Once there was a man who bought a jar of mustard.

Once there was a water buffalo that didn’t know how to cross a river.

Once there was a space man who knew four languages.

What do all these stories have in common? Yep! You guessed it. “Once there was a…” This is a cousin of the, “Once upon a time…” They’re a family. They grew up together.

Mom: Once upon a time it’s time for dinner!

Once upon a time: Ah mom, but I’m playing Reading Rainbow on the X Box!

Once there was a: We should go up. Your mom might get angry.

Even the phrases in stories HAVE stories.