THE SOUND OF MUSIC

I like the way the flute goes too too!

I like the way the piano goes pum,

I like the way the harp goes la la tra la la

And the strong loud banging of the drum!

 

I like the way the guitar goes trum trum!

I like the way the violin goes tee,

I like the way the trumpet goes Bo bo bo,

And the way the horn goes fee!

When you hear music it feels like magic,

No part of music is tragic!

Of music, when we hear the sound,

It makes us feel happy all around,

 
It makes our lives jolly

Even more than playing with a dolly,

Listen to music for a while,

Upon your face suddenly a smile,

 

Just a world of music,

Can make your day,

In a world of music,

You can get carried away!

 

When into boredom you’re sinking,

No need for thinking,

Listen to music all day

Or an instrument you play!

 

 We cannot stop,

Our life is like a melody,

We need to keep going

Very very steadily!

 

In our heart,

The very best part

Is that the sound of music is there,

And the sound of music we share!

 

SNOW FANTASY

I love it when the winter comes

The snow is so snuggly,

Playing like a merry penguin makes me feel as happy as can be!

Mama says “Sweetie off you go”

I will have a lovely time in the snow, in the snow, in the snow!

I love how flakes drop on my nose,

Snowflakes fall all over the place,

And suddenly like magic it brightens up my smiling face!

Mama says “Sweetie off you go”

I will have a lovely time in the snow, in the snow, in the snow!

The snow feels like a comfy pillow,

I love the way it feels,

Sometimes I wonder am I dreaming or is this real?

                                                                                                                                         

Mama says “Sweetie off you go”

I will have a lovely time in the snow, in the snow, in the snow!

I shall have a lovely time in my snow wonderland,

I hope that you thought my poem was really very grand!

FRIENDSHIP FALLOUT!

                                                          

Have you ever experienced moving from your own luxury? Well I have. And this is my results of writing it out in my own words.

THE PAST

It all started long ago 4 years back when I first met my best friends. Esha and Tuhina. We were very close and our spirit was high. We could never be separated. In the few years that we were together, we were proven wrong. You shall find out why soon…

A SHOCK FOR US!

Silly old quarrels did not break us apart. I mean we couldn’t resist a moment without each other! But sooner or later the first tragedy blew in. Tuhina, in year 2 had to be parted from us. She was moving to Manchester! We were NOT satisfied with her parent’s decision. Why? Why was all the weeping for us? Why couldn’t God pick on someone else? We really dreaded that moment and we still do. But I guess you should look on the good side, at least I had Esha to be my firm friend. But would it stay like that forever?

 SOON AFTER!

For the next 7 to 8 months the smile was on our face. Of course the first few days were a big problem but as they say – It is either the worst or the best. You may wonder why only 7 to 8 months we had the smiley style. Well that’s because the new misery settled in our hearts…

FRIENDSHIP FAINTING FEELING!!

I was going to move to India forever! I felt like running away with Esha somewhere where no one would ever find us. I felt like a dark shadow had overcome my light bright beginnings. I prayed that day. Now  I knew how it Tuhina felt when she was moving. Then on the 26^th May the tragic moment came and ended. I don’t know for how long I cried-however I do know that Esha was crying as much as me. I feel sorry for Esha because she must be frustrated that both of her closest friends have moved and as for Tuhina, I feel sorry for Tuhina because she has experienced the life of moving for a long time. But one thing is for sure - Esha, Tuhina and I forgot to mention my best pet friend Bubbles are stored in my heart. I hope it will never change.

 

LONG LIVE FRIENDSHIP!

Shimmer & Splash

Have you heard the story of my old fish, Bubbles? This is the sequel.

I was looking at my dazzling yellow fish Splash. She looked bored and friendless. Feeling sorry for the poor thing, I decided buck up my courage and tell my parents I wanted to get a new fish. My parents agreed almost at once. The very next day, we went to the pet shop to get a fish. I looked at all sorts. It could have taken me 100 hours! At last, I saw a shimmering orange one with a splash of white.  I wanted this fish because it was an exact copy of Bubbles. The lady gave me the fish. I didn’t say a word on the way back home.

“We are there! We are there!” I shouted and leapt out of the car. As soon as we all bunched up in the house, we let the amazing fish swim. To my surprise, all the fish could do was sit on the gravel. I remembered Bubbles and his problem. Tears filled my eyes.

To my delight, Splash helped the fish up and they played merrily with each other. After hours of thinking, I decided to name the fish Shimmer. Her nickname was Bubbles II. A perfect pair! The days went by. I taught splash tricks. The trick was that if I clapped and said her name, she would immediately respond.

I tried to teach Shimmer some tricks, but she didn’t listen. I laughed. Festivals came and went. I made cards and presents for them. They are the best.

You may think I have forgotten Bubbles and he is gone. He is gone, that one thing is true, but he is still here in my heart.

SEASIDE

The Seaside

The way the sea washes upon the sand,

The way water trickles through my hand,

The way sea creatures swim so playfully,

The way the dolphins leap right out of the sea!

The seaside is really fun,

My ocean adventure has begun!

I love that fragrant summer breeze,

Just swaying through the island trees!

Make a sandcastle and stand in the water,

Have lots of fun, It’s a beach full of happiness and laughter!

I may even find some hidden treasure,

If I’m lucky, a great gold measure!

 I’ll be rich, beyond my heart,

And that’s how my adventure starts!

Ride in a submarine,

Or watch the brightly coloured fishes, maybe blue, yellow or green!

I can have a swim in the deep blue sea,

Or listen to the birds, their sweet song is calling me!

I love that bright blue sky,

And the sugary clouds up high!

 The sun gives me such a bright light,

It really is a beautiful sight!

Just relax and chat,

On my comfy picnic mat

 Now I really have to go,

I haven’t got more time,

Well thank you for reading my seaside rhyme!

The Enormous Crocodile

I have retold the story of The Enormous Crocodile (author: Roald Dahl) as a poem - hope you enjoy it!!

I know this animal who is filled with guile,

It’s the sneaky and clever enormous crocodile!

He likes boys and girls for his lunch,

His jaws go SNAP! And crunch crunch crunch

He wants some luscious children for supper tonight,

To take a scrumptious juicy bite!

That is what he enjoys to eat.

Some delicious children from head to feet.

Just look at his lips, they are going lick lick lick,

I can tell he’s going to play a nasty trick.

He disguised himself as a coconut tree,

And when children came he stood still not shaking his knee.

But the hero Humpy Rumpy had saved the day,

He warned the children who it really was and they darted away.

The greedy croc was left all alone,

No juicy fat children to eat anymore.

His next trick was pretty cool,

He broke into a children’s playground in the local school.

As quick as a stick he grabbed a huge piece of wood,

As he thought to himself, this is going to be good.

He laid himself against it, And he tucked his tail right in,

And then he thought to himself well let the trick begin!

As soon as the children came out,

The croc heard a young girl shout,

“Oh look everyone there is a new see-saw in our playground!”

And every single child gathered right around.

But no-one knew it was a creature that was very vile,

And indeed it was the enormous crocodile!

But again there was a hero, who had saved them all,

It was Muggle-Wump the monkey and the children heard his call,

“It’s the enormous crocodile; he can’t play the fool,

Today he told me what he was going to do, eat the children from this school!”

Once again the crocodile was left all alone in the school,

He thought silly me I’m such a fool!

He rushed to the funfair for trick three,

He rubbed his hands with delight and glee!

When no-one was there he crept to a roundabout and crouched down in an empty space,

You could tell his trick was clever by the nasty grin on his face.

Then a group of children came to play

The croc thought ‘I shall have some yummy supper today’

As the children came to sit on the rides one wanted to sit on the new crocodile ride,

When a squawking Roly-Poly bird flew by their side!

“Run run run for your lives! It’s the enormous crocodile” they heard him shout

And the children scrambled and scurried right out!

The crocodile couldn’t believe what he had just heard

Not again he said and he cursed “You wretched bird!”

And for his next trick it crossed his mind

That it is the picnic valley he must find

And there he sought

A perfect bench at a picnic spot

He chucked the bench away

And instead of the bench he lay

And after many long hours

2 children appeared amongst the valley flowers

They searched for the perfect spot to eat

And the crocodile thought what juicy meat!

As they walked to the green bumpy bench that was fake

There appeared Trunky the elephant from the valley’s lake

“Stay away Children” he shouted with all his might

Giving the children such a fright

He charged over to the greedy croc

Who was in for a big shock

He hoisted up the croc and flung him with his trunk

As though he was a piece of junk

As the ravenous crocodile landed far far away in a lot of pain

He never bothered to trouble any child again! J

Autobiography of the Summer Olympics

Chapter 1 - Introduction

I wonder if you are as excited as me! It has been so long since I have visited London. Actually 64 years! I can’t wait. It is going to be a big celebration and promises to be a fabulous event. I have a big grin on my face.

You may know I am celebrated once in 4 years – I get invited to different host cities and I completely enjoy myself during the event!

You do know who I am by now – don’t you?  I am summer Olympics. You may also know my disabled little sister called Paralympics. My brother is winter Olympics. He is kind of a cold person. I guess you know why.   

Chapter 2 – Ancient History

Did you know that even your grandfather’s grandfather’s grandfather is much younger than me?

I was born a long long time ago – almost 2700 years ago in Olympia (Ancient Greece) – that does make me really old!  The Games were part of a religious festival and were held in honour of Zeus, king of the gods, and were staged every four years at Olympia, a valley near a city called Elis. People from all over the Greek world came to watch and take part.

At the first one-day Olympic Games, the only event was a short sprint from one end of the stadium to the other. As years went past, more events were added to make four days of competitions. They included wrestling, boxing, throwing the javelin and discus, and chariot racing. In the pentathlon, there were five events: running, wrestling, javelin, discus and long jump. One of the toughest events was the race for hoplites, men wearing armour and carrying shields.

Winners were given a wreath of sacred leaves, and a hero's welcome back home. 

Probably the pankration or all-in wrestling was the nastiest event. There were hardly any rules. Biting and poking people's eyes were officially banned, but some competitors did both! While it does not seem very sporting to us, all-in wrestling was very popular. Boxing was tough too. The fighters wore leather gloves and a boxer was allowed to go on hitting his opponent even after he'd knocked him to the ground! Ooooh! That must have hurt!

However, cheating was punished. If you were to cheat in me you would have to bring a bronze statue of Zeus as punishment.

Married women were not allowed into the Games. Only men, boys and unmarried women were allowed to participate. If any married woman were caught sneaking into the games they would be punished hard! Wow! That isn’t fair! But Women could own horses in the chariot race.

Unmarried women had their own festival at Olympia every four years. Good for them! This was the Heraia, held in honour of Hera, wife of Zeus. Unmarried Women could participate in running races, though only unmarried girls took part ,Greek woman were not allowed to go to go in for sport, unless they were Spartans.

The Games ended with a feast. Lots of oxen were roasted in a giant barbecue. That must have been fun. Entertainers such as jugglers and acrobats performed, and politicians made speeches to the crowds.

Chapter 3 - Pierre De Coubertin

You may know Pierre De Coubertin as the father of modern Olympics – but for me he is my hero!  After some 1000 to 1100 years of my celebration (from 776 BC to 261 or maybe it was 393 AD – I can’t remember very well), I was forgotten.  It was a very difficult time for me - I felt unimportant and I cried – a lot.  I just went into hiding for many many many long and lonely years.

Coubertin was a French educationist and historian and he was very interested in ancient Greece – and became keen on reviving the ancient Greek Olympics in modern times.  I was jumping with joy and leaping with laughter when I heard this. It was so nice to finally come out of hiding and smile again.  Three Cheers to Coubertin – Hip Hip Hooray!!

A new modern me was born again in 1896 and this time married women were allowed to attend me – Yoohoo!  But there was one thing that hadn’t changed – I was still in Greece.  However, they promised me I was visiting Paris next in 4 years – and that is how I started to travel the world.

I am still grateful to Coubertin. He is my saviour!

Chapter 4 - Motto/Rings

My motto is Citius Altius Fortius. These words mean SWIFTER HIGHER STRONGER in Latin. I think the motto is appropriate and it makes the athletes WANT to be swifter, higher and stronger and do their very best.

Most  people tell me, the rings were adopted by Coubertin  in 1913 after he saw a similar design on an artifact from ancient Greece.  The five rings represent the five major regions of the world: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Australia.  Do you know every national flag in the world includes at least one of the five colors of my rings, which are blue, yellow, black, green, and red. I am really proud to be associated with every country in the world.

The Olympic Flag appeared for the first time at the 1920 Games in Antwerp, Belgium.

Chapter 5 - Mascots

Mascots are good luck charms.  I like them – I imagine mascots standing in the stadium and cheering on the athletes to go faster and higher! What fun!

The first Olympic mascot appeared in the 1964 games but only seen as a pin without having a name. For the first time an official mascot appeared in Munich 1972 as “Waldi”, a Bavarian sausage dog. Since then all the Games have had their own mascots. Beijing 2008 had 5 mascots!

Chapter 6 - Olympic Flame

The Olympic Flame Commemorates the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus; In ancient Greece, a fire was kept burning throughout the celebrations of me. The fire was resumed at the 1928 Olympics in Amsterdam, and it has been part of the modern me ever since.  

The Olympic Torch today is lit several months before the opening ceremony of the Games at the site of the ancient Olympics in Olympia . Eleven women, representing the Vestal Virgins perform a ceremony in which the torch is kindled by the light of the Sun, its rays concentrated by a parabolic mirror.

The Olympic Torch is then taken around the world by many distinguished sports people; the relay ends on the day of the opening ceremony in the central stadium of the Games. The final bearer of the torch is usually a sports celebrity of the host country. He or she runs towards the cauldron, at the top of the stadium uses the torch to start the flame in the stadium. And that is my proudest moment – Let the Games Begin I shout with glee.  It is considered a great honor to be asked to light the Olympic Flame. After being lit, the flame continues to burn throughout the games.

Chapter 7 - Opening ceremonies

The opening ceremonies represent the official start of the celebration of ME. The opening ceremony is a very important part of the games. Every host city wants to show off their artistic capabilities.

After the artistic display, we have the parade of the nations – athletes of all participating countries join a parade. Greece is always the first country in the parade and the host country is the last one.

After the parade there are some speeches.  The games are officially declared open.

The Olympic flag is brought into the stadium and the Olympic hymn is played. The flag bearers of all the countries then form a circle and one athlete and one judge speak the Olympic Oath declaring they will compete and judge according to the rules.

After this the Olympic torch is brought into the stadium and the cauldron is lit.  That is the moment I wait for everytime!

It is nice to see the flame light up and to see that all the people are happy that the games have begun!

Chapter 8 - Olympic medals

There are 26 sports where athletes compete including aquatics events such as swimming, synchronized swimming, diving etc; track and field events such as sprints, long distance running, javelin, discus, etc; gymnastics; table tennis to name a few.

Athletes from all over the world have been training for many years really really hard for me – and I truly wish all of them would be winners.  But unfortunately that is not how it works L

An Olympic medal is awarded to the top 3 winners at each sport. There are three classes of medal: gold, silver and bronze. The winner is awarded the gold medal, the runner-up the silver medal, and the third place competitor is awarded the bronze medal.  

It is a great honour for the athletes to participate in the event and winning a medal just makes it all the more special; I am sure they cherish the medals through their lives.

I would like to mention 2 athletes who specifically impressed me in Beijing – Michael Phelps has proven that he is the best swimmer ever by winning 8 gold medals in the pool.  Usain Bolt has established himself as the fastest man on the Earth.  I look forward to future events to see who can surpass these great men!

Chapter 9 - Olympic cities

I always get very excited to know who the next host city will be – it is so nice to get invited all over the world.  I feel lucky to visit different countries and get celebrated.  I get to meet different people and learn about their culture – it is a wonderful feeling that because of me, so many people get together and celebrate!  I am thankful to people around the world for being so kind and nice to me. 

Kavya has been so kind to offer to make a display piece showing all the host cities  of the modern me J Thank You Kavya! J

Chapter 10 - Closing Ceremony

At the end of all the sporting events, the closing ceremony is held – this day I usually feel a little sad and down that the event is ending.

At the closing ceremony, usually flag bearers from each participating country enter the stadium in single line, and behind them march all of the athletes without being grouped by country – it is as though they are ‘one nation’.  The medal ceremony for the men's marathon is traditionally held during the closing ceremonies.

After the athletes enter the stadium, three national flags are hoisted on flagpoles one at a time while the corresponding national anthems are played: the flag of Greece on the middle pole to honor the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the flag of the host country on the left pole, and the flag of the country hosting the next Games on the right pole.

Following the flag raising ceremony, there are some speeches and the games are announced as closed.  I sigh everytime I hear this – I will miss this celebration for another 4 years....

The Olympic Flame is extinguished and, while the Olympic Hymn is played, the Olympic Flag that was hoisted during the opening ceremonies is lowered from the flagpole - the mayor of the host city hands over the flag to the mayor of the next host city.

I guess all good things have to come to an end!  But then I already start looking forward to the next one in 4 years!

Chapter 11 - Paralympics

Between me, Paralympics and my brother Winter Olympics, I think Paralympics is the luckiest – she gets celebrated every 2 years, along with me and Winter Olympics.  Paralympics is much younger than me – she was born in 1960 with the Rome games. 

This is also a big event where physically disabled athletes take part in the sports. 

The disabled athletes have special guiders to help them. These guide and the athlete are considered a team.

There is so much more I can tell you about Paralympics – but you are probably better off asking her yourself!

Chapter 12 – Bye for now

There is so much more I can tell you about me, but I have to go and get ready for London! There are less than 200 days left for the start of Olympics and everyone is getting ready to welcome me. People of London have been planning and preparing for many years now  for +a very memorable event. I feel the celebrations have already begun in people getting ready to welcome the whole world to London. I have to get ready too!

See you soon in London!

Jack and the Beans Talk

The autumn mists were gathering as Jack huddled as close as he could to the small burning fire in his little cottage. His poor mum had asked Jack to run errands around the town in the hope of earning a few coins. Jack had wished all his life to be rich to be able to afford a better house for him and his mum to live in – a house that did not leak when it rained, a house that would keep them warm in the winter, a house that didn’t rattle during strong winds and storms!

The next morning Jack plodded downstairs ready for his breakfast.

“Jack – you need to find some work today and earn something so we can eat our lunch.  I gave you the last piece of bread for breakfast!  If you don’t earn something fast, we will have to starve…” sighed mum.“I am sure someone will need me to run errands!” Jack said looking at his mother, who was wearing the same old clothes.

“If only your father did not disappear all of a sudden…” his mother said with a bit of tears at the edge of her eyes. Jack vaguely remembered his father, but had heard this from his mum so many times.“Don’t worry Mum, I am sure I can find something to do. See you in a while” shouted Jack as he grabbed his bread and ran out onto the narrow street.

Jack wandered around his town from street to street knocking on houses in the hope of finding some errands he could run….  He eventually came upon an old rickety building – without much hope, Jack knocked on the rusty creaky door.  An old woman opened it slowly and said inquiringly “Yes”?

“Dear Lady, I was wondering if I could help you with anything?  Perhaps, clean up your garden – I think it could use a good mowing and weeding” asked Jack, hopefully. “That would be splendid” replied the old woman. “Thank you lady! I will clean it up in a jiffy” promised Jack excitedly.  Now his mom and he could have a warm cup of soup and some fresh bread thought Jack happily!

Jack was a hard and committed worker – he pulled out all the weeds carefully making sure not to pull out the flowers.  He raked dried leaves and pushed them into a neat pile at the end of the garden. He mowed the tall grass and cut the overgrown bushes.  At last, an exhausted Jack, stood back to admire his work.  Feeling happy he eagerly knocked on the door again.

The old woman peeped out of the door and to her surprise her garden looked completely transformed – she was indeed very happy.  “Well done, my boy” she exclaimed.  “My garden has never looked so good!”

“That would be 10 Pounds, lady” said Jack feeling he had earned his keep.

“Well – I don’t have any money, my boy!  But let me see what I can find” answered the lady and went inside.

Jack couldn’t believe his ears. 

What? No Money!  She should’ve told me that right at the beginning! I do all this hard work and I get nothing?  That is just unfair – Jack thought

Jack could hear the old woman rattling around her stuff, as he impatiently waited outside. Finally – the old woman appeared at the door.

“There you go boy – these would be useful to you” said the woman handing over a fistful of beans to Jack.  Jack was so disappointed.“What?  Just beans for all my hard work?   I don’t want beans” hollered Jack putting them away.

“Oh that’s not it” replied the old lady as she handed him a dusty mirror. “A saint gave this mirror to me. He told me there was something magical about this mirror. For many years I have tried to figure it out but I had no luck. I shall pass it on to you I am sure you will find it useful”.

“OK so what about the beans?” asked Jack.“Oh those - Plant them in your garden and you will find a surprise” answered the lady. Jack was very unhappy, but being a polite boy, he waved a sad bye and ran back home eager to plant his beans.

 “Hello Jack!” shouted mum, when she saw him. “Did you manage to get any money?” “ Well actually mum I didn’t get any mon…..” answered Jack until he was cut off by his furious mum “ What did you get?” “Beans mum, I got beans” replied Jack. Mum was furious. She snatched them off of Jack and threw them out of the window.

Cursing himself for taking up the old lady’s work, Jack went off to the woods to find some twigs and sticks for the fire.

When he came home…………….

 “Thanks to you we have no food” sighed mum sadly “All we have is a little bit of milk”. Jack quietly had the glass of milk and went to his room, tired from the day’s work.

 As Jack slept he dreamt of being rich with more food and he wouldn’t have to worry about a thing. Suddenly at midnight Jack heard something. He slowly rubbed his eyes and cautiously looked around. Jack thought it was a mouse making the noise, so he went back to bed. After a few minutes Jack heard something like stones tapping on the window. “Jack” a sound whispered. Jack sat up. The sound was coming from the window. After a couple of minutes, he again heard the whisper. Jack was curious and frightened at the same time. He crept towards the window covering himself in his blanket and hoping whoever was outside could not see him. When he reached the window, he raised his head and he saw who was knocking on the window and calling him - they were the beans! Jack pinched himself to make sure this was not one of his wild dreams!

“Jack, why did you leave us outside? It is cold here” said one of beans. “You beans talk!” said Jack in amazement. He opened the window and grabbed all of them inside the room. “We are the magic beans” said one the beans as Jack was trying to recover from this surprise. “Look Jack, no one should know about us, not even your Mum” said the beans. Jack promised not to tell anyone about the magic beans.

“Did you know there is a special mirror holding a secret” said one bean. “You mean this one?” asked Jack pulling out the mirror he had earned earlier. “Looks like it” said another bean inspecting it. “How can we get the secret out?”  asked Jack, who was getting excited about the adventure. “I don’t know but I do know someone who does” said the bean. “THE GIANT” the beans chorused. “We have to make ourselves grow. Up on the clouds there is a giant. He has a scroll of paper that says how we will get the magic out of the mirror. We will shrink you and make you invisible. The spell may wear off but if you are quick enough you should come out still invisible. Be aware he can sense humans in his house” explained a bean. “That sounds very exciting. I can be really, really quick” said Jack, thinking how quickly he ran the errands. “Hang on to us” called the bigger beans as they turned Jack small with magic. The smaller beans turned him invisible. The beans said a chant to go up:

We beans wish to grow;

Go high into the sky;

Don’t go low!

We are magic beans;

We are as green as can be!

Suddenly gold dust surrounded them as they started to rise. “Nearly there” shouted a bean as Jack could feel himself rising along with a beanstalk.

 Soon Jack was up the beanstalk he breathlessly walked onto a cloud and came upon a mansion. It had a gigantic door. Jack tried to push it open, but it did not move an inch. “Because of the spell, you are very small. You can go through the keyhole!” said one of the beans. Jack flew through the key hole and landed inside the mansion. This place is massive he thought and he was absolutely right. The chairs were huge. The room was gigantic and there was much more. As Jack tiptoed into the house……..

“ FEE FI FO FUM

I smell a tiny human in my house

If I find him what will I do

Grind his blood and bones to make my stew!

I am as strong as a streak of lightning

That is what makes me frightening!”

boomed a voice.

Shuddering, Jack followed the sound which led him to a huge room. His jaws fell open as he saw this hairy giant standing inside the room. Next to him was a table and on the table, Jack saw a small scroll of paper. He jumped onto the table and reached his hand out. But before he could reach it, the giant grabbed it and took it to another room. Jack followed the giant carefully. Jack quickly slipped through the door before the giant closed it and locked it tightly shut. The giant put the scroll on a table in the room.  The giant sat on his big chair drinking some drink. Jack did not know what the drink was. After finishing the drink, the lazy giant slept off. He started snoring which got louder and louder. Jack had to cover his ears so that it would not hurt them!

Once he was sure the giant was fast asleep, Jack climbed the table cautiously. He was about to grab the scroll, but he was so close to the giant now. He got sucked in the giant’s loud snoring and he went very close to the giant’s nose when the giant inhaled ‘Kurrrrrh!’. He almost dropped on the table when the giant exhaled ‘Pussss!’. As the giant’s snoring became louder, he got sucked inside his nose. ‘Achooo!’ sneezed the giant making Jack to fly in the air and barely missing the fire.

As Jack stood up wiping the giant’s slime off his body, he could feel the spell wearing off. As he turned towards the giant, he saw the scroll within his reach. He grabbed it and held it tight to his chest. He looked around to see how he could escape and started running to the window. But before he could escape the giant spotted him. “What do you think you are doing in MY house?” bellowed the giant licking his lips and rubbing his tummy. He started walking towards Jack stomping his feet. Before the giant could get hold of him Jack scurried away clutching the scroll.

“Beans!” called Jack in despair looking out of the window. He frantically waved his hands as the floor was shaking as the furious giant was trying to reach Jack. “Hang on Jack, cling onto me!” called a huge vine on the beanstalk. Jack leapt onto the vine. “The giant is after us!” cried Jack. “We will take care of that” replied the beanstalk.

They sang another chant:

Bring us down low;

Go fast not slow;

We are green;

We are magic beans!

They started shrinking back to the ground leaving the furious giant helpless, as he was waving his hands to grab Jack. But the beanstalk shrunk so fast that all that the giant could do was to watch and fume!

“Jack, you must keep this a secret you must not breathe a word to anyone about this adventure” said the wisest bean as Jack put them outside and laid a piece of cloth on them to keep them warm and cozy. Jack waved to them and ran inside. He could not wait for the day to break to reveal the secret of the mirror.

The next morning Jack woke up very early. He opened the old looking scroll. It said whoever opened it, had to sing a special song to get the secret out of the mirror:

This mirror is magic

Will the secret be happy or tragic?

What will you find? Will it be gold?

We are about to find what this mirror holds

Jack huddled near the fireplace and took out the mirror from his soft pocket. He placed it carefully on the floor, his hands trembling with excitement. He sang the special song and held his breath wondering what the secret could be! “Clang!” broke the mirror. Astonished by this, Jack fell back. As he gazed at the mirror in bewilderment, he saw a whirlwind of golden dust growing in size. Jack could see a sketch of a man appearing out of the dazzling dust.

 “Jack!” said the man as he walked towards Jack with his arms open. Jack was petrified. “Who are you?” he screamed, trying to get away from the mysterious man.

Hearing Jack’s scream, his mum woke up. She scurried towards Jack’s room.

As she entered the room, she could not believe what she saw. It was her long lost husband!

“Robert!” she cried as she ran to him and hugged him. “Jack, your dad is here!” she said as she pulled Jack in to the family hug. Jack was delighted to see his father, but could not control the tears of happiness.

 Jack’s father told them how a mean witch trapped him in a mirror when he would not tell her about the hidden treasure he had found. The witch gave the scroll that could release him from the mirror to the giant so no one could ever release him. But fortunately a saint who overpowered the witch gave the mirror to the old lady. Finally his brave son released him from the prison he was trapped in!

The very same day, Jack’s dad retrieved the hidden treasure. From then on they lived in a better house, ate better food and were never separated.

                                                                    The end