My sister has been writing a number of short stories. So far, ‘children’ of various ages between 5 and 64 have said they really enjoyed them. Have a read. Relax, don’t get too serious and see if you can find the child within.
Start by smiling. Imagine yourself playing the role of Charlie. Now enjoy!!
THE
PENNINGTON
PONIES
CHARLIE LEARNS TO ADD
One morning Charlie was chatting with Cocky who was standing with his young ladies.
“You are clever. You always keep things in order and you never seem to lose any of your young ladies.”
“I am not clever. Adding is easy.”
“Can you teach me?”
Cocky thought for a moment.
“Yes I could, but we must do it now. I will be very busy later.”
Charlie nodded and smiled. He enjoyed learning new things.
“Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do!! called Cocky.
All his young ladies stood in a straight line before him.
Turning to Charlie, Cocky said:
“Right! How many young ladies do I have?”
“One…Two…Three…Four…Five…Six!”
“Now, if I have two of my ladies stand over there and three over here. How many young ladies have I got?”
Charlie scratched his ear on his front leg. This was a very hard question.
“Mmm… I don’t know he said slowly.”
“Why don’t you just count the two groups separately.”
Charlie counted “One…Two over there and One…Two…Three over here, makes…..oh, I don’t know.”
“Don’t worry. Now count them as if they were one group”
“One…Two…Three…………Four…Five! You have five, so two plus three must equal five!”
“Correct!” Shouted Cocky. Try this sum now.”
All Cocky’s young ladies moved about once more. After a lot of movement, they settled into a small group with some to the side.
“One…Two…Three…Four and Five and Six! Counted Charlie. Four young ladies are standing by you and two by me. Four and Two is Six!”
“Correct!” yelled Cocky with excitement.
Flint heard Cocky crowing and came to see what the noise was all about.
“What is wrong Cocky?” He asked.
“Nothing is wrong. I am teaching Charlie to add with my young ladies.” He said proudly. “He has two sums correct already.”
Charlie was so pleased with himself he could not help galloping over to his family.
“I have learned to add Cockys ladies together.” Yeah!!!
All the family agreed that he indeed was a clever young pony.
Charlie then ran next to where Pilgrim and Gandolf were standing.
“Listen to me.” he said, excitedly.
Pointing at Pilgrim first, then at Gandolf.
“One and One. That makes Two horses.
Gandolf and Pilgrim nodded in agreement.
“You are learning fast Charlie. Well done!” said Gandolf.
“Yes, well done.” said Pilgrim, thoughtfully.
Charlie could not help smiling.
What lovable characters. They are fun, adventurous and even educational.
What do you think their next adventure will be?
We do hope you enjoyed this little taster.
Tell us how it felt to reconnect with the child within, and tell us your age… (Well roughly!!)