Nora and the Little Moon Lantern

Nora is five and the centre of her parents' world until a baby brother called Oliver arrives and the house turns around a small person who cries at night.

A new baby arrives and the older sibling feels forgotten

When Nora was five, she was the only child in a small yellow house at the end of Cherry Lane, and she was the center of everything.

Every morning, Mama made her pancakes shaped like stars. Every evening, Papa carried her upstairs on his shoulders, pretending to be a very slow giraffe. And every night, they read three stories, sang one song, and said the same goodnight words, ending with: "You are our brightest little moon."

Then one chilly October morning, Papa came home from the hospital carrying a tiny bundle wrapped in a blanket.

"Nora," said Mama, smiling, tired and glowing, "meet your baby brother. His name is Oliver."

Nora peeked over the edge of the blanket. Oliver had a squished pink face, a little tuft of dark hair, and fingers so tiny they looked like they belonged to a doll.

"Hello," she whispered. "He's really small."

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Quick answers about Nora and the Little Moon Lantern

What is Nora and the Little Moon Lantern about?

Nora is five and the centre of her parents' world until a baby brother called Oliver arrives and the house turns around a small person who cries at night.

Is Nora and the Little Moon Lantern free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.