The Thornrose
The Thornrose — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
Felix scrambled up the crumbling castle wall, his fingers finding purchase in the rough stone. "Hurry, Ravi!" he shouted, glancing down at his winded companion below. "The view from up here must be spectacular!" Ravi, panting slightly, adjusted her spectacles. "Just give me a moment, Felix! I'm not as nimble as a nine-year-old!"
Page 2
Reaching the top, Felix gasped. "Whoa!" A vast, overgrown rose garden stretched before them, its thorny vines snaking across the courtyard. In the center, a single, perfect rose bush bloomed, its petals a shimmering gold. "But look!" Ravi exclaimed, pointing with a gloved hand. "A path! It seems someone has made their way through before."
Page 3
"Let's follow it!" Felix declared, his eyes sparkling with adventure. "Someone must know the secrets of the Thornrose!" Ravi hesitated. "Are you sure, Felix? It looks rather... treacherous." Felix puffed out his chest. "As Leonardo da Vinci said, 'Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.' We won't find any answers standing here!" he exclaimed, quoting Leonardo. Ravi chuckled. "Alright, alright. Lead the way, young explorer."
Page 4
The path led them deeper into the garden, the thorns growing thicker and sharper. Suddenly, a thicket of thorny vines blocked their way. "Ouch!" Felix cried, pulling his hand away. "These thorns are vicious!" Ravi examined the vines. "They seem... enchanted," she muttered. "We need something to cut through them, but my gardening shears are no match for these."
Page 5
Searching for a way around, Felix stumbled upon an old, moss-covered stone. He brushed it clean, revealing an inscription. "Look, Ravi!" he shouted, pointing excitedly. "'The rose yields to kindness, not force.' What does that mean?" Ravi pondered for a moment. "Perhaps... we don't need to cut them. Perhaps we need to be gentle."
Page 6
Felix cautiously reached out a hand towards the vines. But as he did, they seemed to recoil, growing even sharper! "It's not working!" he yelled, pulling back in alarm. "They're angrier than ever!" Suddenly, Kenji, a small boy appeared from behind the rose bushes. "You're doing it wrong!" he shouted. "Roses love music!"
Page 7
"Music?" Ravi asked, her eyebrows raised. Kenji nodded eagerly. "My grandmother always sang to her roses. They blossomed beautifully!" Felix grinned. "Ravi, you always carry your flute!" Ravi chuckled. "Well, I haven't played in ages, but I suppose it's worth a try."
Page 8
Ravi lifted the flute to her lips and began to play a soft, lilting melody. As the music filled the garden, the thorny vines slowly began to unfurl, their sharp edges softening. "It's working!" Kenji whispered in amazement. The path was clear! "The rose yields to kindness... and music!" Felix said, remembering the inscription. The group stepped through, ready to discover what awaited them.
Page 9
Before them stood the golden rose bush, its single bloom radiating warmth. But at its base lay a wilting ordinary rose. Kenji picked the regular rose up and examined it. "This rose is so sad; maybe if we put them together they'll both flourish?" Ravi smiled gently. "Sometimes," she said, "even the most beautiful things need a little help from others."
Page 10
As Kenji placed the ordinary rose next to the golden one, both began to glow. The golden rose shimmered, its light spreading to the wilting rose, restoring it to vibrant health. "Wow!" Felix exclaimed. Ravi nodded, smiling. "We learned that sometimes, mistakes and helping one another are the best teachers."
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)