Bedtime storytelling

Introduction The 7 little ones

A stormy night erupted! It's been raining and thundering for a long time! With the 7 young ones, it appears as if the sky is tearing apart.

Without Pa Pa and Ma Ma by their sides, the family's eldest daughter is forced to assume both roles, seeking to console the young ones while also acting as a brace front, despite the fact that she is only 11 years old.

That’s the age of a school girl shouldering the whole family from attending to all the younger siblings basic needs and to their well being.

Let's get to know her better and her name is Bao! In her native tongue, it means "treasure."

Bao was a child who, because she had to be one for the family, knew when and what was the appropriate thing to do without any adult guidance.

She will always needs to put a strong front for the family and always not forgetting to wear a big smile in front of her siblings.

To attending their needs is a way to lesser the burdens of her parents. Now you must be wondering where’s papa and mama.

Welcome to Bao’s family! Papa works at a bakery shop in a market place. The scent of freshly bake breads and cookies of course fancy looking cakes on the display counter is the eye catching for the customers who always admire papa’s bakery artwork and to support the big family Ma Ma needs to go and work in a huge ship as a cleaner that fetch a handsome income and she couldn’t be with her 7 little ones and her beloved husband.

The ship will depart from port and sail for 1 week and the little ones will not get to see their mama at all.

Vivid memories of mama in the wee hours preparing to get ready for her work. Making sure that’s enough food for the whole week and instructing Bao to make sure all things are going well before mama left the house for her “adventure “ Bao hugs mama and pat a kiss on her cheek wishing her well and both know it’s time for mama to be on her journey.

Walking a distance from home to dock, mama will always take the familiar lightly lighted street lights road before the day break, as the sun shine warmly at her face.

It’s ray warm mama’s heart that she knows that Bao will take good care of everyone on her behalf. A shiny drop like dew from the fresh leaf slip on mama’s face. Collecting her thoughts and carry a bright smile to welcome a whole new week that awaits her!

On the edge of a gloomy forest three Giants were eating their dinner. These Giants would gigantic. They were eating meat as big as rocks. Their spoons were like shovels and their forks were big enough to dig a garden. But someone was secretly watching them. His name was Sam and he was a hunter. I’m going to have some fun with these giants he said. Taking aim, he fired his gun at the fork of the fattest giant. Sam’s gun made the giant jump he poked the fork into his chin. Ow! He yelled Who did that? Just wait until I catch you, whoever you are! Sam tried to hide, but he wasn’t quick enough. The giant spotted him. He jumped up and grabbed Sam. Ha Ha! Now you’re in trouble, boy! He roared. Unless you help us he added. We want the princess from the king’s castle. You can get her. H-how? Squeaked Sam. He was terrified. Oh we’ll show you the giant said, he laughed. Do you think he’s up to the Job? Said the brown-haired giant. There’s no one else to help us said the black-haired giant. Then let’s go! Said the bald-headed giant. The giants picked up Sam and took him to the castle. Everyone’s asleep they told him. We put a spell on them. But the dog is still awake. You must shoot him. The castle dog trotted up to Sam, wagging his tail. He didn’t bark once. He was a very friendly dog. Hello there what’s your name? How could o shoot you? Asked Sam patting him. Sam decided he wasn’t going to help the Giants I think I’ll explore the castle he said. In one room Sam found a Princess He thought she was beautiful. He gazed at her for a long long time then he tiptoed out. Next he found a room with a sword hanging on the wall. There was a golden cup is beside the sword with writing on it. Drink this and use the magic sword to save the princess read Sam. Sam was excited. Perhaps he could save the princess from those horrible giants. He tried a sip of the drink...Mmm quite tasty. Glug glug. He drinks some more. Soon he’d finished it. Now for the sword! Said Sam. He gave a big tug and felt it move, just a little. He tried again. GOT IT! This time it came out in a rush. Ha Ha! Said Sam. Now to get those Giants! Downstairs the giants were knocking at the door. Let us in they bellowed. You’re too big and the door’s too small said Sam. Never mind that! Yelled the giants. Open this door now! Okay said Sam and he hid behind the door. It’s the Giants clawed in, he chopped off their heads. The princess was saved. But Sam began to worry. The king might not like people using his sword. He could be in big trouble. So he ran away. Back in the castle, The Giant’s spell soon wore off. The soldiers woke up. They stared at the dead Giants. Could it really be true? Someone’s killed the Giants! The King the king fetch the king! The castle buzzed with excitement. The Giants were dead at last. But who had killed them?The king saw that his sword was gone, too. It was a mystery. The princess was happiest of all. She dreamed of the handsome hero who had saved her. I’ll marry him. We’ll be so happy! She sighed. But we don’t know who he is said the king. Please find him for me daddy she begged. So the King built an inn. A sign above the door read: anyone who tells his life story may stay here for free. A year later Sam passed by. He went inside and told his tale. It’s the giant killer! Call the princess! The king was overjoyed to meet the man who killed the Giants. His daughter was so excited, she married Sam that very day. Welcome son! Everyone was invited to the wedding... except giants. None of the other Giants would have gone anyway. They were far too scared of Sam.

It was Charlie crossbones first day as a pirate. He’d spent the last 10 years at Pirate school. Now he was ready to set sail for treasure. He knew how to read a treasure map. Unlock a chest and do lots of other piratey things. He even knew how to give a real pirate’s laugh. What’s more, Charlie had been lucky enough to inherit his grandpa‘s old pirate ship and all the gear to go with it. But as Charlie look at his outfit he realised something was missing. He didn’t have a parrot. Every pirate needs a parrot. A moment later, Charlie spotted just what he needed. There were parrots of all shapes and sizes. There was only one problem. They were all too expensive. As Charlie turned to go, The parrot seller called him back. I suppose you could have this one he said. Charlie had never seen such a pretty parrot and he was amazed it was so cheap. You’ve got a very special bird there said the parrot seller. Now he has his parrot. Charlie wasted no time in setting off on his hunt for treasure. Out at sea.Charlie spotted a ship named the Fat flounder. He knew it belonged to a rich sailor named captain silverside. I bet that ship is loaded with cash. Said Charlie happily. Charlie waited until the sailors had gone to lunch. He rowed across to the ship and sneaked in through an open window. Charlie was in luck. He’d climbed into the cabin where the captain kept his treasure. But he had only just begun to stuff his pockets with gold coins, when disaster struck. Stop thief ssh! Charlie hisses at his parrot. But it was too late. One look at Captain silverside and Ran. Come back here you sneaky thief! The captain and his men chased Charlie Charlie around the deck six times before the poor pirate escaped-to his boat. As he rowed back to his ship, Charlie turned to his parrot with a face like thunder. Don’t ever do that again you pesky parrot! He scolded. But every time they went to sea, The parrot caused trouble. Just as Charlie was about to steal someone’s treasure, The Parit let out a warning cry. Stop thief! Each time Charlie only just managed to Escape. Soon he was a nervous wreck. Wherever he tried to get rid of the parrot it always found its way back to Charlie’s shoulder. As Charlie was eating his supper one evening he wondered what he could do. He had never felt so miserable. Thanks to pesky parrot he was a useless practically penniless pirate. Charlie’s long face was making the other customers lose their appetites. The landlord tried to cheer him up. They were so busy talking, neither of them spotted a thief creeping up to the landlords cashbox. The thief was just about to swipe all the money, when Charlie’s parrot squawked into action. Stop thief! What a wonderful bird said the landlord. That thief nearly got away with my cash. This give Charlie an idea. Perhaps he could put his parrot to good use after all. The landlord paid Charlie handsomely for his new burglar alarm stop thief! The parrot enjoyed its new job and Charlie have enough money to buy another bird-A quiet one this time.

Once upon a time. There lived a Lion and a mouse. One day the Lion was sleeping. The mouse started playing on it. The Lion woke up. He caught up the mouse and was going to kill. The mouse requested for forgiveness. The Lion let him go. After some days the Lion caught in a net. The mouse cut the net with his teeth. The Lion was free. He thanked the mouse.

Shiverham Hall was a hotel with a difference. All the guests were dead. Ghosts came from the spirit world to be greeted by Shiverham’s spooky staff. There were 22 ice-cold bedrooms... a poltergeist- powered jacuzzi.. and a string quartet playing haunting tunes. No living soul dared visit the Hotel. It was far too creepy. The ghosts were left in peace. Then one afternoon the hotel’s deadly hush was shattered. Most of the ghosts were napping. Mr Quiver, The hotel manager, had came down for a glass of water. Suddenly a round-faced man flung open the front door and strode up to the reception desk. This is just what I’ve been looking for he boomed. A Tall Thin man scuttled in after him. Um, Are you sure Mr Slate? He asked nervously. Of course I’m sure Simkins barked Slate. This will make the perfect site for my new hotel I’ve had it all designed. Slate proudly spread out a large plan in front of his assistant. Behind them, Mr Quiver sneaked up to get a better look. Rooftop sun terrace and pool, Suite for personal guests of Mr Slate, all night burger bar, giant 24 hour disco, underground parking for 500 Cars. Mr Quiver was horrified. I will have this place demolished in no time. Slate went on. But perhaps I’ll look around and see if there’s anything worth saving first. Don’t be too long gulped Simkins. They said the place is haunted. Ridiculous cried Slate. Ghosts don’t exist. And I’ll stay the night to prove it. We don’t exist eh? Thought Mr Quiver as he floated upstairs. Minutes later he gathered the hotel staff together. No one was happy about Slate’s plans. We’ll never get any peace in his noisy New Hotel Wailed Charlie the waiter. And where will Our ghostly guests go? asked Elsie The Maid. Slate will have to be frightened off. Said Mr Quiver. As soon as it gets dark, we’ll start haunting. Slate was climbing the rickety stairs to bed when Mr Quiver appeared in front of him. Slate looked a little surprised. But then he shrugged. Out of my way potato head he shouted. Mr Quiver had never been so insulted in his life or his death. But the ghosts weren’t finished yet. As Slate brushed his teeth, Igor The Porter popped up through the plug hole. Another stupid Spook! The staff didn’t give up. That night Slate was visited by a stream of ghosts. Elsie brought the bedsheets to life. Charlie rattled a ghostly tea tray next to Slate’s pillow. Cora the cook sent possessed pots flying through the air. Even the hotel guests tried to put the shivers up the unwelcome visitor. Sir Gauntlet showed off his battle scars. Lord Doublet lost his head. And miss Gauntly, the wailing lady, moaned the entire night. But none of them could raise a single goosebump. Next morning Mr Quiver listened in on Slate’s meeting with Simpkins. You were right said Slate this place is full of ghosts. Really stuttered Simkins nervously so you’ll forget your plans? No way said Slate people will pay even more to stay in a luxury haunted hotel I’ll soon have those spooks hard at work. I’ll make a fortune! Within minutes the ghosts’ tragic tale appeared on the spirit World Wide Web. It looked as if the ghosts’ peaceful life was coming to an end. Next day, The staff watched from the shadows As slate dreamed of what was to come. Suddenly a spooky figure appeared from nowhere. Yoo Hoo! she cried. Aha! Said Slate. Another spook and the very ugly one. Don’t you recognise me Percy? Said the ghost it’s me your great aunt Mabel let auntie give you a nice big kiss! Slate’s ghostly aunt planted a slobbery wet kiss on his cheek. Slate’s face turned bright red. I read all about you on the ghosts’ gazette website said Mabel so I’ve decided to come and live in your lovely new hotel. I’ll look after you Percy cried Mabel. I’ll feed you up on my special cabbage soup and I’ll make sure you get a bath and a big kiss every bedtime! Slate had been terrified of his aunt when she was alive now she was even scarier. I’ve changed my mind The stammered, tore up his plans and ran.

Long ago in the city of Baghdad, Sinbad live with his father, A rich merchant. When The merchant died, HE left Sinbad his whole fortune. Sinbad was so rich he didn’t need to work instead he spent his money on fine clothes and wild parties. One day he was shocked to find his purse empty. I can’t believe I’ve spend my fortune he said to himself. He decided to follow in his father‘s footsteps and sell things for a living.First he sold his house then he bought some expensive silks and spices And went down to the port. A group of merchants were busy loading their ship they invited Sinbad to join them and he jumped on board. After a week at the sea they drop anchor by a sandy Island they were cooking supper over fire when the ground began to tremble. The island is moving A sailor cried it’s not an island yelled another we’re all the whale cried the captain and swam to the ship. The others were flung into the sea as the whale flipped its tail and dived underwater. Many men drowned but Sinbad was lucky he Clung onto a wooden chest and floated through the night. At dawn he landed on the shore of a distant island. A man on horseback spotted Sinbad and took him to see this ruler King Mahrajan. Sinbad told the king of the whale. Now I’m stranded far from home he signed work for me and I’ll look after you said the King. One day Sinbad was on a duty at the port when the captain came up to him. Sir where can I sell this silks and spices he asked Sinbad was amazed I have some silk like that he said well these silks belonged to a merchant called Sinbad said The Capitan I am Sinbad cried Sinbad but I thought you’d drowned The captain was amazed but he gave him back his silks and spices after selling them at an excellent price Sinbad joined the captain’s ship and set sail for Baghdad at first Sinbad was delighted to be home but soon he had itchy feet he wanted to visit new places so he bought some silks and spices to trade A friend of Captain welcomed him on board his ship and they headed for the high Seas one day they stopped at a deserted island to collect fresh water Sinbad sat down in a shady spot and fell asleep an hour later he woke in a panic The ship had set sail without him he was stranded Sinbad climbed a tree and looked over the island all he could see was One huge white egg as Sinbad watched A gigantic roc bird flew onto the egg and settled down to sleep Sinbad knew the roc bird was very strong maybe it could rescue him he Unwound his turban crept up to the bird and tie himself to its leg When the roc woke up it stretched its giant wings and soared into the sky Sinbad found himself dangling high above the clouds before long the roc dived down into a deep valley Sinbad felt hard ground beneath his feet and quickly untied himself. The roc Caught a sheep in its claws and flew away Sinbad stared in Fear at the steep-sided valley it was squirming with snakes which slithered over dead sheep. Then Sinbad noticed the ground was studded with jewels. He was stuffing some in his pockets when he saw a vicious snake eyeing him hungrily. Sinbad ducked down how could he Escape seeing the Roc circling overhead gave him an idea quickly he tied himself to a sheep and waited in no time a roc swooped down and grabbed the sheep in its claws it flew out of the valley with Sinbad trailing belowThe roc landed on the Cliff it was about to eat the sheep when a group of men charged at the bird scaring it away bother said one no jewels in this sheep’s wool then they spotted Sinbad his Escape from snake Valley amazed them in return for some jewels they put him on the ship bound for Baghdad once more Sinbad was delighted to be home but the feeling didn’t last long this time he traded a bag of jewels for silks and spices to sell his third Journey went well and land was in sight when a bunch of short ugly and very hairy men ambushed the ship One by one The Hairy men threw the merchants overboard then Sail away The miserable merchants were washed onto a beach

Luke you are the laziest boy in the world! Cried Mrs Lively. His room was so untidy. She could hardly get in. Look at all this mess! Sighed Luke’s mother as she clambered over a pile of books, clothes and toys. Are you do all day is play on that beeping computer said Mrs Lively crossly. Luke wasn’t listening. He had just reached level 12 on android attack. Now he needed to concentrate. I‘be had just about enough young man! Snapped Mrs Lively. You have one week to clean up this room or the computer goes she threatened I mean it! That heard that loud and clear. He couldn’t possibly live without his computer. But cleaning his room would take forever. I need someone to help me clean up he thought. He spent the next two hours searching the Internet for cleaning companies. They were all too expensive. Luke had almost given up hope, when am advertisement popped up on the screen. Cyberstuff products present The incredible tidybot it’s sweeps it’s polishes it shifts your junk! Free 14 day home trial send no money! How can you live without it? Please allow 2 to 6 days for delivery. That’s just what I need cried Luke. It can clean my room then I’ll send it back. Just under a week later, The tidybot arrived at Luke’s house. He managed to sneak the box up to his room, before his mother dashed past on her way out. I want that room clean by the time I come back she shouted. The front door slammed behind her. Luke had just two hours. He went to his room and excitedly tore open the box. First he read the instruction booklet. Then he aimed the remote control. The tidybot was ready for action. Luke pressed the red button twice and the robot jerked to life. In minutes all Luke’s underpants shirts and shorts were off the floor and neatly put away. Luke was impressed. He pressed button after button. The robot whizzed around the room obeying every command . In no time at all the bedroom was cleaner than it has ever been. Luke couldn’t wait to see his mother‘s face when she returned. He took a step back to admire the tidybot’s work. As he did he heard a loud crack. The remote control was bent and broken. How can I return it now he thought. But Luke had more important things to worry about. Breaking the control unit had made the Tidybot go crazy. It hurtled around the room until it was messier than ever. Before Luke could stop it the rampaging robot zoomed out of his bedroom and down the stairs. It went through every room in the house leaving a messy trail behind. Finally the battery went flat and it ground to a halt. Like stared at the house in horror. What would his mother say? He spent the next hour sweeping mopping and polishing. Then he repacked the robot and hid it in the shed. When he’d finished, he was so tired that he went to his bedroom to lie down. He was in for a shock. Oh no I completely forget about my room he said. As he slumped onto his bed in dispair his mother returned. Look at this room she cried. But Luke was so exhausted he didn’t hear. Mrs lively shook her head as she carried off Luke’s computer. You really are the laziest boy in the world she said.

Today we decided to sing Country Road. Hope you like it!

Pinchbeck The wizard and Pogo the goblin were walking together in the woods. They were talking about a magic spell. “ The mushrooms must be picked at midnight,” Pogo told Pinchbeck. They were so busy talking, they didn’t see a robber creeping up behind them. I spy a bag of gold! Suddenly, The robber jumped out. He hit Pinchbeck over the head with his club. “ give me your gold!” He shouted. Pinchbeck dropped the gold. Pogo just ran. The robber tied Pinchbeck to a tree. Three hours later, Pogo came back. “ my head hurts,” groans Pinchbeck. “ let’s go to the castle for help,” said Pogo. Slowly Pinchbeck and pogo climbed to the castle. They stopped in front of a huge wooden door and knocked. Inside, The king and queen were having tea. “ was that a knock?” Asked the Queen. Pausing between mouthfuls of soft -boiled egg. “Hmm, I wonder who it could be?” Said the King. “ who’s there?” Called the King. “Pogo!” Said Pogo. “With Pinchbeck The wizard.” “ We were robbed in the woods. Please let us in.” “ that’s terrible!” Said the King.” Come in at once.” The Queen made some fresh tea, and wrapped PinchBeck’s head in bandages. “ The robbers came here too,” she said. “ and they’re coming back tomorrow,” The king added, “ if we don’t give them two more bags of gold, they’ll take over our castle. And we don’t have any gold left!” That night, Pinchbeck and pogo stayed in the Castle. They wished that they could do something to help. “ my head’s thumping too much,” sighed Pinchbeck.” I can’t think of any spells.” But Pogo had an idea. Early the next morning, he sneaked out of the castle.” I hope I don’t wake anyone up,” he thought. He found 2 sacks in the shed and tiptoed through the garden. If he tried hard enough, he might be able to work a spell. As fast as he could, he stuffed both sacks with leaves. Then he hurried back to the castle. When Pinchback saw the sacks, he clapped his hands with glee, “ Pogo! You’ve helped me to remember a spell!” Umpi-grumpi, do As as you’re told. For those robbers and turn into gold! Yellow smoke filled the air, then... Rat-a-tat-tat! The robbers were banging on the door.” Open up!” They yelled. “ we know you don’t have any gold. The castle’s ours!” The Queen began to cry.” But we have nowhere to go,” she sobbed.” Tough!” Said the robbers.” Please don’t take the castle,” pleaded the king. It’s our home! Just then, The robbers heard another voice. It was pinchbeck.” Take a look at this,” he called, waving at the robbers. They couldn’t believe their eyes. The robbers blinked, and stared, Then blinked again. “ take your gold,” said Pinchbeck.” And make sure we never see you here again.” “ ha! We’re rich now,”Said the chief robber. “ why would we come back?” And they set off. They rode for five days and five nights. The sacks were getting lighter but the robbers didn’t notice. At last, they stopped to rest. Tired and hungry, they decided to cheer themselves up.” Let’s count our gold,” they said. But all They found In the. Sacks were... leaves? “ it’s a trick!” Shouted the chief robber,” We’ll go back!” But it was no good. They’d come too far and completely lost. At the castle, PinchBeck’s head healed and he spells returned. It was time to go. But before He left, he gave the king and queen of magic sack of gold which would never run out. Then he and pogo headed back into the woods, The way they had come.

On Saturday afternoon, Glen Google was watching TV. Suddenly the set make a funny fizzing noise and the screen went black. Glen’s dad called out Mr Sparks, the tv repairman. “ you’ve worn out, lad,” said Mr Sparks. “ it wasn’t my fault!” Said Glen. Mr Sparks put the television in his friend and return with a battered-looking replacement. Glen had never seen such an ancient TV set. “ it’s better than nothing,” said Mr Google. Glen’s parents had no problems watching the tv. But the first time that Glen tuned in, something odd happened. A man in strange clothes appeared on the screen and burst into song. “This isn’t Cartoon Club,” muttered Glen. “ welcome, One and all, to the world of Harry hall!” Sang the man on the TV. Harry was a terrible singer. But he was so funny. Glen didn’t mind missing the cartoons. The next time Glen switched on, Harry appeared again. This time he was dressed as a magician. The show was even funnier than the last. Every trick Henry did went wrong. Oh dear! Oops! Oh no. The useless magician made Glen laugh so much, he had to turn off the tv to stop his sides from aching. Next day, Harry tried to dance and kept tripping over his own feet. Although Harry was funny, Glen was starting to miss the cartoons. Glen was about to switch channels, when Harry fell forward - right through the TV screen. Then he grew to full-size before Glen’s astonished eyes. “ sorry,” panted Harry. “ I should have taken more dance lessons when I was alive.” Glen gulped. “ you mean you’re a g..g...g” Ghost? That’s right! “ I always wanted to be on television.” Said Harry, “ so when I became a ghost, I decided to haunt this set.” “ you are very funny,” said Glen. “ I didn’t mean to be,” Harry replied. “ I can’t easy in the spirit world until I’m a star,” he sighed. Glen felt sorry for Harry. He offered to let him stay if he stop haunting the tv. Harry spend the next few days moping in Glen’s room. Then one afternoon, Glen showed him a ticket. “ look where we’re going,” he said with a grin. Come and watch talent time the top TV talent contest being recorded Saturday, October 4 at 3 pm at XYZ Tv studios big cash price for the top act! Harry was full of excitement. He’d never seen a TV show been made before. Glen wasn’t sure is spooks were allowed in TV studios. Harry shrank himself down so Glen could smuggle him inside. Wait here for talent time Studio 4. Glen was relieved when he reached his seat in the audience. Harry peeked out as the lights dimmed and the show began. There were singers, dancers and comedians. Glen thought they were great, but harry did nothing but grumble. “ I could do better than that!” He complained. “Shh!” Said Glen, who was getting some funny looks from the woman beside them. Glen didn’t notice the ghost float away. So he got a shock when the full-size haven’t suddenly appeared on stage. Harry pushed the other contestants aside and went into his act. He sang terrible songs... he messed up his magic tricks... and he finished his clumsy dance routine. The audience roared with laughter. Harry won the first prize as the star of the show. He called Glen on stage to say thank you. With a big grin on his face, Harry faded away. Glen grinned too. Harry had given him the prize money to buy a brand-new TV.