The Sleepy Star
The Sleepy Star — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Fresh dreams, only two moonstones!" bellowed a stout cloud merchant from his stall. Above the bustling sky market, Luna tugged on her brother Orion's sleeve. "Look, Orion, bottled sunshine! Papa needs it for his gloom," she exclaimed, pointing to a sparkling jar. Orion sighed, "We don't have enough moonstones, Luna. Maybe tomorrow."
Page 2
Suddenly, a small, shimmering star tumbled from a merchant's cart, landing with a soft 'thump' near Luna's feet. "Oh dear, a Sleepy Star!" cried the merchant, wringing his hands. Luna carefully picked it up. "It's so warm," she whispered. "Papa always said, 'The stars hold our dreams,'" Orion murmured, remembering Papa's words. "Maybe this one holds a dream we can sell!" Luna said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Orion spots a symbol etched into the star's surface.
Page 3
"We should find its home," Orion declared, pointing to a tiny etching on the star. "Papa always says, quoting Leonardo da Vinci, 'Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.' Maybe this star needs relaxation!" Luna giggled, "A star vacation! Let's do it!" They decided to consult Celeste, the astronomer. "She knows everything about the stars and constellations," Orion explained.
Page 4
They found Celeste in her observatory, peering through a giant telescope. "Celeste, we found this Sleepy Star!" Luna exclaimed, holding it out. Celeste lowered her telescope. "A Sleepy Star indeed! They only appear when the Dream Weaver's loom falters," she said gravely. "The Dream Weaver?" Orion asked. Celeste's face grew concerned.
Page 5
"The Dream Weaver keeps all dreams safe. If her loom breaks, nightmares escape!" Celeste explained. "This star must return to the Loom before it vanishes!" "Where is it?" asked Luna eagerly. Celeste pointed to a hidden map. "Beyond the Whispering Nebula. But beware, the path is guarded by the Gloomwings – creatures of shadow!" Luna holds tight to the Sleepy Star and it glows brighter.
Page 6
They set off in a tiny cloud-clipper, the Sleepy Star nestled safely in Luna's hands. Soon, the Whispering Nebula loomed, a swirling mass of purple and grey. "Gloomwings!" Orion shouted, pointing to shadowy figures circling the cloud-clipper. The tiny ship began to shake violently. "They feed on light!" Luna cried, remembering Celeste's warning.
Page 7
"The star, Luna!" Orion yelled. "Gloomwings hate starlight. Expose them to the Sleepy Star." Luna hesitated. "But it's so weak!" Orion looked at her. "Remember what Papa says: 'Where there is love there is life', Luna!" With a deep breath, Luna opened her hands, letting the Sleepy Star's faint light shine through.
Page 8
The Gloomwings shrieked, recoiling from the light. A path opened in the nebula, leading to a shimmering loom. "There! The Dream Weaver's Loom!" Orion cried. They steered towards it, the Sleepy Star guiding their way. As the Sleepy Star begins to get brighter Luna shouts, "We're getting closer!"
Page 9
They reached the Loom, finding the Dream Weaver slumped beside it, her loom broken. Luna placed the Sleepy Star on the Loom. It glowed brightly, mending the broken threads. The Dream Weaver sighed in relief. "You saved the dreams," she whispered, smiling at them. Luna holds the Dream Weaver's hand.
Page 10
Back in the sky market, Papa hugged them tightly. "We sold the sunshine!" Orion exclaimed. Luna added, "And we learned dreams are stronger together." Orion smiled. "Now I understand what Helen Keller meant when she said, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much'." Luna, looks up at the night sky.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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