Zippy Zapata and the Enchanted Steam Engine
by
Thomas
A story about Vehicles
for your 3rd Grader.
Zippy Zapata hopped off the train at the edge of the enchanted forest, his heart racing with excitement. He loved the bustling station, where magical sparks floated in the air. Today, he was searching for a brand-new puzzle that had just appeared on a railway wall.
Just then, Brutus came trotting over, giggling at a silly joke he had just made up. Even though he was a warthog, he moved with surprising grace, especially when he saw his best friend searching for clues.
On the wall, the riddling sign glowed with strange symbols and swirling letters. It said, 'Chase the wind beyond the tracks, where water, coal, and heat make puffs of steam.'
Zippy Zapata studied the clue carefully and tapped his wand against the letters. He guessed the answer had something to do with how trains moved along the rails.
Nearby, an old steam engine stood ready, its large funnel, sturdy wheels, and coal car all connected by pipes that turn water into powerful steam. The great machine rumbled gently, waiting to pull out of the station.
Brutus tapped his hoof on the platform, trying to remember what the old conductor once said about train safety. He recalled that staying behind the painted yellow line was always wise.
Zippy Zapata waved Brutus closer and pointed to the next line in the puzzle. It mentioned a hidden treasure map, locked behind a secret panel inside the locomotive.
The secret panel revealed a glowing lever shaped like a small dragon. A single pull would unlock the treasure map—but only if the riddle's words were spoken first.