Zippy Zapata's Gratitude Quest
by
Thomas
A story about Thanksgiving
for your 1st Grader.
Zippy Zapata was a curious boy wizard who lived in a wondrous garden. The garden paths led to many places around the world. Zippy loved Thanksgiving because it was a time to say thank you and share with family. One day, he found a bright vine that sparkled like magic.
Suddenly, the bright vine moved and revealed a secret message. It said, “Collect the flowers with thank you words from around the world. Then you will unlock the Tree of Gratitude!” Zippy felt excited and a little nervous.
“I can do this!” said Zippy. He waved his wand and stepped onto the first path. The path led to a place filled with sweet smells and pretty words. A friendly voice whispered, “In France, we say ‘Merci’ to show thanks.”
Zippy saw the ‘Merci’ flower shining, but it was guarded by fluttering butterflies. “Oh no!” he said. They would not move unless he kindly asked. Zippy said, “Excuse me, dear butterflies, may I have the flower?” The butterflies flew away, and Zippy picked the ‘Merci’ flower.
Next, Zippy followed another path to a land where people said ‘Gracias.’ But the garden floor was slippery with morning dew. Zippy slipped and tumbled until he held onto a big green leaf.
Zippy stood up and brushed off his robe. “I must be careful,” he whispered. With slow steps, he reached the ‘Gracias’ flower. He asked politely for it, remembering the best way to travel is to stay calm and speak kindly. The flower sparkled in his hands.
On the third path, Zippy smelled sweet tea in the air. He heard someone say, “Here, we say ‘Arigato’ to show thanks.” Zippy spotted the ‘Arigato’ flower, glowing behind a small stone bridge.
But a gust of wind rushed in and blew Zippy’s wizard hat away. He had to chase it over stepping stones and around a tall fountain. At last, he caught his hat and placed it firmly on his head. “Phew!” he said, picking up the ‘Arigato’ flower with a smile.