Calamity Kate and the Library in the Clouds
by
Thomas
A story about Reading
for your 4th Grader.
Calamity Kate tightened the straps of her wide-brimmed hat as she galloped across the dusty plains, chasing a brilliant star that glowed in the fading light. She loved the way the evening sky blazed with color, and her heart pounded with excitement at the strange sight overhead.
Ember Flare flapped shimmering wings and trailed behind, breathing short puffs of warm air in awe at the dazzling star dropping toward the horizon. The curious dragon could hardly wait to discover what adventures lay ahead.
High above the plains, fluffy, glowing cloud anchors held a secret library in midair. The arching door, carved from golden oak, appeared to shimmer whenever a breeze rippled through the clouds.
Calamity Kate pulled back on the reins at the base of a floating staircase, her mind racing with questions. Even though the steps looked fluffy like marshmallows, each one felt solid beneath her boots as she climbed to investigate this strange place.
Ember Flare hovered close by, feeling an odd tingle roll through the air. The dragon sniffed the swirling breezes and realized they smelled of old parchment and fresh ink, like the pages of a newly discovered book.
Inside the library’s grand foyer stood an enormous hourglass filled with shimmering sand that trickled and sparkled with each grain. Rows of shelves stretched higher than any tower, all lined with thick volumes bound in leather and cloth straps.
Calamity Kate wandered down a corridor lit by floating lanterns. She paused at an open book that stared back at her, its pages blank. Alarmed, she flipped through more books, finding half-vanished words and entire chapters missing.
Ember Flare peeked into a hidden alcove, following a slight whisper that sounded like secret words drifting on the wind. The dragon spotted an ancient scroll pinned under a candleholder, bearing a riddle about the missing stories.