Once there was a poor farmer. His wife was dead. He lived with his only son Jon, near the mountains in Scotland. In the spring and summer, Jon and his father worked hard in the fields. This treejust won’t budge! In the autumn, they shut up the farm and went down to the sea, to fish. But one year Jon’s father felt too old for the trip. “ You’ll have to go alone,” he said to Jon. Take good care of yourself! Don’t worry I will! “ just remember one thing,” his father warned. “ don’t stop at the big black Rock. That’s where the trolls live.” As John drove up a rocky Mountain path, The sky grew dark. Then the storm blew up. Lightning flashed and thunder growled. “ I wish my dad were here,” Thought Jon. At last he saw a big black Rock. “Ah! I can shelter here,” he thought. John had forgotten his father’s warning. He was just glad to be out of the storm. He sat down outside A cave and unpacked his sack. Whew! That journey made me really hungry! “ Time for supper,” he said to himself. He had crusty bread smelly cheese an apple and a very big fish. “ delicious!” He said as he chomped away. Suddenly Jon had a noise coming from inside the cave. He was so scared, he stopped chewing. Wha... What’s that? He could hear voices - babies’ voices! “Wahhh!” They cried. “ we are hungry!” Jon quickly picked up the fish and cut it in half. He threw both halves into the cave.” Here eat these!” He called. The crying stopped at once. “Whew,” Said Jon. “ thank goodness for that,” he was almost Asleep when a giant shadow fell over him. Jon looked up. A troll! A troll was coming for him. “ I smell a man!” Set a Low, rumbling voice. Now Jon remembered his father’s warning. But it was too late. The troll came over to Jon and picked him up. He shook with Terror. This was his first fishing trip alone - and he was the one to be caught. “ please don’t eat me!” He begged. But the troll was gentle. “ don’t be scared,” she said. “ I want to thank you for feeding my children.” The troll took Jon into the cave and looked after him. She even gave him a children’s bed. It was lumpy but Jon slept well. The next morning, after breakfast, the troll waved Jon off. “ take this magic fishing hooks,” she said. “ when you reach the sea, look for an old man named Charlie. You must go fishing with him.” “ thank you,” said Jon. “ I will.” “ but only fish near the appointed rock,” The troll warned. Jon did just as the troll had said. He found Charlie in the old hut by the beach. “ Will you come fishing with me?” Asked Jon. “ are you sure?” Asked Charlie. “ i’m the worst fisherman in the world. I never catch anything!” Charlie showed Jon his boat. It was full of holes and falling to pieces. “ don’t worry!” Said Jon. “ I can soon fix that.” He said to work with some tar and planks of wood. Soon, The boat was as good as new. “ let’s row to that pointed rock,” Jon said to Charlie. They put worms on the magic hooks, and started to fish. “ hey!” Jon cried, A few seconds later. “ I’ve caught one!” “ so have I!” Shouted Charlie. And another and another! They couldn’t believe their luck. The book was full of fish! The other fishermen couldn’t believe it either. “ what’s your secret?” They asked. Jon told them to fish near the pointed rock. But, when they tried, they didn’t catch a thing. Every day for the entire winter, Jon’s magic hooks caught hundreds of fish. “ they’ve done it again!” Gasped a local fisherman. “ Charlie’s lucky at last!” Said another, shaking his head in disbelief. Every day, Jon and Charlie cleaned the fish and hung them up to dry. They put more fish than all the other fishermen put together. “ there’s something fishy going on here,” One of them grumbled. When Spring came, it was time for Jon to go home. On the way, he visited The troll and give her half his fish. “ I never could have caught them without you,” he said. “ thank you.” She said. “ One day, you’ll have a dream about me. When you do, you must come back to my cave.” Back at home, Jon helped his father on tgs

Ben Boggle lay awake in the cold sweat. How could he sleep with a monster under his bed? Every evening it was the same story. As soon as Ben switched off his bedside light, The monster woke with a snort. All through the night, The creature gurgled and growled in the shadows. Ben had never dared to look under his bed. He was too terrified of what he might see. Perhaps the monster 10 eyes. Or long slimy tentacles.. or huge sharp teeth.. or all of this! At school Ben could hardly keep his eyes open. “ wake up Ben Boggle!” Yelled his Teacher. “ that’s the third time this week you’ve fallen asleep in class.” Mr Grizzle liked people to be awake in his mathematics lessons. Even when he was wide awake. Ben was hopeless with numbers. When he felt sleepy, they were even more difficult. “ get to bed earlier, Young man.” Said Mr Grizzle, in a stern voice. Unless Ben could get rid of the monster. Mr Grizzle would be shouting at him every day. Tired and worried. Ben was walking home when he spotted something in the shop window. “ Maybe that book has something about bed monsters.” Ben thought. He dashed inside. As soon as he got home, Ben read the book from cover to cover. But there was no mention of monsters under the bed. What monsters eat? Monsters like to eat -, Little kids, Monster hunters, small furry animals, Big furry animals, chocolate chip cookies “ what a waste of money,” thought Ben. Then he had an idea. Perhaps the book could help him after all... Ben decided to build a monster trap. He raided the chocolate chip cookie jar and took a net from his dad’s fishing box. In no time at all, his trap was ready. That night, he climbed into bed, switched off the light and waited. At first, Ben’s room was spookily silent. Then he heard a Crunching, munching sound followed by a whoosh. His monster trap had worked! Nervously, Ben crept over to the net. But nothing could have prepared him for what happened next... “ please don’t hurt me,” squeaked a tiny voice. The smallest monster in the world was tangled in the net. “ I can’t believe I was scared of you.” Cried Ben. “ I know,” The monster said sadly. “ i’m too small to scare anyone. That’s why I hid under your bed. I didn’t want you to see me.” “ i’m the most useless monster alive,” she wailed and started to sob. Ben began to feel sorry for the strange little creature. The monster sniffed. “ it’s impossible to scare people when you only weigh 15 oz.” she said. “ I mean, that’s less than half a kilo.” “ is it really?” Said Ben. “ oh yes,” replied the monster. “ I may be small but I’m not stupid.” This gave Ben such a great idea that he grinned all night, even in his sleep. He was still grinning the next day at school as Mr Grizzle began the lesson. “Ben Boggle,” barked Mr Grizzle. “ what is 9×8?” “ 72” said Ben confidently. Mr Grizzle couldn’t believe his eyes. “ oh that’s correct,” he said, Shakily. He asked Ben problem after problem. Ben answered everyone correctly. Mr Grizzle was amazed. “ well done Ben,” he said. “ what an astonishing improvement!” No one but Ben had heard the tiny Voice Whispering the answers. Ben smiled to himself. Mathematics is a lot easier when you have a monster in your pocket.

It was New Year’s Eve in the kingdom of Camelot and King Arthur was holding a feast. Everyone was eating, laughing and having fun when... A giant knight strode into the hall. He was as big as a bear and looked as wild as a wolf. But the strangest thing about him was - he was completely green. The giant looked at King Arthur’s knights, seated around the table. After a pause, he roared. “ which of you will play a new year’s game with me? You chop off my head then I’ll chop off yours!” No one wanted to play his game. But the green knight refused to leave. Finally Sir Gawain agreed. Seizing the giant’s massive sword, he sliced of his green head. Everyone gasped as the head bounced down the hall like a huge green ball. Then the green knight’s body calmly Bent down, picked up the head and tucked it under his arm. The head looked up. “ Well done, Sir Gawain!” It said. “ now it’s my turn.” Sir Gawain turned pale. “ you have a year and a day,” The head went on. “ meet me at the Green Chapel next New Year’s Day.” Where is the green chapel? You must find it yourself. The following winter, Sir Gawain set off. He knew he was riding to certain death but he had given his word. Can you tell me where to find the green chapel? I’ve never heard of it. He searched the kingdom with no success. By Christmas he was exhausted, but he would not give up. At last, Sir Gawain came to a castle in a forest, owned by the Lord Sir Bertilak. Sir Gawain asked his question and Sir Bertilak smiled. “ The green chapel?” He said. “ is just around the corner.” “ finally!” Signed Gawain. Where Sir Bertilak Heard Sir Gawain’s story, he asked the knight to stay with him. For three days, Sir Bertilak when out hunting. Gawain stayed at home with Bertilak’s wife. In the evenings, they ate dinner together. The knights told each other everything they had done during the day. “ I chased a stag!” Said Bertilak, on the first night. Gawain blushed. “ I read to your wife and she give me a kiss,” he said. “ I chased a boar!” Said Bertilak on the second night. “ your wife kissed me twice,” said Gawain, bright red. “ I chased a fox!” Said Bertilak on the third night. “ your wife gave me three kisses,” Gawain whispered. But Gawain kept a secret. Sir Bertilak’s wife had also given him a magic belt. She said it could save his life. Gawain knew he would tell Bertilak. But he wanted to wear it when he met the green knight. On New Year’s Day, Sir Gawain rode to the green chapel. The Green Knight was waiting. Telling Gawain to kneel down, he raised his massive sword... but then he lowered his sword again. The Green Knight raised his sword for a second time. Again he put it down. The third time he raised his sword, Sir Gawain didn’t worry. But this time the Green Knight gave Gawain a painful Nick on the neck. “ why did you do that?” Asked Gawain. The next minute the giant started to shrink and shrink until he turned into sir Bertilak! “ yes!” Cried sir Bertilak. “ I was the Green Knight. It was a test. I know you’re brave because you came to seek me. But I wanted to see how honest a knight you were too.” “ so I asked my wife to kiss you and give you the belt,” Sir Bertilak went on. “ twice, you told me the truth and I didn’t harm you. But the third time you kept a secret.” Sir Gawain fell to his knees. “I’m A coward. You should cut off my head.” “ nonsense!” said Sir Bertilak. “ you didn’t do that badly. Now, come back to the castle. I’ve organised a feast.” Gawain smiled, feeling incredibly relieved. “ oh, and no more games, I promise!” Sir Bertilak chuckled.

Squeaky the cleaning robot hated his job. He was out in all weathers, sweeping streets. What he really wanted was to win the Botsville road race. The winning robot would get a new memory chip and a head to wheel polish. But squeaky night didn’t dare enter. He was so rusty and cranky he wasn’t sure he could even finish the race. He was feeling sorry for himself when a noisy robot zoomed past.” Out of my way rust bucket!” Tank top was the biggest meanest robot in town. Everyone was certain he would win tomorrow’s big race. Tank top wasn’t taking any chances. He had a plan to make sure none of the other racers even started. That night as the Botsville robots recharged themselves. Tanktop visited each of his rivals in secret. He gave Tina turbo a puncture. Stole cyber sid’s Memory chip. Undid Andi droid’s battery pack.. and reset Betty byte’s build in alarm clock. The next morning, tanktop was the only robot at the starting line. It looked as if his plan had worked. The judge was puzzled.” Where is everyone?” he wondered.” I’ll take my prize now.” Smirked Tanktop.” There must be someone else willing to race,” cried the judge desperately. Tanktop was making him look stupid. Just then a tinny voice piped up.”I will!” Everyone in the crowd turned.” Is that Squeaky?” said someone in amazement.” What chance have you got?””I’d like to try ,” said squeaky. His joints were feeling extremely stiff today, but he couldn’t his chance. “Very well,” said the judge, with a sigh of relief.“Robots, on your marks!” Tanktop hadn’t head bothered to charge up his battery that morning. But he was confident he could still beat squeaky. The robots set off on their lap of the town. Tanktop raced off with a roar and squeaky clattered off in hot pursuit. As soon as he was out of sight of the crowd. Tanktop opened a flap in his back. “Ha ha!” He chuckled. “ These News will slow down that Robo wreck!” By the time squeaky spotted the spiky trap, it was too late. Luckily, squeaky was so old that his wheels were made of solid rubber. They didn’t burst and he was still in the race. “I’ll show that cheat!” Thought squeaky. He put on a burst of speed. Soon he’d caught up with Tanktop. “ let’s see you get out of this!” Boomed Tanktop, As he opened another compartment. “Oil!” Squealed Squeaky. Squeaky shut his eyes and hoped for the best, as he slithered and slid all over the road. Squeaky was left battered and dented, but at least he was still in one piece. He tried to get up and found he couldn’t move. His joints were too stiff. As he sat there, squeaky realised what he needed was all around him. Unwinding his hose, he guzzled up every last drop of oil. Soon squeaky was back on his rival’s tail. Tanktop was running out of power fast. But Tanktop still have one trick up his sleeve - his telescopic arms. He reached out to Squeaky’s front wheel and undid the screw. Sparks flew through the air as squeaky’s wheel bounced past Tanktop. In seconds, squeaky had ground to a halt. As the crowd came back into view, Tanktop used the last power to roar across the finishing line. “Ha ha, I’ve won!” He cried. Tanktop was already boasting to the crowds as poor old Squeaky was carried across the line. “Congratulations!” Cried the judge as he shook Squeaky by the hand. “Well, I suppose I almost won,” Squeaky sniffed, sadly. “Not almost.” Said the judge. “You did win. Look!” He showed Squeaky and Tanktop the photograph taken at the finishing line. “Your wheel crossed the line a second before Tanktop. That makes you the winner!” Squeaky clunked with delight, the crowd cheered and Tanktop blew a fuse.

The tale of the sorcerer’s apprentice has been around for almost 2000 years. The version here is based on the poem composed in 1797 by the German writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

Cassy Green was on her way to work. It was the very first day of her new job. She was going to work at Everglades, The biggest and best store in town. It sold things you just couldn’t buy anywhere else. So when Cassy got a job there, she was as pleased as punch. First, Cassy was sent to work in the China department. After only 10 minutes, she had sold 60 cups and saucers to a very rich lady. She was doing well. Cassy packed the China carefully into a box. She was as gentle as a crocodile can be, but maybe just a little slow. The lady began to get impatient. Cassy quickly tied a big bow on the box. She didn’t want the lady to be cross, not her very first customer. But as Cassy picked up the box, disaster struck! “Now be careful!” She’d packed it upside down. 60 cups and saucers smashed onto the floor. The customer stamped the floor angrily and left. “Oops!” Next, Cassy was sent to the toy department. She hoped that was less to break. She didn’t want any more accidents. “ I must put this ball away,” she thought.” Someone could trip over it and have a bad fall.” But as she bent down, her tail swung out behind her. The Toytown express was knocked right off its rails. So, she was sent to the food hall. But there, things went from bad to worse. “Oops!” Cassy tripped over a stool. A bowl of salad flew into the air and landed... on Ernest Everglades’s head. Ernest everglades owned the Department store. He was Cassy’s boss and he was not a happy man.” Go to my office,” he yelled.” Now!” Trembling, Cassy obeyed. Ernest Everglade was furious.” I like salad,” he fumed.” But not on my head!” “ go away and don’t ever come back,” he shouted.” Everglades is the biggest and best store in town. We don’t want clumsy crocodiles here. You’ve caused far too much trouble already.” Cassy was heartbroken.” Just give me One More Chance,” she begged.” I promise I’ll be careful. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse, as gentle as a giraffe...” but Mr Everglade was more interested in this newspaper.He wasn’t even listening to Cassy. At last, he looked up.” Are you still here? I have more important things to worry about. Some jewel thieves are in town-The famous greedy boys.” Cassy gasped. Everyone had heard of the greedy boys. But she still wanted her job back. She began to cry. Now, Mr Everglade couldn’t stand crying. He would do anything to stop it.” Ok, ok,” he said.” Go to the luxury goods department first thing Monday morning.” “ oh thank you! you won’t regret it. I promise.” On Sunday, Cassy worked hard at home, getting ready for Monday. She emptied her cupboards and stacked everything inside them. She stacked every pot, plate, cup and saucer in the house. The stacks got Wobblier and Higher... but they didn’t fall down.”ooh!” Cried Cassy.” Perhaps my clumsiness is cured?” Next, she found paper, scissors, ribbon and tape. She wrapped everything she could get her hands on. When she’d finished wrapping. Cassy was exhausted. All she wanted to do was sit down. But when she looked for her comfiest chair, there was just one small problem... so she set up her mirror and served imaginary customers.” A flying pig? Try the pet department sir...I’m sorry, madam, we don’t sell crocodile-skin handbags. You don’t like your spotted socks sir? I’ll change them at once. That looks heavy. Let me carry that priceless statue for you...” and she smiled her toothy crocodile smile until her whole face ached. Finally Cassy put on her Everglades badge and admired herself in the mirror.” I look perfect! I’m going to be the best sales assistant Everglades has ever had,” she said proudly. On Monday morning, Cassy was the 1st to arrive in the luxury goods department. She Tiptoed past the jewels and gems and antique pots, her tail trembling in trepidation. Only the security guard was there. He had been guarding the store during the night. The guard was finishing his breakfast. He was very pleased to see Cassy.” I’m glad you’re here,” he said.” Now I can go home to bed.”” No!” cried Cassy.

There was once a poor man named Wilf. He would travel from town to town looking for work, with only his dog, Scruff, and a very special stone. One day he came to a small cream cottage with a thatched roof. “ let’s try here,” he said to Scruff and rapped on the door. It was opened by a woman who gave him a suspicious look. “ Who are you?” She snapped. “ what do you want?” “ good morning ma’am,” said Wilf. “ I was wondering if you had any small jobs I could do, in return for some lunch?” “ i’m sorry I don’t have any jobs,” said the woman, starting to close the door. “ I can make soup from a stone,” Wilf said, quickly. “ really?” said the woman. “ that I’d like to see,” and she invited him inside. “ first, we need to put some water on to boil,” said Wilf. So the woman filled her biggest cooking pot and set it on the fire. Wilf reached into his pocket and took out a shiny stone. “This stone,” he said, “ Will make the most delicious soup you have ever tasted.” He waited for the water to steam and then dropped the stone into the pot. The soup began to boil and bubble. Wilf dipped in a spoon and tasted it. “Mmm, not bad,” he said. “ it tastes pretty good,” he went on, “ but I think an onion would make it better.” “ well, I have onions,” said the old woman. And she put four on the kitchen table and sliced them swiftly. A sharp Oniony smell filled the room. The Old woman scooped up the onion slices and dropped them into the pot. Wilf let the soup bubble for a little longer. Then he dipped in his spoon and tasted it again. “Mmm, getting tasty,” he said. He pointed to a sack of potatoes on the wall. “ perhaps a potato...?” “ what a good idea!” Said the woman. She lifted the sack from the wall, took out six large potatoes and peeled them. Then snick!snack! snick! snack! She chopped the potatoes into neat squares... scooped up the Glistening cubes and dropped them into the pot. The soup bubbled. Wilf dipped his spoon in the third time and slurped a mouthful.”Mmmm!” “ It’s tasting wonderful now,” he said.” But it needs a little something else...” he spotted a string of plump sausages hanging above the fire and licked his lips. “ sausages would be perfect!” He said. So the Old woman unhooked several sausages and chopped those up too. As she added them to the pot, Wilf smiled. A rich, meaty smell drifted up. “ I think it’s ready!” Said Wilf. The Old woman found some bowls and a ladle, and Wilf served two very generous helpings. “ Stone soup really is delicious!” Said the old woman.” I think your stone must be magic.” Wilf smiled. He fished in the pot for his stone, spooned it out, washed it and put it back in his pocket. “ it is a magical stone,” Wilf agreed with a wink. “ whereever I go with it, I am never hungry.” “ would you like to stay for supper?” said the woman. There’s plenty of stone soup.”

“What’s that big, round building?” He asked. “It’s The Arena,” replied the soldier. Androcles didn’t like the look of it. “What happens there?” He asked. “You’ll soon see,” smirked the soldier. Androcles and the lion is one of Aesop’s fables, A collection of short stories, First told in ancient Greece around 4000 years ago. The stories about animals and they always have a moral a message or lesson at the end.

The inch prince is based on a very old Japanese fairytale called the 1 inch boy. Small things can be special too!

Magnificent magical fire sticks or Danny’s fire-breathing skills?