Activities Coloring Pages Word Puzzles Word Treasures Return to the Story
Read by Anita Rodgers
Was it the wind that blew her web into the path of Farmer John? Or maybe it was the top of his hat that caught her web. Either way, Shelley was happy that she and Farmer John had met that day.
Shelley, a little black spider, found a perfect hiding spot on Farmer John’s hat.
Now she liked to go with him as he went from place to place. Over the years, she learned all about the wonders of Breakers Island.
Most of the world would never know this special place. The small island could only be reached by water. Some boats still made the dangerous trip across the Sugar Sea. More than a few boats were resting on the sea bottom under the dark blue waves.
The first sight of Breakers Island was a small fishing village. The smell of fresh fish hung in the air. The village of Red Haven had been there for a very long time. Music was played in the village square every week. People liked to dance and sing to the beautiful songs of the sea.
Most animals on Breakers Island were like any other. Some came to stay for only a season.
The wise spider liked to meet with the new animals. Shelley hoped that what she had learned would help them pick the best places to make their new homes.
Today, Shelley met with a small brown mouse. She said, “Welcome to Breakers Island. My name is Shelley.”
The mouse was very seasick. He said in a soft voice, “My name is Mack. I was hiding in a corner of the ship behind a large box. The rain was heavy and the waves were high. I was afraid we were not going to make it! The captain did his best but the boat kept going up and down … up and down!”
Shelley felt sorry for Mack. She said, “Mack, you had a hard trip. I think you will be happy now that you are here.”
Mack was starting to feel better. He said, “I had no idea it would be such a long trip. My hiding place was cold and wet. I am so happy to be here at last.” Mack asked, “Are there others like me on the island?” Shelley smiled and said, “Yes, there are mice living in several different places.”
The mouse was eager to listen. Shelley said, “A few mice live here in the village of Red Haven. Most of the animals living in the village are cats and dogs. And there are a lot of cats.”
Mack thought, “Oh, no. Not cats! This can’t be good. My new home is an island with a lot of cats!”
Shelley saw the look on his face. She said, “Don’t worry. There are also farms and fields, a large meadow, beautiful woods, and a great mountain. You will love it here.”
There were some old scary stories about the woods and mountain, but the spider would not tell them. No one even knew if they were true.
Mack asked, “which place would be best for me to live?
Shelley said, “Mack, I like the Fire Fall Woods. It was my home before I met Farmer John. The people do not allow the hunting of animals there.”
Shelley saw Farmer John walk to his wagon. She said, “Mack, if you come with me right now, you can ride with us to our farm. You can stay in the barn with our mice until you feel better. Then you should visit all these places before you make your nest.”
“Yes, I would like that,” he said, as they both ran to catch up with Farmer John. Once again, the spider hid in her usual place on his hat. The mouse crawled up the wheel and into the back of the wagon to hide. Mack wondered, “Does Farmer John have a cat?”
He found an old green coat to hide under. Mack was so tired he fell fast asleep.
The sun was going down as Farmer John started for home. The light of day was fading.
Soon the night sky would cover the island with a blanket of bright stars.
Activities Coloring Pages Word Puzzles Word Treasures Return to the Story
Mack asked, “Which place would be best for me to live?”