When Charlie meets Bernard, a beetle who tells terrible jokes, they discover that his groan-worthy punchlines actually wake sleeping flowers. Together, they must make the whole garden laugh to save wilting plants before winter arrives.
Charlie loved his gran's garden, even if he was too shy to tell her so. One chilly autumn morning, while checking on her prized roses, he heard an odd sound. Knock knock! came a tiny voice from beneath a leaf. Charlie blinked in surprise.
Who's there? Charlie whispered, hardly believing he was answering. Lettuce! squeaked the voice. Lettuce who? Charlie asked. Lettuce in, it's rather cold out here! A small beetle emerged, wearing what looked like a tiny bow tie.
The beetle bowed dramatically. Bernard's the name, terrible jokes are my game! he announced proudly. Charlie noticed something peculiar - a nearby drooping daisy had perked up slightly, as if trying not to laugh at the awful joke.
Did you see that? Charlie exclaimed, pointing at the daisy. The flower... it moved! Bernard adjusted his bow tie proudly. Why do flowers hate my jokes? Because they're garden variety! More flowers twitched in response.
Charlie watched in amazement as more flowers began to stir. Your terrible jokes are waking them up! he said excitedly. Bernard beamed. What do you call a flower that tells jokes? A daisy comedian! A whole patch of daisies suddenly stood straight.
We've got to wake all the flowers before winter comes, Charlie said, his shyness forgotten in the excitement. What do you say, Bernard? The beetle rubbed his front legs together gleefully. Let's have a wee bit of fun!
Charlie and Bernard spent the afternoon telling jokes to every wilting flower in the garden. What kind of flower grows on your face? Bernard called out. Tulips! The roses giggled despite themselves, their petals unfurling in the autumn sunshine.
By sunset, the entire garden was standing tall and bright. Gran came outside and gasped. I've never seen the garden so lovely this late in the year! she exclaimed. Charlie shared a secret smile with Bernard, who was hiding behind his ear.
From that day on, Charlie visited the garden every afternoon. Though still shy with people, he never tired of sharing jokes with his tiny friend. And thanks to Bernard's terrible punchlines, Gran's garden stayed the brightest on the street all year round.
credits: KidoLit.com
(c) 2024
👋 Hey Parent!💫 Your child’s adventure has just begun!
📖 Create a story where they are the hero.
🚀 Start your personalised tale in minutes!