Character Profile
Lila
Age 9. The careful one. Lila understands the natural world — ice, tides, weather, wildlife — and she uses that knowledge to keep her friends safe. When Tomas skated out onto the frozen estuary, it was Lila who warned that the ice could be dangerously thin. She's quiet, observant, and braver than she looks.
Merhaven village The frozen estuary Her science notebook
Favourite Things
The frozen estuary
Lila understands ice better than anyone in Merhaven. She knows how to tell safe ice from dangerous — and she's not afraid to say so.
Her science notebook
Full of observations about the weather, the tides, and the wildlife. Lila measures everything.
The dawn chorus walk
She introduced Tomas to early-morning bird-watching. The quiet and the cold are worth it for the birdsong.
Winter mornings
Frost on the windows, steam from the kettle, and the estuary glittering in the low sun — Lila's favourite time of year.
Skills
Spotting danger
When Tomas skated out onto the estuary, Lila was the one who warned the ice could be dangerously thin.
Science and nature
Lila understands how the natural world works — tides, ice, weather, wildlife. Her knowledge keeps the group safe.
Staying careful
She thinks before she acts. While the others rush ahead, Lila checks the conditions and works out the risks.
Patience
She can stand still for an hour watching a bird. She's teaching Tomas that the quietest moments hold the biggest surprises.
"Looking carefully isn't the same as being afraid — it's how you stay brave and safe."
— Lila