Cover of The Lighthouse Steps

Roo and his sister stand next to an old lighthouse. It is tall and white. A small door is open.

"Let's count the steps," says his sister. "No talking!"

"Okay," says Roo.

They start to climb. The steps go round and round. Roo counts in his head. His legs hurt. His sister walks in front. She counts with her lips.

At the top, the wind is strong. The sea is blue and wide. Small boats sit on the water. The view is great. They sit on a bench to rest. They drink some water. Roo takes a photo of the sea.

"I counted 98 steps," Roo says.

"No, it is 102," says his sister. "You are wrong."

"No, you are wrong!" Roo says. They both frown.

Then Roo sees a small sign on the wall. He reads it out loud. "This tower has 98 steps. Four more steps go to the lamp room."

His sister reads it two times. "I counted the lamp room steps too," she says.

Roo laughs. "So I win!" His sister laughs and sits on the floor.

🧠 Check your understanding

  1. What do Roo and his sister count?

    Show answer

    Answer: Steps

    They count the steps of the lighthouse.

  2. What number does Roo say?

    Show answer

    Answer: 98

    Roo says, "I count 98 steps."

  3. Why is his sister's number bigger?

    Show answer

    Answer: She counts the lamp room steps too

    She counts the four extra steps to the lamp room.

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