Russell’s Camp Light

Russell and Bernard help Dad prepare their blue tent before dark. They put their bags inside. A small battery lantern waits on the picnic table for their evening story.

Dad switches on the lantern. It shines brightly, but the book is hard to see. A folded blanket stands between the light and the boys. The light falls on the blanket.

Bernard suggests another lantern. Russell looks at the bright patch on the blanket. Dad asks where the light can travel. They should check that before looking for more equipment.

They move the folded blanket into the tent. They put the book in the clear space. Now the light reaches the open pages. Nothing tall is blocking its way across the table.

Russell reads the first sentence while Bernard follows the picture with his finger. Dad keeps the lantern steady. He checks that it lights both pages, not just one side.

A small moth settles near the lantern. The boys pause to watch its folded wings. They leave it alone. Their light can attract visitors as well as help them read.

After the story, they gather the book and cups before entering the tent. Dad carries the battery lantern inside. The picnic area is tidy, and the moth is free to fly away.

They switch off the lantern when they are ready to sleep. “We already had enough light,” says Russell. “We needed to clear the way between it and our book.”