I was invited to participate in a children story time at the Manheim Library.  I had a great time - it was fun.  Thanks to Dan Coleman for inviting me - and helping me with "If Your Happy and You Know It" including some special quilting verses of the song.  Of course, I read Just A Quilt? to the kids but I decided to add another story.  Below is the story I wrote just for this event.  I wanted the kids to participate in the story so the words in bold and underlined were added for the kids to do an action.  Enjoy!  Those of you familiar with Just A quilt? will recognize the connection to the book.

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Chase loved flying over the countryside on his quilt.  His was no average quilt – it could fly - and do so much more.  Chase swooped over the wide (arms) plains in front of him.  The zebra and giraffe ran elegantly in under him.  Scores of animals were running and jumping across the vast countryside.

Chase was glad he was up in the sky because he was a little scared of the lions (growl) hiding in the tall, tall grass; although, they didn’t look too scary sleeping (lay on hands) lazily under the bright sun.

Ahead he saw what he was looking for - a tall mountain (use arms to form a peak) covered with trees.  He knew that he could find a nice, and cool, place for camping under those trees.  Chase landed his flying carpet quilt with Riley, his dog (bark), jumping off first and scampering around searching for any bugs or frogs she could find.

Chase made a tent out of his quilt and enjoyed his dinner while he sat beside the glowing fire as the stars danced in the sky above.  The cries of the wild animals (animal noises) kind of scared him but he knew he was safe on the mountain side – especially with Riley protecting him.  Chase pulled secret and ancient papers out of his pocket.  He wanted to study his map one last time before he went to bed.  The map showed that he was close to the cave where the treasure of the Lost Tribe was hidden.  Probably just a short hike up the mountain – but first a good night’s sleep.

That night Chase dreamed about dragons (roar).  His quilt shielded him from their fierce fire.  A fierce fight seemed to be building when suddenly one of the dragons called out, “Wait, we just want cookies!”  “Really?” Chase answered.   It turned out they weren’t trying to hurt him.  They were just hungry.  He and the dragons sat down to a delightful snack of cookies and milk (dunking cookies in milk).   However, when they burped – watch out!  Suddenly, he awoke to a bright and clear morning but no dragons or cookies were anywhere in sight!  Chase cleaned up his camp site, put his quilt in his backpack and he and Riley set off to find the cave of the Lost Tribe.

After a short walk, Chase easily found the cave.  After putting his helmet with a flashlight on it on and one on Riley, he took his own flashlight out of his backpack.  Then he carefully headed into the darkness of the cave – very thankful he had his flashlight and extra batteries.  He heard the squeaking sound of bats (make squeaky sound) overhead but he could not see them.  It grew cooler and cooler (shiver or rub your arms to keep warm) as he went deeper into the cave.  Stopping for a rest Chase heard the distant sound of a waterfall.  Chase grinned (everyone grin) because he remembered that the map showed a waterfall near the treasure.  Riley barked anxiously – ready to go.

Chase set out again with renewed energy.  He came to the end of the low tunnel he had been exploring.  As he stepped out of the tunnel (stand up straight after bending over) he found himself in a larger cavern – he looked up (look up) but could not see the top.  It was huge!  He looked left and right (look left and right) but he could not see the ends of the cavern to either side.  This cavern was huge!

But, he could clearly see the deep and endless cliff right in front of him (look down and kind of step back).  And he could see the waterfall across from him on the other side of the deep valley in front of him.  Water rushed out of a tunnel in the cavern wall and fell into the deep valley – a cool mist of water rose up from the deep valley. 

He knew the treasure was near but how could he get across this deep and wide valley?  Kids what do you think?  Chase needs help?

Fill in here

Reaching the other side, Chase found that there was a small cave behind the waterfall. Chase used his flashlight to look into the hole – he was a little nervous to climb into a tight hole without seeing what was in there first.  After a first glimpse, he couldn’t believe it!  He looked again.  He could see the glimmer of gold (gasp) as the light from his flashlight scanned the room.  He also saw bright silver and sparkling diamonds – some of them as big as tennis balls.  

Chase took off his backpack so he could try and squeeze through the tight hole.  He could barely pull himself through the hole but with one big pull he shot into the treasure room.   Riley came right behind him crashing into him.  They could not believe their eyes – so much treasure. 

Then suddenly he saw something very strange (eyes wide and point).  It was a drawing on the wall.  How could this be?  No, it couldn’t be – no way – impossible.  It was a drawing of a little boy – that looked just like him.  And, the little boy was holding something incredible - a quilt.  It was him – and his favorite quilt!!  This treasure room was made just for him.  How did the Lost Tribe know?

Suddenly, he heard his name, “Chase!”  Distant at first but then louder, “Chase!”

Chase step out of his clubhouse into the bright sunlight with his quilt draped over his shoulders.  “Yes, Mommy, I’m right here.”

“Lunch is ready,” Mommy called back.

As Chase came in the house Mommy asked, “What were you doing?”

“Oh, nothing special – just finding hidden treasure,” Chase replied.

“That’s nice, dear,” said Mommy.

Chase could hardly wait to get back to the treasure room. But the grilled cheese sandwich tasted pretty good right now.  And besides, Mommy was baking cookies for him to share with the dragons!