The Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
A gust of wind whipped through the Whispering Woods, tearing a page from Rafael's book and sending it swirling into a shimmering, heart-shaped portal that had opened in the trunk of an ancient oak. He gasped, clutching the book tighter. "What was that?" Rafael asked, taking a hesitant step forward.
Page 2
Kai, panting, caught up to Rafael. "Did you see that, Rafael? A gateway!" Kai exclaimed. Rafael, eyes wide, pointed at the heart-shaped portal shimmering in the tree. Kofi grabbed Rafael's arm. "We shouldn't go near it. Who knows where it leads?"
Page 3
Rafael shook off Kofi's hand. "My sister... what if it leads to her? She disappeared near these woods last year!" Rafael declared, his voice thick with emotion. He reached a hand toward the shimmering light. "I have to try."
Page 4
"Wait!" Kofi shouted, but Rafael had already stepped through the portal. Kofi and Kai exchanged worried glances. Kofi sighed, "As J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, 'Not all those who wander are lost,' but I still don't like this!"
Page 5
Rafael found himself in a bizarre garden filled with roses painted red. Playing card soldiers marched past, their faces grim. He saw a white rabbit hurrying along, consulting a pocket watch. "I'm late! I'm late!" the rabbit muttered.
Page 6
"Excuse me!" Rafael called out to a passing card soldier. The soldier stopped, regarding Rafael with a haughty sneer. "What business do you have here, boy?" he demanded. "I'm looking for my sister. She disappeared, and I thought this place..."
Page 7
"Silence!" The Queen of Hearts boomed, appearing suddenly on a balcony overlooking the garden. She was larger than life, draped in crimson velvet. "Who dares disturb my roses?" she demanded. The playing card soldiers bowed low.
Page 8
Rafael stepped forward. "I'm looking for my sister! She might be here. Please, have you seen her?" The Queen narrowed her eyes. "Insolence! Off with his head!" she shrieked.
Page 9
Suddenly, Kofi and Kai burst through the heart portal, grabbing Rafael's hands. "Rafael, remember what you read about patience? Now is the time to put it to use. " Kofi pulled a packet of seeds from her robe. "These seeds bloom into truth flowers!"
Page 10
The seeds sprouted instantly, forming a wall of blossoming white flowers. Each petal revealed a forgotten memory of the Queen's loneliness. Moved by the flowers' beauty, the Queen released Rafael's sister, trapped in a magical teacup. Rafael ran to his sister and hugged her tightly, before turning back to thank Kai and Kofi. Though impatience led him into the world, it was Kofi's wisdom that brought them home.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)