The Lost Garden
The Lost Garden — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
The wind whispered secrets through the tall grass, guiding Lily and her best friend, Tom, towards adventure. They were inseparable, two peas in a pod, always exploring the far corners of their village. Today, their eyes sparkled with excitement as they chased a mischievous butterfly with wings like stained glass. "Wait for me, Lily!" Tom called, his laughter echoing through the fields. Lily giggled, her heart soaring with the thrill of the chase. Suddenly, the butterfly dipped behind a curtain of thorny bushes, beckoning them closer to the forgotten edge of the forest.
Page 2
A hidden path. "Did you see that, Tom?" Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "The butterfly... it vanished!" Tom, ever the cautious one, hesitated. "Are you sure we should go in there, Lily? It looks... spooky." But Lily's adventurous spirit wouldn't be deterred. "Come on, Tom! What if there's something amazing hidden inside?" She grabbed his hand and pulled him forward, their journey beginning, "BUT, what could possibly be hiding in there?"
Page 3
Deeper and deeper they ventured, the path winding like a secret. Soon, the trees opened into a clearing, revealing a towering wall covered in ivy. "A wall! What could be behind it?" Tom asked, scratching his head. Lily grinned, her eyes shining with anticipation. "There's only one way to find out!" she declared. They followed the wall until they found a small, wooden door, almost hidden beneath the vines. "We have to go in." They cautiously pushed it open, ready to face whatever lay beyond. "THEREFORE, let's be ready," said Tom.
Page 4
With a creak, the door swung open, revealing a sight that took their breath away. A secret garden, bathed in sunlight, bloomed before them. Colorful flowers cascaded from trellises, fountains gurgled merrily, and butterflies danced in the air. "Wow!" Tom gasped, his fear replaced with wonder. But as they stepped inside, a stern voice echoed, "Who dares trespass in my garden?" An old gnome with a long, white beard emerged from behind a rose bush, his eyes narrowed. "BUT, if you wish to stay, complete my tasks"
Page 5
"We didn't mean to trespass," Lily stammered. "We just followed a butterfly." The gnome softened slightly. "This is the Lost Garden," he explained, his voice raspy. "It was once the most beautiful place in the kingdom, but it has lost its magic." He pointed to a withered tree at the center of the garden. "The Heart Tree is dying, and with it, the garden fades." Tom noticed small, glowing crystals near the tree's roots. "What are those?" he asked. "Those are soul crystals that give life." It was a micro-education moment for them. "To save it, you must find the Sunstone," the gnome declared.
Page 6
"The Sunstone? What is that?" Lily asked. "A magical gem that holds the sun's power," the gnome replied. "It was stolen long ago by the Shadow Witch." Tom gulped. "The Shadow Witch? She's terribly nasty!" The gnome nodded grimly. "She lives in the Dark Mountains. To retrieve the Sunstone, you must face her challenges." Lily and Tom exchanged worried glances. "BUT, what if we fail." Then the gnome sadly replies, "Then the garden, and all its magic will be lost forever." The stakes were raised. The situation had become worse.
Page 7
Despite their fear, Lily and Tom knew they couldn't give up. "We'll do it!" Lily declared, her voice trembling slightly. "We'll find the Sunstone and save the garden!" Tom, drawing on Lily's courage, nodded in agreement. "But we'll need a plan," he added. "I remember reading about the Shadow Witch's weakness: kindness." Lily's eyes lit up. "Maybe we can appeal to her heart!" "I believe we need to be kind to everyone no matter how they may seem." Together, they decided to approach the witch with empathy, hoping to melt her icy exterior.
Page 8
Their journey to the Dark Mountains was treacherous, filled with thorny paths and shadowy creatures. Finally, they reached the witch's fortress, a forbidding tower of black stone. Lily bravely stepped forward and called out, "Shadow Witch, we come seeking the Sunstone!" The witch emerged, her face hidden beneath a dark hood. "Why should I give it to you?" she rasped. Lily stepped forward, her voice filled with compassion. "Because the garden is dying, and we believe even you don't want that." The witch paused. Lily said, "Kindness is the only magic that always works!" With a sigh, the witch revealed the Sunstone, its light dim.
Page 9
"I stole it because... I was lonely," the witch confessed, her voice cracking. "Its light reminded me of what I had lost." Lily gently took the Sunstone. "You don't have to be lonely," she said. "We can be your friends." The witch, touched by their kindness, smiled for the first time in years. Together, they returned to the Lost Garden, placing the Sunstone in the Heart Tree. A wave of warmth spread through the garden, bringing it back to life. "The Sunstone did it."
Page 10
The Lost Garden was beautiful once more, its magic restored. The gnome beamed with gratitude. The Shadow Witch, no longer lonely, joined them, her heart softened by their kindness. Lily and Tom learned that even the darkest hearts could be touched by compassion and that courage wasn't about being fearless, but about facing your fears with kindness. The garden was their accomplishment for the day. From that day on, they and the garden were no longer alone. Their hearts sang, and their friendship deepened, enriched by their shared adventure and the lesson they had learned.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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