Mateo's Birthday Lantern Parade

Ages 3–5

On the evening of Mateo's birthday, he must carry a special lantern to the top of the hill to light the way for the celebration, learning that the brightest light comes from his own kindness.

A story about the quiet courage of growing up and the joy of sharing our inner light with others.

It was Mateo's birthday night. The stars were waking up in the sky. Mateo held his paper lantern tight. It was his job to light the path to the party.

The path looked long and a little bit dark. Mateo took one step, then two. Pip the mouse peeked out from the grass. Are you going to the top, he asked? I am, said Mateo.

The wind began to whisper in the trees. Mateo felt a little shiver. Is it too dark, Pip asked? Mateo looked at his lantern. It makes a warm circle, he said.

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