Week 13 Story: Goldilocks and the Three Bears

Once upon a time, there were three bears who lived in a mansion deep in the forest. The family included Father Bear, Momma Bear, and Baby Bear. The year is 2017 and the family adored all of their technology. Father Bear worked hard for his family so that they could have the newest and most popular items in their mansion.

One day, the family left their home to go visit their relatives in the next town over. While they were out, a little girl named Goldilocks stumbled upon their mansion. "Wow, this is the most magnificent home I've ever seen! I want to see inside!" she said. Being the curious girl that she was, she creeped inside the home and realized that nobody was home. She was immediately entranced by the new, shiny devices all around the home. They had everything she had ever imagined and dreamed of!

I'm very hungry she thought. So she entered the kitchen and saw three different bowls of soup. She tried the first large bowl, and said "This soup is too cold!" She tried the second middle-sized bowl and said, "This soup is too bland." She tried the smaller bowl and said, "Ah, finally. This soup is perfect." She finished her soup and started to get very sleep.

I want to watch TV to relax before a nap she thought. She went into the living room first and settled on the couch. "This TV is too high for me to see," she said. She went into the biggest bedroom and said, "This TV is too small." She went into the smaller room and said, "This TV is perfect for me."

She watched her favorite shows and set her favorite channels on the remote. She was getting very sleepy and began to drift off...

Father Bear, Mother Bear, and Baby Bear arrived back at home later that night.

"Someone ate our soup!" said Baby Bear.

"Well, that's what you get for leaving it out and not putting it away," said Mother Bear.

"Someone left the TV on wasting electricity all day!" said Father Bear.

"It was probably you, dear." said Mother Bear.

"SOMEONE is in my bed!" shrieked Baby Bear. Goldilocks was awakened abruptly. The family entered the room.

"What are you doing in our home?" asked an angry Mother Bear.

"Well, I was out in the woods and I came across your home. It's very lovely I just wanted to see inside. It was getting dark out, so I decided it was too late to go home alone. I got hungry and ate some soup then I watched TV before falling asleep. I'm deeply sorry." said Goldilocks.

"Well, if you put it that way I guess we can understand. You're too young to be traveling alone after dark. You can stay here for the night. But please, get permission next time before entering someone's home. It may not turn out so well some places." said Mother Bear.

Story Source: Scrapefoot from More English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs

Author's Note: In the original story, there is a fox named Scrapefoot who enters the castle of three bears while they are away. He found a hall with three chairs in it--one small, one medium, one large. He tried them all out and the smaller one was the best fit for him. When he was hungry, he went to the kitchen and found three saucers--one small, one medium, one large. The smaller bowl tasted the best, and he finished all the milk in it. He was getting sleepy, so he decided to take a nap. He again found different sized beds and selected the smallest one. When the bears arrived back at home they noticed someone has been in there home. When they found Scrapefoot, they threw him out of their castle. In my story, I changed the main character to Goldilocks because that's the original story that I know. I changed the setting to a more modern version with technology. I also changed the ending. Instead of the bears throwing them out, they decide to show sympathy and understanding.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 12 Story: The Three Little Pigs

This week on Top Homes we'll be checking out three new modern homes of the forest! I'm your host The Big Bad Wolf and we sure do have a good one this week, folks! We have three brothers who each went different ways when building their homes. Which one will have the best home? Let's find out.

The first home we will look at is made of the lightweight and easy to use straw. This has been used for many years, but the trend has started to fade due to the lack of security and durability. This is home to the youngest pig brother. So sir, what made you choose this type of home?

House of Straw
Source: Pixabay

Youngest pig: "Well, Big Bad Wolf, I chose this type of home because I was looking for something fast and easy to build. It only took half a day to build my home and I cold build another just as easy! If I ever want to move it's easy to disassemble and start again."

Big Bad Wolf: "Have you thought about bad weather? What happens with heavy rains? What about intruders? How durable is your house and what can it withstand?"

Youngest Pig: "Um. Well. You know we don't usually have bad weather.. but I bet it would be alright. I hope. I never considered that..."

Big Bad Wolf: "Well, on that note let's make our way to the next home! This home is owned by the middle brother. It's made out of sticks from the surrounding forest. This home is a bit bigger and has a more private feel to it. The straw was almost see-through in some places, and I'm not sure people would like that. These sticks however, provide a more solid foundation for a home. How is this home treating you?

House of Sticks
Source: Wikipedia

Middle Pig: I love my new home! This home took me a full day to complete building, so not too little or too much time. I have privacy from my neighbors. I've always wanted a cabin-like home and now I have just that. Unlike my younger brother's home, this one can withstand the rain!"

Big Bad Wolf: "What about heavy winds? Is that going to be a problem? It doesn't seem to be a very sturdy structure. And what about intruders?"

Middle Pig:"Well... It may not be very sturdy, but it's not ALWAYS windy here. Maybe I can build a surrounding barrier to prevent the winds from harming my home."

Big Bad Wolf: So there's that. I don't know about you viewers watching at home, but I'm ready to see the final home. This home is made out of bricks. The oldest brother built and owns this home. Mr. Pig, what do you have to say about your home? 

House of Bricks
Source: Pxhere

Oldest Pig: "It took me a full week to build my home, but it was well worth the wait and work. My home has many different rooms including three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.  My home is strong enough to withstand heavy rains and winds. AND, I also just installed an alarm system in case any intruders try to break in. I think we all know who takes the cake on this one, Mr. Wolf. 

Big Bad Wolf: "Hmmm... I now know whose house I won't be huffing and puffing down and breaking into."

Story Source: The Three Little Pigs from English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs

Author's Note: In the original story of The Three Little Pigs each of the pigs builds a home. One out of straw, one out of sticks, and one out of bricks. The Big Bad Wolf visits each home and huffs and puffs to blow their houses down. The first two homes get destroyed and the wold eats the pigs. The third pig, with the house of bricks, is safe from the wolf. The wolf realizes that he can't blow this house down, so he tries to outsmart the pig in numerous ways by convincing him to leave his home. Every time, the pig leaves earlier than expected and outsmarts the wolf. Finally, the wolf gives up and  decides to climb down the chimney to get to the pig. The pig again outsmarts him by placing a pot of boiling water at the bottom of the chimney. He boils the wolf and eats him for dinner. In my version of the story, I change the whole idea to a more modern version of a TV show about homes. The Big Bad Wolf is the host and uses this to his advantage to learn about the pigs weaknesses of their home. Towards the end, I foreshadow and leave the readers with the idea that the wolf is going to eat the first two pigs, but not the third after realizing how advanced his home is. 

Week 5 Story: The Fable of the Animals

Long ago, when the world was created, the water was filled with creatures, then the land. Lastly, Man was created. At this time, every animal was created equal. They needed a system to decide who was the most and least powerful and everything else in between. Man was chosen to be the one to assign the levels of power to all of the animals.

Man told all the creatures to gather round to hear the news. He told them that the next day, they would be competing in an obstacle course for the different power ranks. The course would test strength, agility, and endurance. He would create the course the previous night, and it would be a surprise for each competitor so that no one would have an advantage.

Coyote has been know as being sly and cunning even since the beginning of creation. That night, while all of the other animals were resting, he chose to stay up all night spying on Man so that he could see the obstacle course. He was determined to get the most power, and he knew that would be possible if he had the advantage of seeing the course. Otherwise, he knew he would lose to stronger animals like Cougar and Bear.

As he waited and spied he took mental notes over the course. This is taking longer than I expected, I'm ready to rest, he thought. But, he continued spying. When the sun began to rise all of the other animals started to wake up and prepare for the course. Coyote had stayed awake the whole night. The course would start in about an hour, so he decided to take a small nap. He asked Man, "Can you wake me before we begin the course?" Shorty after, he fell asleep.

Little did Coyote know, Man saw him spying that night. He was disappointed in Coyote for cheating. Instead of waking him, he called for the race to start immediately. And so the race began without Coyote. Cougar and Bear received the most power. Frog received the least amount of power, but even below him was Coyote. For cheating, Coyote was rewarded the smallest amount of power. All of the animals laughed at and ridiculed him, but Man felt a bit sorry for him.

Even though Coyote was quite powerless, Man decided to reward him with even more cunning abilities. He was created to be cunning, but after this event he was six times more cunning than before.

Coyote

Source: Pixabay

Story Source: The Fable of the Animals from Myths and Legends of California and the Old Southwest by Katharine Berry Judson

Author's Note:
In the original story, power is to be assigned by man. Rather than the animals competing, man simply assigns power by giving different bows of different lengths to the animals. The longest bows have the most power and the shortest bows have the least power. Coyote decides to stay up to be the first one to meet Man in the morning, so that Man will give him the longest bow. When he stays up all night, he gets too tired by the morning and falls asleep. After man has given out all the bows, he realized he's missing one creature. He finds out that it's Coyote, so Coyote is left with the shortest bow. Man feels bad for him, and decides to still reward him with more cunning. I changed a few plot details in my story. First, I changed how the animals receive power because I felt that they should compete for it. Next, I changed that Man knew Coyote was cheating, so he paid the consequences.

Week 9 Story: Uraschimataro's Diary

Page 1

Dear Diary,

I've been with the princess down under the sea for a few years now. The turtle saved me when I was swallowed by the sea. He owed me a favor because I saved him when he was a young, small turtle. Anyway, time has been going by very fast. The princess is lovely, and the palace is the most beautiful place I've ever seen. Every day is an adventure and I love my new life. My parents are probably worried about me, as I am there only child. Although I miss my parents, I don't know how to tell the princess that I want to leave the palace to go visit them.

-Uraschimataro

Page 2

Dear Diary, 

Life has continued to be wonderful down here. I can barely remember my old life. I still miss my parents and I hope they're doing well without me. I worry because I was the focus of their whole lives. I've been rather sad lately, and the princess has noticed. I think she realizes I miss my family, but she doesn't want me to leave her. I guess I will just have to confront her and tell her my concerns. After all, I plan to visit my parents but I will return to her shortly after.

-Uraschimataro

Page 3

Dear Diary,

I'm finally going to visit my parents! I leave in a few days. How did the conversation go with the princess? Rather well, actually. She was very reluctant, but finally encouraged me to go. She also gave me a box to take with me, but her she told me to never open it. I'm not sure why, but I will obey her wishes. The turtle is taking me on the three day journey back home, and I'm very excited. He will wait for me at the shore until I'm ready to return to the princess under the sea. I will update next when I make it back to my home.

-Urachimataro

Page 4

Dear Diary,

This whole trip has been a disaster. I arrived back home, but everything has changed tremendously. My old home has a new family in it. I couldn't find my parents and I didn't recognize a single neighbor or person in town. I finally went to the cemetery and sadly, I found my parents headstones. They had died shortly after I disappeared. I'm devastated and distraught. I found out that 300 years have passed since I have left, but I haven't aged a bit. I think I am going to open the box. I have a feeling it has to do with my parents. For now though, I'm going to get some sleep.

-Uraschimataro

Page 5

Dear Diary,

I opened the box and a purple vapor poured around me, preventing me from seeing anything. It took me back 300 years to the very day that I disappeared! I'm back home and my parents are alive and well. I don't go out to see fishing anymore, and I never saw the turtle or princess again. I guess that's why she asked me not to open the box, because when I did, it was a choice for my old life over the new one. This is my home and where I belong. I miss the princess and the palace, but I'm happy being back where I'm supposed to be. Maybe one day I'll see them again.

-Uraschimataro

Bibliography: Uraschimataro and the Turtle from The Pink Fairy Book by Andrew Lang

Author's Note: In the original story, Uraschimataro is an only child who goes further out to see than anyone else dares. He is warned by many that the ocean may swallow him, but he continues doing it. One day he finds a small turtle among the fish he caught. He wants to keep it, but the turtle begs to be set free and he will return the favor some day. He sets the turtle free and goes about his day. Years later, when he is out at sea his boat is destroyed and he is almost out of luck, until the turtle, now much bigger, saves him. He takes him deep down into the ocean to a palace where he meets a princess. He's very happy here, but eventually longs to see his family. The princess notices and wishes for him not to leave her. He promises he will visit his parents and return to her after. She gives him a box, but warns him not to open it. When he makes it home, he realizes his parents have died and 300 years have passed. He thinks the box will make everything right, but when he opens it, he turns into a very old man. He tries to call the turtle at the sea, but nothing happens. Shortly after, he dies and is set free. For my story, I wrote a diary from Uraschimataro's perspective. I told the same tale, but changed the ending. He opens the box, and time is reversed. He never sees the turtle or princess again, but he has his old life and parents back.

Uraschimataro and the Turtle

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Week 7 Story: Bedtime Story About the Hunting Dog

"Joseph! Emily! It's time to get ready for bed! Meet me in your bedroom in five minutes, and I'll tell you a short bedtime story."

---

Long ago, there was a man by the name of Thomas who lived by himself in the city. He was a writer who needed quiet and privacy. Every day he would complain to himself about being around many loud, annoying people. He desperately wanted to live somewhere away from people, so finally he decided to move. He found a home out in the country where the closest person was miles away. "This is the perfect home for me! I can now write in peace!" he exclaimed.

Everything seemed to be going great, except he had a huge flea and gnat problem. They were everywhere, making noise and making him itch throughout the days and nights. He tried different types of insect spray to rid his home of the pests, but nothing seemed to be working.

---

"So, wait. This was a bad idea. He traded one problem with annoying people, for the same problem with loud bugs? I would choose people any day." Joseph said. "Well, yes, the grass isn't always greener on the other side, right?" said Mother.

---

One night after dinner, Thomas tried to continue his writing, but he was constantly distracted by the gnats and fleas. He was out of ideas for the problem, and he wondered if he should move back to the city. Suddenly, an army flooded into his house! Not the typical type of army you're imagining. The knights were two inches tall. They had horses the size of grasshoppers and falcons the size of flies. The little army destroyed the fleas and gnats, and they had tiny hunting dogs that would kill and then eat their remains. Thomas was amazed at what he was seeing! He wanted to keep the hunting dogs for the future when more bugs would enter his home. He wondered how reasonable they would be with him about keeping the dogs.

---

"I want a tiny hunting dog, Mom! We need one. Or maybe just any dog. Can we get one?" asked Emily. "No, dear. It's just a story. We will talk about it another time. Now listen to the rest," said Mother.

---

"Um, Mr. King, your majesty. I want to thank you and your army! You have saved me a lot of trouble by ridding me of the nasty vermin taking over my home. May I have a hunting dog? I will certainly pay you for it." said Thomas. The King acted as if he didn't hear a word he had said. The army began to leave the house. Thomas was upset that he wouldn't be able to own one of the hunting dogs.

---

"He's upset just like me. Everyone needs a dog. It's not fair." cried Emily.

---

He sat on his bed for a moment, when a tiny dog jumped into his hand. "Oh my! You stayed here little guy?" he said.
And his little dog stayed with him from then on. He took care of all the fleas and gnats and kept him good company. They were the best of friends.

---

"The end, and goodnight kids." said mother, as she turned out the lights.

Man's Best Friend

Source: Pixabay

Bibliography: The Little Hunting Dog from The Chinese Fairy Book by R.Wilhelm and translated by  Frederick H.  Martens

Author's Note: I kept this story relatively similar to the original, but in my version the storyteller was a mother who was telling a bedtime story to her two kids. In the original, a scholar moves away from people for a more quiet lifestyle. He had trouble sleeping because of fleas and gnats. One day some very small knights, horses, falcons, and hunting dogs come into his home to take care of his insect problem. When they leave, a small hunting dog gets left behind. He takes the dog and places it in a small box to examine it. Every time the scholar goes to bed, the dog follows to take care of any bugs. One day, when he takes a nap, he accidentally crushes the dog and finds it as flat as a piece of paper.  I changed the ending in my story to the man keeping the dog and them becoming lifelong companions. I also changed minor details about what happens when the small army enters his home.

Week 6 Story: Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

BREAKING NEWS: September 20th, 12:38 p.m.

Breaking News

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Son of well-known tailor has been missing for 72 hours.

Camera man: "And.. we're rolling."

News Anchor: "This is Lisa Lawson with Channel 82 News. Aladdin, the famous son of the founder of Mustapha's Tailor Co., has been missing for 72 hours now. Police are here at the gardens located on the outskirts of the city. This was the last place that he was seen. A couple, who we spoke to earlier, is claiming to have seen him with a man about fifty years old, dark hair, a beard, and he was wearing a nice black suit. We will keep you all updated. If you have any information on this young man's whereabouts please notify the police immediately."

Update: 1:16 p.m.

News Anchor: "We're back at the gardens where Aladdin was last seen, and after watching security camera footage it has been confirmed that he was here three days ago. We are glad to be getting some information about his disappearance. Police were also able to speak to Aladdin's mother, and we have now identified the man who may have been responsible for this. We will provide a picture of him on our website. His mother says she trusted the man and let him into her home because he was pretending to be a distant uncle. He even had pictures of Aladdin's late father as a child, so she believed it was the real deal. Police have taken the next step and are now tracking their cell phones to see where they may be located."


Update: 3:08 p.m.
News Anchor: "Aladdin has been found unharmed! And he has a very interesting story to tell. Here he is now."

Aladdin: "Well, this all began with my fake "uncle" which as you all already know, tricked me. I believed he was trying to help me out because my father died recently. But boy, was I wrong. He bought me clothes, showed me around town, and gave me hope for finding a trade. We ate lunch at the gardens, and then he took me out into the forest. He told me to gather firewood and he would show me something wonderful. Next, I heard him chanting. All of a sudden, the earth started to rumble, and the land began to split between the two mountains! He placed a ring on my finger and shoved me into the split earth. I saw a glowing, golden lamp and he yelled for me to grab it. So, I grabbed the lamp and took off running deeper in until I couldn't see him anymore! I knew then that he used me to get the lamp that he wanted, and he also wanted to hurt me. I had to get away from him. I wondered why he went through all this trouble for a simple lamp? But, there I waited for a couple of days. I was afraid and lonely. One night, I was so cold and began to rub the lamp. Then, that's when my magic genie appeared! He came out of the lamp and told me that he was a slave to me because I was wearing the ring that was given to me. He saved me! That's how I made it back to town safely. I'm happy to go home to my mother and my new friend the genie. I hope that harmful man gets caught."


Author's Note: This story is quite different than the original because I decided to tell it through a news report. In the original story it begins with introducing Aladdin as the son of Mustapha, a poor tailor. He is disappointed in Aladdin for not learning a trade, so much that he dies. Aladdin still does not mend his ways, and his mother is upset too. One day a man approaches Aladdin claiming to be his uncle. He comes over for dinner, and then takes Aladdin out to the gardens and then out to the mountains. When they arrived at a valley between two mountains Aladdin was asked to gather wood for a fire. When the fire was lit the "uncle" threw a powder on it and the ground began to shake, opening the earth below. A stone appeared and steps leading down into the earth. the magician told Aladdin to go down for a treasure awaiting him. He asked Aladdin to get the lamp, but Aladdin knew better and stayed down there until the uncle left. He stayed down there for days when he realized his "uncle" was a lying magician who used him. Finally, the genie came out of the lamp and said that he was now a slave to Aladdin.

The main thing that is different about my story is the way that I told it through a news report. I also added in that Aladdin was missing for three days and everyone was worried about him. When Aladdin tells the story himself, it is quite similar to the story, but it is a more summarized version.

Bibliography: The Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp 1

Week 5 Story: The Three Lovers

The Three Men

Source: Wikipedia

Long ago, there was a very rich and intelligent Brahman who had a beautiful daughter named Coral. Coral was the most beautiful lady all around, and everyone knew it. Not only was she beautiful, but she was also kind, smart, and had a wonderful sense of humor. She and her father both knew that she was sought after by many men. When she was finally of age, it was time to find a man for her.

There were three men in particular who lived up to the qualities that her father wanted. Her father would rather die than give her up to another man, but he knew it was time. The decision was ultimately to be made by her father, but she had some input. The men would visit daily, asking to see her from the time she woke up to the time she went to bed.

One night, as she was slipping into bed, she heard a knock on her window. It was one of the men, Edmund, asking her to come down for a chat at the edge of the forest. She pondered his idea for a moment, and finally decided to go. They were having a nice conversation when the other two men showed up.

"Edmund! You've already had your time with her for the day. This isn't fair at all!" said Henry. And so a fight began between the three men. The fight escalated quickly and they began to fight and roll around on the ground. Coral was begging them to stop and stepped in the way of the men.  Suddenly, and accidentally, she was pushed over the edge of the cliff where she fell to her death.

Her father and the three men were devastated by the news. Two of the men, Henry and Joseph, began to cry by her grave and stayed there for days. Edmund however, started a long journey on foot. He had heard rumors of a spell book that could do almost anything. He searched everywhere for two weeks, when he came across an old town where he ate dinner. He asked the owner if he knew of the book, to which he replied: "Yes Edmund, I have a spell book! But only for me to perform these spells. You must bring her ashes to me." Edmund didn't like this idea, so when the night came he snuck back in and stole the book for himself.

Upon arriving back at Coral's grave, Edmund saw that the two men were still grieving. All this time as he has been searching for a solution, the other men were doing nothing but mourning for their loss. Edmund performed the spell, and right in front of his eyes Coral rose from the ashes. The men were all astonished at what they were seeing!

Later on, when Coral was reunited with her father, they made a decision on who she was to marry.
Of course, they chose Edmund because he brought her back to life. The other men were disappointed in themselves, but eventually were very understanding. Edmund had gone above and beyond to win Coral's heart from the beginning.

The extra work that you put in will eventually be rewarded.


Source: The Three Lovers
Author's Note: In the original story the three men are all trying to win Coral's love, but she dies from an illness. When she dies, one man built a hut and slept on her ashes. One man took her bones and dipped them in the Ganges River. The third man became a monk and traveled all over. He came across a village and was entertained by a Brahman. While there, he saw a mother and child. The child would not stop crying so the mother threw him into a fire, where he was turned to ashes. The monk was surprised, and the Brahman got out a spell book to bring him back to life. The monk stole the book, and took it back to Coral to bring her back to life. The men began to fight over her, but the father said that the man who brought her back to life did what a father should do, the man who brought her bones to the river did what a son would do, and the man who slept on her ashes did what a husband would do. So, he was the one to end up with Coral.
I changed what happened to Coral when she died to give it a more dramatic reason with it being the men's fault. I also changed what the men did when she died. I thought the man who traveled to find a solution should be the one to end up with her because he did all of the work to make it happen.

Week 4 Story: The Deal Between Saint Gudwall and the Fish

Going to the Welsh coast is a fabulous idea for anyone wanting to see clear, blue water and soft, white sand. Just the view of the coast in general is magnificent! For the summer, of course. What about the winter, you ask? Now that's a different story...

Saint Gudwall and his dear friend Charles began their search for a new place to call home on the Welsh coast. It was a beautiful day, and they began their search.  After a whole day's worth of searching, they came across a large cave that was not too high and not too low. They had heard warnings of pirates in the area, but surely that was just a  farfetched possibility. It was easily accessible and had an incredible view. They moved all of their belongings in, and made their home as comfortable as possible. They enjoyed the rest of their summer in the new home.


School of fish
Source: Wikimedia Commons                    Then winter came.


And with that came terrible storms. They started out small, and the more time that went on, the worse the storms got. The waves were beginning to crash so high that water was entering their home. On the night of the most dangerous storm, the waves were entering their home completely! All of their furniture and belongings were drifting away and being destroyed. The men were barely staying alive in the churning waves, then all of a sudden, they were floating.

Giant fish had picked them up enough for them to breathe above the water. Saint Gudwall and Charles looked at each other with disbelief. What was going on and why were these fish helping them?

The next thing they knew, they were having a conversation with the fish in charge, who had an idea in mind. The fish wanted to help the men, but also wanted something in return. The fish would create gills for the men to live in peace in their new home, if the men would protect them from the pirates who give them trouble and pollute their water.

So the deal was made. Sir Gudwall and Charles could live peacefully in their home year-round, and the fish would be protected. The men and fish lived happily for the rest of their days off the Welsh coast.



Bibliography: The Deal Between Saint Gudwall and the Fish, from The Fish Who Helped Saint Gudwall by Abbie Farwell Brown
Author's Note: In the original story, the two stories begin the same as this. When the winter storms come, Saint Gudwall and his pupil evacuate their home. As they watch from afar, they notice something moving in their home. They soon find out that the fish are taking grains of sand and forming a barrier so that the water will not invade their home.
The first thing I did to change my story was giving Saint Gudwall's pupil a name, who I called Charles. It was easier to reference than just calling him his pupil. I also gave the fish a more magical role. As in they could talk, negotiate a deal, and even create the gills for the men. I also introduced the idea of pirates so that the fish and the men would each be getting something in return.

Week Three Story: The Genie in the Lamp

Once upon a time there lived a young woman named Hannah who lived with her mother and father. One day while Hannah was out running errands for her family, a messenger approached her with urgent news. "Return home quickly," he said,"your father and mother have become extremely ill!" Hannah got home as fast as she could to find her mother and father in bed very sick.

"Hannah dear, this illness took over so quickly. We are going to die, but I have some instructions for you to ensure that you will be alright when we are gone," said her father. "First, as expected, you are going to mourn for us greatly for seven days. You will stop mourning on the eve of the festival of Passover. Next, you will go to the market and buy the first thing that is offered to you, no matter what the cost. Do as I say and you will be taken care of for life my daughter."

Hannah promised she would obey her father's wishes, and sure enough, his predictions started to come true. Hannah mourned for seven days and then finally she headed to the market. The first thing offered to her was an old, dusty lamp from a fragile, elderly man. "Buy this lamp, my dear, and good fortune will come to you," said the man. "Rub the lamp three times a day for three weeks and you will then understand."

As her father instructed, she bought the old lamp. The lamp cost her almost all that she had, but she carried on and went home. She was curious as to why she would need an old lamp and how that could ever bring her good fortune. Since her parents died, she had become lonely and very poor, but still she followed the old man's instructions. The weeks went by, and Hannah was living alone in poverty.

It was the last day of the three weeks and Hannah was hoping for a miracle. Suddenly, a cloud of smoke filled her home. A genie appeared and said,"Greetings caretaker! I am Genie. As a token of my appreciation for you taking great care of me and releasing me from my lamp, I will grant you three wishes!"

Hannah could not believe her eyes! She became overwhelmed thinking of all the things that she could wish for. "Hmmm... this is going to be a difficult decision. I first need someone who can help me make these choices. As I've been terribly lonely for these weeks, this is only right. I wish for the perfect husband!"

"Wish granted" said Genie as a tall, handsome man appeared. "You have two more wishes left."
Hannah and her new husband hugged and kissed and began discussing their next two wishes.
"My father was very intelligent and provided a good life for his family. I wish for wisdom for my husband and I!"

"Wish number two is granted,"said Genie. "Finally, I wish for wealth for my family," said Hannah, "I have been living in poverty for the past few weeks and I have had enough.
"That concludes your three wishes my friends! Thank you again for freeing me. But, I have one more gift for you," said Genie. He told them to follow him out to the woods. When they got to the middle of the forest, every animal began to appear with gifts. They began giving Hannah and her husband herbs and precious stones. "These are all for you. Best of luck to your family," said Genie.
And POOF! Genie and the lamp had vanished.

Hannah became well-known because of Genie. She was the smartest and wealthiest in all of the land, and she lived a happy life.



Author's Note: The original story this was based off of was titled The Fairy Frog by Gertrude Landa.
In this story, the main character is a man named Hanina. His father and mother are dying and his father gives him instructions on what to do after his death. He tells him first that he will mourn for seven days. After that, his mourning will pass on the eve of the festival of the Passover. Next, he must go to the market and buy whatever is offered to him first. Hanina's dad's predictions come true, and when he goes to the market he is offered a silver casket. He does not know what it contains, but he buys it anyway spending most of his money. He and his wife get home and find out the casket contains a frog. They had to feed the frog as it ate large amounts of food and started to grow and become huge. The frog ate so much that they ran out of food for themselves and were living in poverty. The frog was bigger than a man and spoke to them one day. He told them that he would grant whatever wishes they had. They first asked for food, then wisdom, and then wealth. Days later, the frog took them out to the woods where animals and insects gave Hanina and his wife precious stones and herbs. As they thanked the frog, they asked who he was and he replied that he was the fairy son of Adam. He then disappeared and they lived a happy rest of their life.
One change that I made in the story was that Hannah, a single woman rather than a married man, was the main character. I also changed the fairy frog into a genie because I liked the idea of a genie granting wishes more than a frog. I also changed one of the wishes from asking for food into asking for a husband.

Bibliography: "The Fairy Frog" from Jewish Fairy Tales by Gertrude Landa

The genie grants three wishes.

Source: Flickr

Week 2 Story: The Basilisk and the Beauty

For as long as I can remember, I've looked in the mirror to see an ugly creature staring back. I've had this problem for most of my life, but I just can't seem to find someone who can help me get back to normal. I once had everything: a family, friends, servants, money, and a castle. And then it was all gone. I still live in the palace with one servant who cares for me, but things aren't what they used to be. You see, I was cursed and transformed into a basilisk long ago. Now, the only way to become a human again is to be kissed by my one true love.  Of course, that's what makes this problem almost impossible to solve. What human would love an ugly creature like me?

And that's when the solution came to me. I saw her with her mother and two sisters one bright, summer day. As they were passing by, I heard them speak of going to the market. They began to make a weekly trip to the market, and I would almost approach them every time until I remembered that I'm not a normal human anymore. I needed a plan.

My castle was once very beautiful with fruit and flowers growing abundantly. Roses were sure to attract the attention of the lovely woman I had been waiting to meet, so my servant and I planted some along the outskirts of my palace. Sure enough, the women stopped by the very next week to admire the roses. Listening carefully, I realized that her name was Mary. She became separated from her family, and I knew this was the perfect time to go through with my plan.

My servant and I set a trap in the woods allowing Mary to become confused on how to get home once she was separated from her family. They became so far apart and lost that when night fell, her family went home without her.  Hiding in the darkness, I said to Belle,"Hello, my name is Adam. You look lost, can I help you?"
"Oh yes. Please, I've lost my family and can't find my way home. Especially now in the dark," Mary sobbed." "Now, I don't want to scare you, but understand I look a bit different. If you aren't afraid, I can give you a place to stay for the night.

Later that night when I got Mary settled in the castle, we began to talk about their lives. I told Mary everything I could remember about my life before the curse. I heard of Mary's family, her dreams, and her love for roses. We became very familiar with one another so quickly and naturally. "I have a favor to ask of you, if you don't mind," I asked. "Yes, anything," replied Mary. "I'm in need of some care for the next three days while my servant is gone, and I think you would do a marvelous job. In exchange, I can help you find your family and you are welcome to take as many roses as you please," I said.

Over the course of the next three days, our relationship grew stronger. Mary was able to look past my looks, and treated me kindly as a normal human being. Our relationship strengthened so far that we began to develop love for one another. And finally, we shared a kiss, and I was transformed back into a handsome young man.

We had a tremendous wedding with many guests. We sang, danced, and had a grand time.

Basilisk creature

Source: Max pixel

Story source: The Key of Gold by Josef Baudis (1922)

Author's Note: In the original story I read, the story was told from an outsider's point of view. I chose to tell the story from the basilisk's point of view. In the original, the mother goes out to get stuff for her family, and one of her daughters asks for some roses. On her way home, the mother gets lost but comes across some roses in a garden. She then decides to get them for her daughter. This is when she encounters the basilisk, who demands that she gives him her daughter in exchange for stealing his roses. Mary, the daughter, agrees to go to the Basilisk and even enjoys herself. She must nurse the basilisk for three hours everyday. On the third day he tells her to cut his head off, and when he does he transforms into a handsome man with keys to his palace. They then get married and live in the castle.
So, I changed the point of view, how the two met, and they get to know each other. I started with changing the point of view because I thought that could be a new, interesting perspective in this story. I changed how they met because I thought she was a more important character to be involved than her mother. This also made it possible for them to get more familiar with one another, and later to get married.