Opening night, the crowd  cheered; the circus lights dimmed.  The mean, cruel Ringmaster in his scarlet red coat and tall jet black hat whipped the glum lion.  Speedily, it leapt through the flamming  hoop – the crowd went wild! Showover, back in the cage the sad and gloomy lion looked on.   Suddenly, in the dead of night under the twinkling stars the circus strongman tore at the sturdy bars.  Lion and strongman crept stealthily away into the night – never to be in the show again! Morning, lush green grass, clear blue sky.  The proud lion and kind-hearted strongman … Continue reading The Great Escape

Silently, Jack crept through the kitchen door ; he glimpsed the shiny, golden egg in the Giant’s secret cupboard. Quickly, Jack slipped the precious, valuable egg into his pocket. Jack tried to make his escape but, with a loud clatter, he tripped over the Giant’s boxer dog’s bone! The sleeping dog opened one eye ; he spied Jack heading towards the door. Immediately, the snarling , fuming dog barked loudly ; alerting the dozing giant. Hastily, Jack made his escape and ran quickly down the beach to the beanstalk with the monstrous dog hot-on-his-heels. Will the mischievous Jack escape with … Continue reading Jack’s Golden Egg

The vast Ferris wheel stood on the south bank of the river Thames.  Tourists from all over the world gathered in the spacious pods; chattering excitedly.  Cameras and mobile phones held up to the window, waiting to see London’s amazing sights – the elaborate Buckingham Palace, the statuesque Shard, the famous Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. Spinning, slowly, safely, smoothly up into the sky.  The wheel turned calmly contrasting with the bustling, eager tourists inside.  Suddenly, one tourist gasped; pointing nervously towards the pod ceiling.  A small boy stood on the outside of the pod waved at the surprised crowd.  But how … Continue reading A Boy Gets Too Brave

The plump giant sat quietly on an enormous, smooth rock in the tranquil forest.  The twittering of the birds echoed in the tall trees; the copper coloured leaves rustled in the breeze.  Squirrels scampered in the tree tops, mice scurried along the forest floor.  Beetles and wood lice scuttled under rotten logs.  Peacefully, the giant sipped his hot, sugary tea from the colossal tea-cup and observed the sights, sounds and smells of the forest.  BANG!!! Hunters.  The tea-cup spilled; it rattled and hit the mossy ground.  Hastily, the giant turned and galloped stealthily away deep into the forest!  Gone!

The stream-lined amber fish flicked their fan-shaped tails as they moved effortlessly through the rippling water. Suddenly, a large circular net plunged into the ultra-marine water; scooping up the shoal of frightened, fidgety fish. Gathered together in the net the fish quivered apprehsively.  The net tipped; the fish tumbled into a clear plastic bag.  The fish huddled together, bubbling like water in a kettle. The bag was sliced open; the insides spilling out into the murky, brown water of the garden pond – freedom! Frighteningly, a large, grey heron flew down and landed on the ladder that rested against the … Continue reading Pond Palaver

The wind whistled through the cracks in the aged castle; rattling the ancient window frames.  I peeped through the dusty, tatty curtains; the rain was lashing against the panes of glass. I felt that on this stormy night the whole castle had come to life.  Terrified, I stared out onto the vast, overgrown garden.  A feeling of uneasiness came over me. Suddenly, it came down the drain pipe.  I stood startled, still like a statue.  The mist rose and formed the shape of Great, Great Aunt Mary.  The shape floated creepily towards the castle graveyard. Suddenly, an ear splitting crash, … Continue reading Stormy night at the castle

The saffron sun was gleaming; the dominating, lofty skyscrapers reflecting the sun’s scorching rays.  The sturdy stone statues stood in the shadow of the ice-cream parlour. “I wonder, what is ice-cream?” said a watchful Rocky to his parents, Sandra and Cole. “Ice-cream is creamy white and rosy pink and chocolate brown and lime green.  It can be smooth or jagged!  It’s icy and melty and dribbly!” explained Sandra (Rocky’s Mum). Cole continued “Topped with scrumptious, sweet syrup, crunchy, chewy nuts and mouth-watering, juicy cherries.” “…or sweet, fluffy cream with a kaleidoscope of sprinkles” interrupted Sandra. “Will I ever taste ice-cream?” … Continue reading Ice-cream