Professor Wobblebottom's Invention
Professor Wobblebottom's Invention — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Hurry, Pip!" Professor Wobblebottom called, his voice echoing across the crimson dunes. "The desert kaleidoscope waits for no one!" Pip, a small, furry creature, scampered after the professor, his three tails kicking up iridescent sand. They were on a quest to find the legendary Clockwork Oasis, a place said to grant inventors their wildest dreams.
Page 2
"Professor, look!" Pip squeaked, pointing with a tiny paw at a glinting object half-buried in the sand. It was a small, ornate music box crafted from polished brass. Professor Wobblebottom carefully brushed the sand away. "Intriguing," he murmured. "It seems to be missing a key. Perhaps this is what the ancient texts referred to: 'The song unlocks the path.'"
Page 3
"We must find the key, Pip!" Professor Wobblebottom declared, adjusting his spectacles. "If we can play the music box, it may reveal the way to the Oasis." Pip nodded eagerly, his tails wagging. "But where do we start looking?" he asked. "As Leonardo da Vinci said, 'Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer,'" the professor stated, thoughtfully. "Let's try that mesa over there—a new perspective might help."
Page 4
As they approached the mesa, a booming voice called out, "Halt, travelers! Who dares to cross the Singing Sands?" A large, grumpy-looking Golem, made of polished quartz, blocked their path. "I am Professor Wobblebottom, and this is Pip," the professor announced. "We seek the Clockwork Oasis!" The Golem grumbled, "Not without answering my riddle!"
Page 5
"What has an eye, but cannot see?" the Golem bellowed. Professor Wobblebottom stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Hmm, a needle!" Pip chirped excitedly. The Golem groaned. "Correct! You may pass. But beware, the path ahead is fraught with peril!" Behind the Golem, nestled amongst the quartz, they spied a tiny, silver key, almost hidden from view.
Page 6
Professor Wobblebottom carefully plucked the silver key from the rocks. It fit perfectly into the music box! But as he wound the key, the ground began to tremble. "What's happening?" Pip cried, clinging to the professor's leg. A massive crack appeared in the mesa, revealing a dark chasm below. "Oh dear!" Professor Wobblebottom exclaimed. "The song... it opens more than just the path!"
Page 7
"We must cross!" Professor Wobblebottom shouted over the growing roar. He grabbed a long, sturdy vine hanging from the mesa's edge. "Hold tight, Pip!" Together, they swung across the chasm, landing safely on the other side. "That was a close one!" Pip exclaimed, panting. "But look, Professor!" He pointed towards a shimmering mirage in the distance.
Page 8
The mirage solidified into a magnificent oasis filled with whirring gears, ticking clocks, and bubbling vials. But a giant, clockwork dragon guarded the entrance! "The final test!" Professor Wobblebottom cried. He remembered the missing key from the music box's inscription: 'The song unlocks the path, and the rhythm stills the beast.' He held up the box and played the melody. As the music tinkled, the dragon's movements slowed, then stopped. "The power of kindness and invention!" Pip shouted.
Page 9
Inside the Clockwork Oasis, inventions of all shapes and sizes hummed and whizzed. Professor Wobblebottom spotted a peculiar device: a small, hand-cranked cloud maker. He turned to Pip, a twinkle in his eye. "Time to bring rain to the Painted Desert!" Together, they cranked the device, and fluffy white clouds began to form, casting a welcome shadow on the colorful sands.
Page 10
As the first raindrops fell on the Painted Desert, Professor Wobblebottom smiled. "We did it, Pip!" he exclaimed. Pip nuzzled against the professor's leg. "The desert will bloom again!" he replied. "Indeed," said the Professor, "Sometimes the greatest inventions are born not of cleverness, but kindness." The invention wasn't the machine, but the rain itself!" Pip added. They both looked into the horizon.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)