Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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Short Stories for Kids

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The Four Leaf Clover Quest

Four friends embark on a magical adventure, only to discover that the real treasure is their friendship.

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Once upon a time in the magical land of Cloverville, four friends named Lily, Max, Oliver, and Sophie embarked on an extraordinary adventure. It all began when Lily discovered a legend about a fabled Four Leaf Clover hidden deep within the enchanted forest. Believed to grant any wish, the four friends were determined to find it. Armed with their map and trusty backpacks, the quartet set off, prepared to face anything that came their way.

Their journey was filled with unexpected challenges and delightful surprises. They crossed treacherous rivers on wobbly bridges, escaped from mischievous trolls, and even encountered talking animals. One day, while searching for clues, they stumbled upon a magical rainbow path that led them to a giant waterfall. As they got closer, the waterfall transformed into a colossal bubble bath! Laughing uncontrollably, the friends dived in and had the bubbliest time of their lives.

As they continued their quest, the friends encountered a tricky labyrinth with a riddle-guardian named Mr. Quizzler. To proceed, they had to answer his riddle correctly. After much pondering and even a bit of silliness, the friends emerged victorious. Suddenly, without warning, a swarm of mischievous pixies appeared. They taunted the friends with their riddles, but Oliver cleverly challenged them to a dance-off. Mimicking their bouncy moves, the pixies erupted in applause, granting the friends passage.

After many thrilling encounters, the friends reached the heart of the enchanted forest. It was there that they discovered the hidden treasure – the Four Leaf Clover. Just as they were about to make a wish, they realized something important. They had already experienced countless adventures, learned valuable life lessons, and formed a bond like no other. They realized that the real magic was in their friendship, not the clover. They decided to let the clover remain where it was, untouched.

With hearts full of joy, the four friends returned to Cloverville, knowing that although they hadn’t found the Four Leaf Clover, they had truly discovered something far more precious. They had found the power of friendship and the importance of cherishing each other. From that day forward, their bond grew even stronger, and they continued to embark on exciting adventures together, cherishing every moment and creating magical memories that would last a lifetime.

The lesson they shared with everyone in Cloverville was that the real treasure in life is not always the material things we seek, but the friendships we make along the way.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1embarkedSet out on a journey or mission
2fabledLegendary or mythical
3quartetA group of four people or things
4treacherousDangerous or hazardous
5mischievousPlayfully causing trouble or annoyance
6colossalExtremely large or massive
7labyrinthA complex network of paths or passages
8riddleA question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer
9ponderingThinking deeply about something
10tauntedProvoked or challenged with insulting remarks
11victoriousHaving won a battle, game, or contest
12encountersMeetings or experiences with someone or something
13cherishHold something dear or treat with great affection
14preciousOf great value or worth; highly esteemed
15magicalPossessing or using supernatural powers

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What did Lily discover about a fabled Four Leaf Clover?
2. What challenges did the friends face on their journey?
3. How did the friends react when they stumbled upon the magical rainbow path?
4. What did the friends have to do to proceed past Mr. Quizzler?
5. How did Oliver outsmart the mischievous pixies?
6. What did the friends realize about the clover just before making a wish?
7. What did the friends learn was the real treasure in life?
8. How did the friends continue to cherish their bond after returning to Cloverville?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in the magical land of Cloverville, four friends named Lily, Max, Oliver, and Sophie embarked on an extraordinary adventure. It all began when Lily discovered a legend about a fabled Four Leaf Clover hidden deep within the (1)______ forest. Believed to grant any wish, the four friends were determined to find it. Armed with their map and trusty backpacks, the quartet set off, prepared to face anything that came their way.

Their (2)______ was (3)______ with (4)______ challenges and delightful surprises. They crossed treacherous rivers on wobbly bridges, escaped from mischievous trolls, and even encountered talking animals. One day, while searching for clues, they stumbled upon a magical rainbow path that led them to a giant waterfall. As they got closer, the waterfall transformed into a (5)______ bubble bath! Laughing uncontrollably, the friends dived in and had the (6)______ time of their lives.

As they continued their quest, the friends encountered a tricky labyrinth with a riddle-guardian (7)______ Mr. Quizzler. To proceed, they had to answer his riddle correctly. After much pondering and even a bit of silliness, the friends emerged victorious. Suddenly, without warning, a (8)______ of mischievous pixies appeared. They taunted the friends with their riddles, but Oliver cleverly challenged them to a dance-off. Mimicking their bouncy moves, the pixies erupted in applause, granting the friends passage.

After many thrilling encounters, the friends reached the heart of the enchanted forest. It was there that they discovered the (9)______ treasure – the Four Leaf Clover. Just as they were (10)______ to make a wish, they (11)______ something important. They had already experienced countless adventures, learned valuable life lessons, and formed a bond like no other. They realized that the real magic was in their (12)______, not the clover. They decided to let the clover remain where it was, untouched.

With hearts full of joy, the four (13)______ returned to Cloverville, knowing that although they hadn’t (14)______ the Four Leaf Clover, they had truly discovered something far more precious. They had found the power of friendship and the importance of cherishing each other. From that day forward, their bond grew even stronger, and they continued to embark on (15)______ adventures together, cherishing every moment and creating magical (16)______ that would last a lifetime.

The lesson they shared with everyone in Cloverville was that the real treasure in life is not always the material things we seek, but the friendships we make along the way.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is the importance of friendship in your life?
2. How would you feel if you discovered a magical treasure like the Four Leaf Clover?
3. Do you believe in the power of legends and myths? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had an adventure with your friends? Can you share a memorable experience?
5. What life lessons do you think the friends learned during their journey?
6. How do you think the friends felt when they realized that the real magic was in their friendship, not the clover?
7. Do you think material possessions can bring true happiness? Why or why not?
8. Have you ever encountered unexpected challenges or delightful surprises in your own life? Can you share a story?
9. What do you think the friends meant when they said “the real treasure in life is not always the material things we seek, but the friendships we make along the way”?
10. How do you cherish your friendships? Do you have any traditions or special ways of showing your friends that you care?
11. Do you think it’s important to have adventures and create memories with friends? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the friends’ bond grew stronger after their adventure?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. embarked
2. fabled
3. quartet
4. treacherous
5. mischievous
6. colossal
7. labyrinth
8. riddle
9. pondering
10. taunted
11. victorious
12. encounters
13. cherish
14. precious
15. magical

Meanings:
(A) Possessing or using supernatural powers
(B) A group of four people or things
(C) Thinking deeply about something
(D) Dangerous or hazardous
(E) Set out on a journey or mission
(F) Playfully causing trouble or annoyance
(G) A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer
(H) Having won a battle, game, or contest
(I) Of great value or worth; highly esteemed
(J) Legendary or mythical
(K) Meetings or experiences with someone or something
(L) Hold something dear or treat with great affection
(M) Provoked or challenged with insulting remarks
(N) A complex network of paths or passages
(O) Extremely large or massive
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Lily discover about the enchanted forest?
(a) A hidden treasure chest
(b) A legend about a Four Leaf Clover
(c) A secret portal to another world
(d) A magical unicorn

2. What did the Four Leaf Clover in the enchanted forest supposedly grant?
(a) Unlimited wealth
(b) Any wish
(c) Superpowers
(d) Eternal youth

3. What challenges did the friends face on their journey?
(a) Solving riddles and dancing with pixies
(b) Finding hidden clues and battling dragons
(c) Crossing treacherous rivers and encountering trolls
(d) Climbing mountains and exploring caves

4. What did the waterfall transform into when the friends approached it?
(a) A magical rainbow
(b) A secret door to another realm
(c) A mystical fountain of youth
(d) A colossal bubble bath

5. Who did the friends encounter in the labyrinth?
(a) Mr. Quizzler, a riddle-guardian
(b) Mischievous pixies
(c) Talking animals
(d) A wise old wizard

6. How did Oliver outsmart the mischievous pixies?
(a) By challenging them to a dance-off
(b) By solving their riddles
(c) By offering them a gift
(d) By scaring them away with a loud noise

7. What did the friends realize about the Four Leaf Clover?
(a) It had the power to grant any wish
(b) It was guarded by an evil sorcerer
(c) It was hidden in a secret cave
(d) It wasn’t as important as their friendship

8. What lesson did the friends share with everyone in Cloverville?
(a) The importance of finding material wealth
(b) The need to always seek adventure
(c) The real treasure in life is friendship
(d) The power of magic and wishes

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. They return to Cloverville, cherishing their bond and continuing to embark on adventures together.
2. Oliver challenges mischievous pixies to a quiet-off to gain passage.
3. The friends encounter a silence-guardian named Mr. Quizzler in an easy labyrinth.
4. They discover a magical rainbow path that leads them to a giant bubble bath waterfall.
5. Lily, Max, Oliver, and Sophie are the four friends who embark on the adventure.
6. The friends realize that the real magic is in their friendship, not the Four Leaf Clover.
7. The quartet faces challenges such as calm rivers, helpful trolls, and silent animals.
8. The friends are searching for a forgotten Four Leaf Clover that grants curses.
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 did Lily discover about a fabled Four Leaf Clover?
Lily discovered a legend about a fabled Four Leaf Clover hidden deep within the enchanted forest.

2. What challenges did the friends face on their journey?
The friends faced challenges such as crossing treacherous rivers on wobbly bridges, escaping from mischievous trolls, and encountering talking animals.

3. How did the friends react when they stumbled upon the magical rainbow path?
The friends laughed uncontrollably and dived into the giant bubble bath that the waterfall transformed into.

4. What did the friends have to do to proceed past Mr. Quizzler?
The friends had to answer Mr. Quizzler’s riddle correctly to proceed past him.

5. How did Oliver outsmart the mischievous pixies?
Oliver challenged the pixies to a dance-off and mimicked their bouncy moves, which impressed the pixies and granted the friends passage.

6. What did the friends realize about the clover just before making a wish?
The friends realized that the real magic was in their friendship, not the clover, and decided to let it remain untouched.

7. What did the friends learn was the real treasure in life?
The friends learned that the real treasure in life is not always the material things we seek, but the friendships we make along the way.

8. How did the friends continue to cherish their bond after returning to Cloverville?
The friends continued to cherish their bond by embarking on exciting adventures together and creating magical memories that would last a lifetime.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) enchanted
(2) journey
(3) filled
(4) unexpected
(5) colossal
(6) bubbliest
(7) named
(8) swarm
(9) hidden
(10) about
(11) realized
(12) friendship
(13) friends
(14) found
(15) exciting
(16) memories
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. embarked
Answer: (E) Set out on a journey or mission

2. fabled
Answer: (J) Legendary or mythical

3. quartet
Answer: (B) A group of four people or things

4. treacherous
Answer: (D) Dangerous or hazardous

5. mischievous
Answer: (F) Playfully causing trouble or annoyance

6. colossal
Answer: (O) Extremely large or massive

7. labyrinth
Answer: (N) A complex network of paths or passages

8. riddle
Answer: (G) A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer

9. pondering
Answer: (C) Thinking deeply about something

10. taunted
Answer: (M) Provoked or challenged with insulting remarks

11. victorious
Answer: (H) Having won a battle, game, or contest

12. encounters
Answer: (K) Meetings or experiences with someone or something

13. cherish
Answer: (L) Hold something dear or treat with great affection

14. precious
Answer: (I) Of great value or worth; highly esteemed

15. magical
Answer: (A) Possessing or using supernatural powers
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Lily discover about the enchanted forest?
Answer: (b) A legend about a Four Leaf Clover

2. What did the Four Leaf Clover in the enchanted forest supposedly grant?
Answer: (b) Any wish

3. What challenges did the friends face on their journey?
Answer: (c) Crossing treacherous rivers and encountering trolls

4. What did the waterfall transform into when the friends approached it?
Answer: (d) A colossal bubble bath

5. Who did the friends encounter in the labyrinth?
Answer: (a) Mr. Quizzler, a riddle-guardian

6. How did Oliver outsmart the mischievous pixies?
Answer: (a) By challenging them to a dance-off

7. What did the friends realize about the Four Leaf Clover?
Answer: (d) It wasn’t as important as their friendship

8. What lesson did the friends share with everyone in Cloverville?
Answer: (c) The real treasure in life is friendship
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. They return to Cloverville, cherishing their bond and continuing to embark on adventures together. (Answer: True)
2. Oliver challenges mischievous pixies to a quiet-off to gain passage. (Answer: False)
3. The friends encounter a silence-guardian named Mr. Quizzler in an easy labyrinth. (Answer: False)
4. They discover a magical rainbow path that leads them to a giant bubble bath waterfall. (Answer: True)
5. Lily, Max, Oliver, and Sophie are the four friends who embark on the adventure. (Answer: True)
6. The friends realize that the real magic is in their friendship, not the Four Leaf Clover. (Answer: True)
7. The quartet faces challenges such as calm rivers, helpful trolls, and silent animals. (Answer: False)
8. The friends are searching for a forgotten Four Leaf Clover that grants curses. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

The Golden Egg Hunt in Fantasia turns into a heartwarming display of unity and selflessness.

The Golden Egg Hunt

The Golden Egg Hunt in Fantasia turns into a heartwarming display of unity and selflessness.

A dragon overcomes the challenge of losing his voice by using enchanted invitations for his birthday party.

The Dragon’s Birthday

A dragon overcomes the challenge of losing his voice by using enchanted invitations for his birthday party.

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