Join Benji and Mia as they uncover a magical garden in their backyard, leading them to an unexpected adventure with a wise old gnome named Flibber. Together, they must solve the mystery of the missing garden treasures.
Age Recommendation
5 – 13 years
Characters
Characters:
- Benji (a curious and adventurous boy)
- Mia (Benji’s imaginative younger sister)
- Flibber (a wise old gnome who guards the magical garden)
Story
Benji and Mia were playing in their backyard when they noticed a part of the fence glowing softly under the setting sun. Curiosity piqued, they pushed aside the ivy, revealing a hidden gate. As it swung open, a lush and vibrant garden unfolded before their eyes, teeming with colorful flowers and towering plants.
The Garden’s Secret
Mia: Wow, Benji! Look at all these flowers. It’s like a fairy tale!
Benji: I know! I wonder if anyone lives here.
Before they could explore further, a voice as soft as the rustling leaves spoke up.
Flibber: Greetings, young adventurers!
The children turned to see a small gnome with a long white beard and twinkling eyes standing by a mushroom.
Mia: Are you a real gnome?
Flibber: Indeed, I am. My name is Flibber, and I guard this magical garden.
The Mystery Unfolds
Benji: What’s so special about this place?
Flibber: This garden holds treasures that keep it alive and colorful. But alas, some treasures have gone missing!
Mia: Missing? Can we help you find them?
Flibber: I hoped you’d say that. Follow me!
Flibber led them through winding paths and under archways made of intertwined branches, stopping at a patch where the soil looked disturbed.
The Search Begins
Benji: What are we looking for?
Flibber: A golden acorn and a silver leaf. They must be returned to their place by nightfall.
As they searched, Benji noticed something glinting beneath a bush.
Benji: I found the silver leaf!
Mia: And here’s the golden acorn! It was hiding under this rock!
The Garden’s Gratitude
With the treasures back in place, the garden seemed to shimmer with a renewed energy.
Flibber: Thank you, my friends. You have saved this magical place.
Mia: Can we come back and visit?
Flibber: Of course, the garden will always welcome kind hearts like yours.
With a wave of his hat, Flibber disappeared into the flowers, leaving Benji and Mia standing in the glowing garden.
The end.
Moral of the Story
The story teaches the importance of curiosity, kindness, and helping others. By being curious, Benji and Mia discovered a hidden world and through their kindness, they helped save the magical garden, showing that small actions can lead to big changes.
Questions to Think About
- What do you think made the garden magical?
- How did Benji and Mia work together to solve the mystery?
- Why is it important to help others, even if they are different from us?
- What would you do if you found a magical place like the garden?
- What do you think Flibber does when he’s not guarding the garden?
Do You Know
- Gnomes are mythical creatures often depicted as small, bearded men who guard treasures hidden in the earth.
- Some cultures believe that acorns symbolize growth and potential because they grow into mighty oak trees.
Word Explorer
- Treasure: Something valuable hidden or kept safe.
- Curiosity: A strong desire to learn or know something.
- Guard: To protect or watch over something.
Emotions in the Story
- Curiosity: When Benji and Mia found the glowing gate, they felt curious about what lay beyond.
- Excitement: Discovering the magical garden filled the children with excitement.
- Gratitude: Flibber felt grateful to the children for helping him save the garden.
Color Your Scene
Imagine the moment when Benji and Mia first enter the magical garden. Picture the bright colors of the flowers, the tall green plants, and the shimmering light surrounding the place. Draw this scene with vivid colors to show the magic of the garden.
Parents’ Corner
This story is a wonderful opportunity for parents to discuss the themes of curiosity and kindness with their children. Encourage your child to be curious about the world around them and to approach new experiences with an open heart. Discuss the importance of helping others and the joy that comes from acts of kindness, showing them that even small actions can make a big difference.
