The Lantern Path of the Months

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Mia and Ben found a tiny compass in the grass. It glittered like a star and pointed to a path with twelve glowing lanterns. A friendly owl blinked. “Follow the lanterns in order,” it hooted. “They will help you learn the months of the year!”

The first lantern shone like ice. “January,” said Mia. The next sparkled with frost. “February,” said Ben. They stepped forward together, smiling, and the path opened into a new adventure.

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The third lantern glowed in a breezy garden. “March,” called the owl. Soon tiny flowers popped up. “April,” said Ben, as raindrops danced on leaves. Then warm sunshine filled the air. “May!” Mia laughed, spinning once in her raincoat.

At the next bridge, bees hummed softly. The path felt bright and lively. The children waved to the owl and kept going, pleased that the months were joining their memory song.

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The sixth lantern was golden. “June,” said Mia. The seventh was bright and hot. “July,” said Ben, shielding his eyes and giggling. The eighth shimmered over a picnic hill. “August,” said the owl.

They rested for a moment under a shady tree. “Three summer months,” Mia said. “June, July, August.” Ben repeated them proudly, and the lanterns twinkled as if they were clapping.

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The ninth lantern floated above an orchard. “September,” said Ben. Crisp air rustled the trees. The tenth lantern glowed orange like a leaf. “October,” said Mia. The path was covered in soft, swishy colours.

The owl nodded. “You are remembering very well.” Mia and Ben said the months out loud again, and the names felt easier each time.

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At last they reached the final lantern. It shone brightest of all. “December!” cheered both children. The owl flapped happily, and the compass gave a tiny musical chime.

Mia and Ben looked back at the glowing path and said the months in order: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, December. Then the owl smiled and whispered, “Now the year can begin again.”