Esther Hall - Grandad's Island CBeebies Bedtime Stories

CBeebies Bedtime Story!

Hello, my name's Esther.

And I'm wondering if you're ready for a bedtime story?

You are? Oh, good.

Tonight's story is called "Grandad's Island,"

and it's by Benji Davies.

At the bottom of Syd's garden, through the gate,

and past the tree,

was Grandad's house.

There was a key under a flowerpot.

And Syd could let himself in any time that he liked.

One day, Syd called round to see Grandad.

But he wasn't in any of the usual places.

Then, just as he was about to leave, Syd heard Grandad calling.

"Ah, there you are," said Grandad.

"There's something I want you to see."

Syd carefully climbed up the ladder.

He'd never been in Grandad's attic before.

It was full of old boxes

and things that Grandad had collected from around the world.

At the far end of the attic,

Grandad pulled a sheet down from the wall to reveal a big, metal door.

"After you, Syd," he said.

Syd turned the handle.

Clunk!

And give the heavy door a push.

FOGHORN SOUNDS

Syd found himself standing on the deck of a very tall ship.

There was an ocean of rooftops all around.

SEAGULLS SQUAWK

Grandad pulled a handle.

"BOOP!" went the horn.

And the ship lurched forward.

"Steady as she goes," Grandad boomed.

Grandad was very good at steering the ship.

And kept them on a smooth course across the rolling waves.

Mile after mile, all they saw was sea and sky.

Sky and sea.

Until, at last, something

appeared on the horizon.

"Land ahoy!" shouted Syd.

They dropped the ships anchor and made their way to the shore.

"Grandad, don't you want your stick?" Syd asked.

"No, I think I'll be all right," said Grandad.

In the thick jungle of the island, it was very hot.

"We must find a good spot for a shelter," said Grandad.

At the top of the island where a cool breeze blew through

the trees they found an old shack.

There was a lot to do.

But with a little help they soon had everything shipshape.

They explored the island high and low.

At every turn they saw new wonders.

It was the most perfect place.

Syd wished they could stay forever.

But he knew that it would soon be time for them to leave.

"Syd, there is something I've been meaning to tell you.

"You see, I'm thinking of staying."

"Oh," said Syd. "But won't you be lonely?"

"No, I don't think I will," said Grandad, smiling.

Before he set sail, Syd hugged Grandad one last time.

He would miss him very much.

Everyone came to wave goodbye.

Across the waves, the ship chugged and churned.

The journey seemed much longer without Grandad.

But Syd steered the ship safely home.

The next morning, Syd went back round to Grandad's house.

It was just the same as it had always been except Grandad

wasn't there any more. In the attic, it was very quiet.

The big, metal door wasn't there.

It was as if it had never been there at all.

Then, Syd heard something tapping at the window

TAP TAP TAP

he wondered what it might be.

There, on the window ledge was an envelope.

Syd carefully prised it open.

"For Syd,"

I think Syd's Grandad is enjoying his new adventure, don't you?

And if you have a grandad or grandma why don't you give them

an extra big hug the next time you see them? Hmm?

Time now to close our eyes, and dream of adventures.

Just like Syd's.

Goodnight.

SNORE