Paul Holmes -
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English Professor

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Short Stories for Kids

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The Adventures of Wally Watermelon

A mischievous watermelon named Wally discovers a magical crystal and becomes a superhero in a new world.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a land full of fruits and vegetables, there lived a mischievous watermelon named Wally. Unlike his sweet and gentle fruit friends, Wally was known for his wild adventures and his knack for getting into trouble. One sunny day, Wally decided to explore the enchanted forest that surrounded his little village. Little did he know that this adventure would be the wildest one yet.

As Wally bounced through the tall grass, he stumbled upon a hidden cave. Curiosity got the better of him, and he ventured inside. To his surprise, he discovered a magical crystal that shimmered with different colors. Unable to resist its allure, Wally grabbed the crystal and was instantly transported to a mysterious new world.

In this new world, Wally found himself surrounded by talking animals and plants. He quickly noticed that he had grown legs and arms. He had become a watermelon with superpowers! He could jump high, swim fast, and even shoot seeds like bullets. Excitedly, Wally joined forces with the animals to save the kingdom from an evil wizard who wanted to turn all the fruits and vegetables into ice cream sundaes!

Together, Wally and his new friends embarked on a wild adventure, full of twists and turns. They faced giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and even crossed a fiery river. Along the way, Wally discovered the power of teamwork and friendship. He realized that even the smallest of fruits could make a big difference if they believed in themselves and worked together.

Finally, after overcoming countless obstacles, Wally and his friends reached the wizard’s castle. With their combined efforts and Wally’s seed-shooting powers, they defeated the wicked wizard and freed the kingdom from his clutches. The grateful fruits and vegetables celebrated Wally as a hero and thanked him for restoring peace and harmony to their land.

As Wally bid farewell to his new friends, he returned to his village, but he had changed. No longer mischievous, Wally now understood the importance of using his powers for good and helping others. From that day forward, Wally Watermelon became the guardian of the enchanted forest, always ready to embark on another adventure whenever he was needed. And so, Wally’s days of mischief were replaced with days of heroism and making a positive difference in the world.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1mischievousBehaving in a way that is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage
2enchantedMagical or captivating, often associated with fairy tales
3ventureTo proceed, especially into an unknown or dangerous area with courage
4allureThe quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating
5transportedMoved or conveyed from one place to another
6mysteriousFull of secrets and things that are not understood or known
7superpowersExtraordinary abilities beyond normal human capabilities
8treacherousDangerous or unstable, with the potential for unforeseen hazards
9fieryResembling or consisting of fire, often used to describe something intensely hot or passionate
10twistsUnexpected changes or developments in a story or situation
11teamworkThe process of working together cooperatively towards a common goal
12obstaclesThings that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress
13combinedJoined or united in a common purpose or action
14clutchesA tight grip or hold, often used metaphorically to describe control or domination
15guardianOne who protects or defends something

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What made Wally different from his fruit friends?
2. What did Wally find inside the hidden cave?
3. What happened to Wally when he touched the magical crystal?
4. What powers did Wally gain in the new world?
5. Who did Wally join forces with to save the kingdom?
6. What obstacles did Wally and his friends face on their adventure?
7. How did Wally and his friends defeat the evil wizard?
8. How did Wally change after his adventure?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a land full of (1)______ and vegetables, there lived a mischievous (2)______ named Wally. Unlike his sweet and gentle fruit (3)______, Wally was (4)______ for his wild adventures and his knack for getting into trouble. One sunny day, Wally decided to explore the enchanted forest that surrounded his little village. Little did he know that this adventure would be the wildest one yet.

As Wally bounced through the tall grass, he stumbled upon a hidden cave. Curiosity got the better of him, and he ventured inside. To his surprise, he discovered a magical crystal that shimmered with different colors. (5)______ to resist its allure, (6)______ grabbed the crystal and was instantly transported to a (7)______ new world.

In this new world, Wally found himself surrounded by talking animals and plants. He quickly (8)______ that he had grown legs and arms. He had become a watermelon with superpowers! He could jump high, swim fast, and even shoot seeds like bullets. Excitedly, Wally joined forces with the animals to save the kingdom from an evil wizard who wanted to turn all the fruits and vegetables into ice cream sundaes!

Together, Wally and his new friends embarked on a wild adventure, full of twists and turns. They (9)______ giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and even crossed a fiery (10)______. Along the way, Wally discovered the power of teamwork and friendship. He realized that even the smallest of fruits could make a big difference if they believed in themselves and worked together.

Finally, after overcoming countless obstacles, Wally and his friends reached the wizard’s castle. With their combined efforts and Wally’s seed-shooting powers, they defeated the (11)______ wizard and freed the kingdom from his (12)______. The grateful fruits and vegetables celebrated Wally as a hero and (13)______ him for restoring peace and harmony to their land.

As Wally bid farewell to his new friends, he (14)______ to his village, but he had changed. No longer mischievous, Wally now understood the importance of using his powers for good and helping others. From that day forward, Wally Watermelon became the guardian of the enchanted (15)______, always ready to embark on another adventure whenever he was needed. And so, Wally’s days of mischief were replaced with days of heroism and making a positive (16)______ in the world.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your favorite fruit or vegetable? Why?
2. How would you feel if you suddenly had superpowers like Wally the watermelon? Why?
3. Do you like stories with magical elements like talking animals and enchanted forests? Why or why not?
4. Do you think it’s important to believe in yourself and work together with others? Why or why not?
5. How do you think Wally’s mischievous nature changed throughout the story? Why?
6. What do you think is the message or moral of this story? Why?
7. Have you ever had an adventure or experience that changed your perspective or taught you something important? Can you share it?
8. How do you think the fruits and vegetables in the story felt when they were turned into ice cream sundaes? Why?
9. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Why?
10. How do you think Wally felt when he became the guardian of the enchanted forest? Why?
11. Do you think it’s important for stories to have a hero or someone who saves the day? Why or why not?
12. Have you ever had a friendship that helped you overcome obstacles or achieve something great? Can you tell us about it?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mischievous
2. enchanted
3. venture
4. allure
5. transported
6. mysterious
7. superpowers
8. treacherous
9. fiery
10. twists
11. teamwork
12. obstacles
13. combined
14. clutches
15. guardian

Meanings:
(A) Resembling or consisting of fire, often used to describe something intensely hot or passionate
(B) Moved or conveyed from one place to another
(C) Full of secrets and things that are not understood or known
(D) Extraordinary abilities beyond normal human capabilities
(E) Things that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress
(F) Magical or captivating, often associated with fairy tales
(G) Behaving in a way that is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage
(H) One who protects or defends something
(I) Unexpected changes or developments in a story or situation
(J) The process of working together cooperatively towards a common goal
(K) Dangerous or unstable, with the potential for unforeseen hazards
(L) Joined or united in a common purpose or action
(M) To proceed, especially into an unknown or dangerous area with courage
(N) The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating
(O) A tight grip or hold, often used metaphorically to describe control or domination
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Wally find in the hidden cave?
(a) A treasure chest
(b) A map
(c) A magical crystal
(d) A secret passage

2. What happened to Wally when he grabbed the crystal?
(a) He turned into a giant watermelon
(b) He lost his superpowers
(c) He fell asleep
(d) He was transported to a new world

3. What superpowers did Wally gain in the new world?
(a) Flying, invisibility, and super strength
(b) Teleportation, mind reading, and shape-shifting
(c) None, he remained the same
(d) Jumping high, swimming fast, and shooting seeds

4. Who did Wally join forces with to save the kingdom?
(a) Talking animals and plants
(b) Evil wizards and witches
(c) Ice cream sundaes
(d) Giant spiders and treacherous mountains

5. What obstacles did Wally and his friends face on their adventure?
(a) Talking animals, magical crystals, and hidden caves
(b) Giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and a fiery river
(c) Evil wizards, ice cream sundaes, and secret passages
(d) None, their journey was smooth and easy

6. How did Wally and his friends defeat the wicked wizard?
(a) By running away and hiding
(b) With their combined efforts and Wally’s seed-shooting powers
(c) By using the magical crystal
(d) By making friends with the wizard

7. How did the fruits and vegetables react to Wally’s heroism?
(a) They ignored him and went on with their lives
(b) They turned into ice cream sundaes
(c) They celebrated him as a hero and thanked him
(d) They became jealous and tried to steal his powers

8. What did Wally become after his adventure?
(a) The guardian of the enchanted forest
(b) A mischievous watermelon again
(c) A wizard
(d) A talking animal

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Wally returns to his village as an unchanged watermelon, still unaware of the importance of using his powers for good.
2. Wally is a watermelon known for his wild adventures and getting into trouble.
3. Wally becomes the guardian of the enchanted forest, always ready for another adventure when needed.
4. Along the way, Wally fails to learn the power of teamwork and friendship.
5. Wally and his friends defeat the wicked wizard and free the kingdom from his clutches.
6. Wally discovers an ordinary crystal in a hidden cave that transports him to a familiar new world.
7. In the new world, Wally gains superpowers and joins forces with talking animals and plants to save the kingdom from an evil wizard.
8. Wally and his friends avoid various challenges, including giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and a fiery river.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What made Wally different from his fruit friends?
Wally was known for his wild adventures and his knack for getting into trouble.

2. What did Wally find inside the hidden cave?
Wally found a magical crystal that shimmered with different colors.

3. What happened to Wally when he touched the magical crystal?
Wally was instantly transported to a mysterious new world.

4. What powers did Wally gain in the new world?
Wally gained the ability to jump high, swim fast, and shoot seeds like bullets.

5. Who did Wally join forces with to save the kingdom?
Wally joined forces with talking animals and plants to save the kingdom.

6. What obstacles did Wally and his friends face on their adventure?
Wally and his friends faced giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and a fiery river.

7. How did Wally and his friends defeat the evil wizard?
They defeated the evil wizard by using their combined efforts and Wally’s seed-shooting powers.

8. How did Wally change after his adventure?
Wally changed by understanding the importance of using his powers for good and helping others. He became the guardian of the enchanted forest.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) fruits
(2) watermelon
(3) friends
(4) known
(5) Unable
(6) Wally
(7) mysterious
(8) noticed
(9) faced
(10) river
(11) wicked
(12) clutches
(13) thanked
(14) returned
(15) forest
(16) difference
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mischievous
Answer: (G) Behaving in a way that is slightly bad but is not intended to cause serious harm or damage

2. enchanted
Answer: (F) Magical or captivating, often associated with fairy tales

3. venture
Answer: (M) To proceed, especially into an unknown or dangerous area with courage

4. allure
Answer: (N) The quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating

5. transported
Answer: (B) Moved or conveyed from one place to another

6. mysterious
Answer: (C) Full of secrets and things that are not understood or known

7. superpowers
Answer: (D) Extraordinary abilities beyond normal human capabilities

8. treacherous
Answer: (K) Dangerous or unstable, with the potential for unforeseen hazards

9. fiery
Answer: (A) Resembling or consisting of fire, often used to describe something intensely hot or passionate

10. twists
Answer: (I) Unexpected changes or developments in a story or situation

11. teamwork
Answer: (J) The process of working together cooperatively towards a common goal

12. obstacles
Answer: (E) Things that block one’s way or prevent or hinder progress

13. combined
Answer: (L) Joined or united in a common purpose or action

14. clutches
Answer: (O) A tight grip or hold, often used metaphorically to describe control or domination

15. guardian
Answer: (H) One who protects or defends something
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Wally find in the hidden cave?
Answer: (c) A magical crystal

2. What happened to Wally when he grabbed the crystal?
Answer: (d) He was transported to a new world

3. What superpowers did Wally gain in the new world?
Answer: (d) Jumping high, swimming fast, and shooting seeds

4. Who did Wally join forces with to save the kingdom?
Answer: (a) Talking animals and plants

5. What obstacles did Wally and his friends face on their adventure?
Answer: (b) Giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and a fiery river

6. How did Wally and his friends defeat the wicked wizard?
Answer: (b) With their combined efforts and Wally’s seed-shooting powers

7. How did the fruits and vegetables react to Wally’s heroism?
Answer: (c) They celebrated him as a hero and thanked him

8. What did Wally become after his adventure?
Answer: (a) The guardian of the enchanted forest
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Wally returns to his village as an unchanged watermelon, still unaware of the importance of using his powers for good. (Answer: False)
2. Wally is a watermelon known for his wild adventures and getting into trouble. (Answer: True)
3. Wally becomes the guardian of the enchanted forest, always ready for another adventure when needed. (Answer: True)
4. Along the way, Wally fails to learn the power of teamwork and friendship. (Answer: False)
5. Wally and his friends defeat the wicked wizard and free the kingdom from his clutches. (Answer: True)
6. Wally discovers an ordinary crystal in a hidden cave that transports him to a familiar new world. (Answer: False)
7. In the new world, Wally gains superpowers and joins forces with talking animals and plants to save the kingdom from an evil wizard. (Answer: True)
8. Wally and his friends avoid various challenges, including giant spiders, treacherous mountains, and a fiery river. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Amy and the Magic Book

Amy discovers a magical book that brings her creations to life, but learns the importance of appreciating the ordinary wonders of the world.

Whiskers, the Queen of Cats, unites animals of all kinds and teaches them the power of compassion.

The Queen of Cats

Whiskers, the Queen of Cats, unites animals of all kinds and teaches them the power of compassion.

A little girl named Mia embarks on a magical adventure through the Candy Kingdom after awakening a Jelly Bean Tree.

The Jelly Bean Tree

A little girl named Mia embarks on a magical adventure through the Candy Kingdom after awakening a Jelly Bean Tree.

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