(8) decided
(9) castle
(10) glowing
(11) sunrise
(12) trails
(13) Fluffy
(14) ready
(15) laugh
(16) Tilly
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. imagination
Answer: (C) The ability to form new ideas or images not present to the senses

2. galaxies
Answer: (B) Large systems of stars, gas, and dust bound together by gravity

3. unimaginable
Answer: (M) Beyond what can be conceived or thought of

4. dazzling
Answer: (I) Extremely bright and impressive

5. mischievous
Answer: (E) Playfully causing trouble or harm

6. somersault
Answer: (K) A complete flip in the air

7. transformed
Answer: (H) Changed in form or appearance

8. mischievous
Answer: (E) Playfully causing trouble or harm

9. splendid
Answer: (A) Magnificent and impressive in appearance

10. erupted
Answer: (N) Burst forth suddenly and violently

11. twinkling
Answer: (J) Shining with a flickering or sparkling light

12. horizon
Answer: (O) The line where the earth’s surface and the sky appear to meet

13. magical
Answer: (D) Relating to or resembling magic

14. adventure
Answer: (L) An unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity

15. glowing
Answer: (F) Emitting light or warmth
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the young girl in the story?
Answer: (b) Tilly

2. Who does Tilly meet when she makes her wish?
Answer: (b) Twinkle

3. What does Twinkle transform into a staircase?
Answer: (c) A tree

4. What does Fluffy the cloud want Tilly to do before letting her pass?
Answer: (a) Make him laugh

5. What do the stars need to regain their sparkle?
Answer: (a) A splendid story

6. What story does Tilly share with the stars?
Answer: (d) About a brave cat saving a castle

7. What lesson does Tilly learn at the end of her adventure?
Answer: (c) The magic of friendship and laughter can brighten someone’s day

8. How does Tilly feel as she heads home after her adventure?
Answer: (d) Joyful
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Tilly has a vivid imagination and often dreams of adventures in distant galaxies. (Answer: True)
2. Tilly learns that sharing stories and laughter can brighten someone’s day and create magic. (Answer: True)
3. A green fairy named Twinkle appears to hinder Tilly on her journey after she makes her wish. (Answer: False)
4. Tilly encounters a mischievous cloud named Fluffy who challenges her to make him laugh before she can continue her journey. (Answer: True)
5. Tilly is a young girl who lives in a tiny village surrounded by woods and brooks. (Answer: True)
6. After eating apple pie, Tilly makes a wish to avoid seeing the starlit sky up close. (Answer: False)
7. Twinkle criticizes Tilly for making the stars shine and urges her to stay out after sunrise. (Answer: False)
8. Tilly shares a story about a lazy cat to help the stars regain their sparkle. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

A cheeky little boy named Sam has a day full of funny mishaps and unexpected surprises in the snowy landscape.

Sam’s Snowy Day

A cheeky little boy named Sam has a day full of funny mishaps and unexpected surprises in the snowy landscape.

The Friendly Dragon

A friendly dragon named Fred defies stereotypes and spreads kindness, changing perceptions one act at a time.

Three friends stumble upon a magical peach palace filled with talking animals and enchanted treasures, unlocking their own creativity and joy.

The Peculiar Peach Palace

Three friends stumble upon a magical peach palace filled with talking animals and enchanted treasures, unlocking their own creativity and joy.

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