Pip's Small Light

The story, beat by beat

Chapter outline

1. 1

   Up Lantern Lane

   On the last night of October, the whole village walks up Lantern Lane. Soot carries pies still warm from the oven, Plum carries the biggest one, Wattle carries acorns for the squirrels, and Grandpa Rusk carries the story. Hazel and Bram carry the Great Lantern between them — and Pip carries the smallest light in Timblemoon.

2. 2

   The Wind Takes the Lantern

   Past the bakery, past the fence where the crows never leave, the wind comes down off the hill, twirling and whirling. With a huff, a puff and one big whirl, it tears the Great Lantern loose — and the whole hill goes dark.

3. 3

   One Small Flame

   In all that darkness, one small circle of golden light remains: Pip, still holding his little lantern. He feels so lost and small — but he lifts his light big and tall, because nothing will scare him at all.

4. 4

   Everyone Lifts a Light

   Then Soot lifts a candle. Then Puff. Then Plum. Then Wattle. Then Hazel and Bram, all together. They hang their lanterns in the branches of the Big Oak, the Great Lantern blazing in the middle, and the whole hill glows a gleaming gold — even brighter than before.

5. 5

   The Story and the First Snow

   Grandpa Rusk opens his book beneath the glowing tree, and everyone sits close on the cool Halloween night. Then the village walks home slowly, swinging their lanterns, as the first snow comes down through the branches — and everyone sings at once.

"Timblemoon, Timblemoon, up the hill and up with the moon! Lift your light, however small, Timblemoon has room for all."