Thump and the Little Flame

6-8 min read
12 pages
2+

Curious little Thump finds a box of matches under a tree, and out pops Blink, a spinning, goggle-eyed little flame. Blink tells Thump that even a tiny flame can burn a whole forest and that matches are not toys. This gentle bedtime story teaches one simple rule: if you find matches, don’t touch them. Go get a grown-up.

In a green valley full of tall trees lived a little bunny named Thump. Thump wanted to know everything. He loved to peek at things, and he asked his mama questions all day long.

“Mama, why do stars twinkle?” asked Thump. “Why is fire hot? What is hot, anyway?”

One day, under a tree, Thump found a tiny box of matches. But Thump didn’t know what matches were. “Wow!” he said. “Magic sticks! I bet something magic happens if I touch one!”

Thump touched one stick. Pop! Out of the box sprang a tiny orange flame with goggly eyes, spinning like a top. Thump jumped back. His ears shot straight up. “Hi! I’m Blink!” cried the flame. “Whoa! Matches are not for little paws. And don’t touch me, either. I can burn you!”

Blink hopped onto a fresh green leaf and wiggled. “You’re so shiny!” said Thump. “Can I play with you?” “No!” said Blink. “I am not a toy. Not ever! I can burn your paws. I can burn the grass. I can even burn the whole forest!”

“But you’re so little,” said Thump. “Little, but strong!” said Blink. He tapped a dry brown leaf. At once it smoked and turned black at the edge. Blink zipped away, and the smoke stopped. “See? One touch is all it takes.”

Thump took a big step back. “Then what are you for, Blink?” “Lots of things!” said Blink. “I help cook soup. I keep everyone warm. I light up the dark. But only grown-ups know how to handle me. And they always watch me so I don’t run away!”

“What should I do with these matches?” asked Thump. “Leave them right here,” said Blink. “Don’t pick them up. Hop home and tell your mama, or another grown-up. Promise?” Thump nodded, very serious. “I promise. You’re nice, Blink. Thanks for warning me.”

“Thank you for listening,” said Blink with a smile. “Good job, Thump!” He hopped into the box, yawned, and fell asleep. Thump felt proud. He left the box alone and ran to get Mama.

Later, Thump told his forest friends all about it. “Matches are not toys,” he said. “If you find some in the grass or at home, don’t touch. Get a grown-up right away!” His friends listened, and Thump felt big.

Fire keeps us cozy. Fire helps cook our soup. But fire can burn, and it can spread fast. That’s why matches are not for little paws. Matches are for grown-ups.

Found some matches? Don’t touch! Get Mama or Daddy. Then tell your friends, just like Thump did. Good job!

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