Milo loved the moon. Every night he watched it rise from his bedroom window. Sometimes it looked round like a ball, sometimes it looked thin like a smile. He asked his father what the moon was made of. “Maybe silver,” said Milo. “Maybe cheese,” said his little sister. Their father laughed and said, “Maybe it is made of dreams.”

One night Milo could not sleep. The moon shone very bright. A soft silver beam slipped through his window and landed on his rug. The beam shimmered and turned into a little boat with a sail shaped like a star. A tiny bell rang and a voice whispered, “Come aboard, Milo.” Milo climbed into the Moon Boat with his teddy bear, Button. The boat floated out the window and into the sky.

They sailed past treetops and rooftops until they reached the moon. The moon was not made of cheese. It was made of glowing stones, soft dust and quiet light. A small moon mouse wearing a hat ran toward them. “Thank goodness you’re here!” he squeaked. “The stars are sleepy and have forgotten to sparkle. If they do not shine, children may feel lonely in the dark.” He gave Milo a silver basket. “Collect moon dust and sprinkle it over the stars.”

Milo and Button scooped soft moon dust into the basket. The Moon Boat sailed them close to the first sleepy star. “Wake up, little star,” Milo whispered as he sprinkled a pinch of dust. The star blinked and then glowed bright. They did the same with another star and another. Soon many stars sparkled again. But one tiny star in the corner of the sky stayed dim. “I am too small,” said the star. “The big stars shine brighter than me.” Milo held the last pinch of moon dust. “You may be small,” he said gently, “but your light still matters.” He sprinkled the dust. The little star warmed and shone clear and sweet.

The moon mouse clapped his paws. “You saved the night,” he said. The Moon Boat carried Milo home. As the sun began to rise, the boat turned back into a moonbeam and faded. At breakfast, Milo’s sister asked why he was smiling. “I know what the moon is made of now,” he said. “It is made of light, kindness and dreams.” That night, Milo looked up at the sky. The smallest star twinkled at him. Milo waved and knew that even the tiniest light can make the dark feel friendly.

For more stories go to: Bedtime Stories