The Worry Monster
The Worry Monster — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
Deep beneath the whispering willows of Willow Creek, lay a world unknown to most. Luminous crystals sprouted from the cavern walls, casting a rainbow glow on everything they touched. 'Wow, Elodie, this place is even more amazing than your drawings!' exclaimed Arjun, his eyes wide with wonder.
Page 2
Elodie smiled, her silver-white hair shimmering in the light. 'I told you it was real! This is the Crystal Caverns, where the Worry Monsters live,' she explained. Arjun's smile faltered. 'Worry Monsters? Are they... scary?'
Page 3
'Not scary, just... misunderstood,' Elodie replied, adjusting her small satchel. 'They feed on worries, but sometimes they get overwhelmed.' She pointed to a small, shimmering path. 'Let's go. I think I know where to find one that needs our help.' Arjun hesitated, then followed. 'As Helen Keller said, 'Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it.'
Page 4
The path led them to a small cave, where a hunched figure sat shivering. 'Hello?' Elodie called softly. The figure looked up, revealing a small, furry creature with large, sad eyes. 'Go away,' it whimpered. 'I'm full of worries! I can't take any more!'
Page 5
Arjun cautiously stepped forward. 'What kind of worries?' he asked gently. 'Oh, all kinds! Worries about not being good enough, worries about letting people down...' The Worry Monster began to sob. Elodie exchanged a look with Arjun, a plan forming in her mind. What if, she wondered, they could find a way to help the Worry Monster process these heavy feelings?
Page 6
'I have an idea,' Elodie said, rummaging in her satchel. 'Remember what we learned about how crystal resonance can soothe emotional imbalances?' She pulled out a small, crystal tuning fork. 'If we can find the right frequency, maybe we can help release some of those worries! Arjun, can you gather some of the smaller crystals around us?'
Page 7
Arjun quickly gathered several crystals. Elodie struck the tuning fork, creating a soft, resonant hum. She then touched the crystals to the fork, one by one, each creating a slightly different tone. 'Do you feel anything?' she asked the Worry Monster. 'A little... tingly,' it replied, its voice a bit stronger.
Page 8
Suddenly, a voice called out, 'Elodie! Arjun! What are you doing with that beast?' Zaire stood at the entrance of the cave, his face etched with worry. 'That's a Worry Monster! They're dangerous!' Elodie stood tall. 'Zaire, he's not dangerous, he's just overwhelmed! The crystal resonance can help, it just needs a stronger focus—the BIG crystal!'.
Page 9
Elodie ran to the largest crystal in the cavern, a magnificent spire that pulsed with light. She touched the tuning fork to its surface, and a wave of pure, harmonious energy washed over the cave. The Worry Monster gasped, its body glowing faintly. 'I... I feel lighter,' it whispered. 'Like the worries are... fading.'
Page 10
The Worry Monster, now brighter and more cheerful, smiled at Elodie. 'Thank you,' it said. 'I understand now. Worries aren't bad, they just need to be shared and understood.' Elodie grinned. 'Exactly! It's like my mother always says: 'One idea can change the world.' Zaire, his worry gone, joined them. From then on, the Crystal Caverns became a haven for Worry Monsters, and Elodie, Arjun, and Zaire were always there to help.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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