Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Magic of Friendship

Once upon a time, there were two best friends named Susan and Sarah. They were always together and shared a special bond.

One day, they decided to explore the woods near their home. As they were walking, they noticed a strange little bush with bright red berries. The bush was twinkling and they wondered what it could be.

Curiously, Susan reached out and plucked one of the berries. Instantly, the bush began to glow brighter and brighter until finally it flew up into the sky and disappeared.

Susan and Sarah were amazed! They wondered what had happened.

Just then, a magical fairy appeared and said, โ€œThat bush was a magical wish maker and you have just made a wish!โ€

The fairy explained that because Susan and Sarah were best friends, the wish had come true. They were filled with joy and hugged each other tightly.

From then on, Susan and Sarah knew the true magic of friendship. Whenever they were together, they could make any wish come true.

The end.

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Vocabulary

1. Explore (verb): To look at, search, and investigate a place or thing.
2. Strange (adjective): Unusual or different in a way that is unexpected or hard to explain.
3. Twinkling (adjective): Shining with a flickering or sparkly light.
4. Curiously (adverb): In a way that shows interest or fascination.
5. Plucked (verb): To pull or take something with a quick movement.
6. Magical (adjective): Having mysterious and supernatural powers.
7. Wish (noun): A strong desire or hope for something to happen.
8. Fairy (noun): A magical creature with wings and magical powers.
9. Joy (noun): A feeling of great happiness and pleasure.
10. Hug (verb): To hold someone tightly in your arms.

Comprehension Questions

1. What were the names of the two best friends?
2. What did Susan and Sarah decide to do one day?
3. What did they notice when they were walking in the woods?
4. What happened when Susan plucked one of the berries from the bush?
5. Who appeared after the bush flew away?
6. What did the fairy explain to Susan and Sarah?
7. How did Susan and Sarah feel after their wish came true?
8. What did Susan and Sarah learn about friendship?
9. What happened when Susan and Sarah were together?
10. What was the result of Susan and Sarah’s magical wish?

Gap Fill Questions

1. Susan and Sarah were _________ friends.
2. The strange bush had ________ red berries.
3. When Susan plucked a berry from the bush, it began to ________ brighter.
4. The bush then flew _________ into the sky.
5. A magical ________ appeared and explained that the bush was a wish maker.
6. Because Susan and Sarah were best friends, the wish _________ true.
7. Susan and Sarah were _________ with joy.
8. Whenever Susan and Sarah were together, they could make any ________ come true.
9. The magical fairy said that the wish had _________ true.
10. The true magic of friendship was _________ by Susan and Sarah.

Conversation Questions

1. What do you think makes friendship so special?
2. How do you think you can tell if someone is a true friend?
3. What do you think is the most important part of a friendship?
4. How has having a good friend in your life made a difference?
5. What do you think are some of the benefits of having a close friend?
6. What do you think are some of the negative aspects of having a close friend?
7. How have your friendships changed over time?
8. What do you think is the best way to make and maintain a strong friendship?
9. What advice would you give someone who is trying to make a new friend?
10. Why do you think it’s important to have meaningful friendships in life?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Susan and Sarah
2. Explore the woods near their home
3. A strange little bush with bright red berries
4. The bush began to glow brighter and brighter until finally it flew up into the sky and disappeared
5. A magical fairy
6. That the bush was a magical wish maker and they had just made a wish
7. Filled with joy
8. The true magic of friendship
9. They could make any wish come true
10. Their wish came true

Gap Fill Question Answers:

1. Susan and Sarah were best friends.
2. The strange bush had bright red berries.
3. When Susan plucked a berry from the bush, it began to glow brighter.
4. The bush then flew up into the sky.
5. A magical fairy appeared and explained that the bush was a wish maker.
6. Because Susan and Sarah were best friends, the wish came true.
7. Susan and Sarah were filled with joy.
8. Whenever Susan and Sarah were together, they could make any wish come true.
9. The magical fairy said that the wish had come true.
10. The true magic of friendship was discovered by Susan and Sarah.

๐Ÿ“š How about these other Level 2 stories?

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

The Cupcake Castle Caper

In Sprinkleville, there was a castle made of cupcakes. A sneaky gnome named Minty Mischief stole the cupcakes and made yucky ones instead. Ella caught him and they made yummy cupcakes together, teaching everyone a lesson.

The Land of Flying Pancakes

Lily’s pancake adventure taught her to be brave, clever, and kind, and now everyone in her village celebrates with a pancake party every year.

A little girl named Lily embarks on a magical adventure along the Patchwork Path.

The Patchwork Path

Lily goes on an exciting adventure using a magical blanket that takes her on a journey full of talking animals, secret treasures, and brave moments.

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