The Day the Moon Forgot How to Shine

One night, Nova looked out her bedroom window to say goodnight to the sky. But the big, bright Moon was gone! She pressed her small nose against the cold glass, but she saw only darkness. "Where did the light go?" she wondered.

Nova ran next door to find Ray, the astronaut who lived nearby. He was a grumpy man with a very bulky figure. "Ray!" she cried, shaking her short black hair. "The Moon forgot to turn on!"

Ray sighed and grabbed his helmet. "Let's go check," he grumbled, leading Nova to his silver rocket ship. Zoom! They flew up high, past the clouds and stars, until they landed on the dusty gray Moon.

The Moon sat there, looking dark and sad. "Why aren't you shining?" asked Nova with her wide brown eyes. The Moon let out a long, tired sigh. "I am on strike," the Moon said.

"Nobody looks up anymore," the Moon complained. "Everyone looks at their toes or their toys. No one says thank you for my lovely light." Ray crossed his big, bulky arms. "That is silly," Ray huffed, "it is your job to shine!"

The Moon turned its back on them, staying dark. Nova stepped forward gently. "I look up," she said softly. "Your light chases away the scary shadows in my room."

A tiny spark of light flickered on the Moon's face. "You do?" the Moon asked. "Yes," said Nova, "and you are the best night light in the whole world." Ray nodded his head. "She is right," he admitted.

The Moon smiled, and a beautiful silver glow burst forth, lighting up the dark space. Nova and Ray flew home, happy and safe. Now, Nova always whispers "Thank you" to the Moon before she falls asleep.