The Little Crooked Shed 1: A Magical Story ✨

In this magical adventure, we meet some new characters! Harriet, James and little Hazel find a magical portal at the end of their very own garden.

Designed to spark imagination and help kids wind down, perfect for bedtime, car rides, quiet time, or any moment when little listeners need a relaxing break.

Transcript

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The little wooden shed, a magical story at the very bottom of the back garden all the way down the winding stone path there stood a little wooden shed. It was old and crooked. It had been there for as long as Harriet James and Hazel could remember. The children had only been inside it a few times before to play hide and seek on rainy days. It was quite unremarkable lined with dusty shelves. It had cobwebs in the corners and stacked flower pots leaning against the walls. Each time they turned the rusty doorknob to the right and found just what they expected to see in the old shed. But one afternoon on a sunny Saturday, things were a little different. It was too warm to be inside the house, so the children's mom sent them out to the back garden until lunch. Harriet, James and Hazel set off into the sunny garden, determined to have an adventure. They were jumping from step to step on the windy stone path, seeing how many steps they could skip if they stretched out their legs really far. When a big white butterfly seemed to join in their game, it fluttered in front of each child then the butterfly suddenly stopped playing and headed straight for the end of the garden. Hazel, the littlest of the children started running after the butterfly reaching her arms up as high as she could. Harriet and James ran with her eager to start any game they could think of. They soon reached the end of the garden and all three siblings found themselves standing in front of the old crooked shed. Harriet reached for the door thinking they might find some chalk in the shed for drawing on the paving stones, but just as her fingers brushed the rusty doorknob, a voice floated out from behind the door. Who goes there? They all stepped back, staring at the door like it might open all on its own. Then the voice came again clearer. Now who goes there? Then click a small round. People opened in the middle of the wooden door, and then two twinkling eyes appeared. They weren't frightening. They were curious and calm, sparkling like puddles in the moonlight. Ah, Harriet, James and Hazel. The voice murmured thoughtfully. The children looked shocked. Stand back, he said, and I'll tell you how to open the portal. The doorknob now gleaned gold and shiny instead of rusty like before. Turn the knob to the left, not right. When morning close with golden light. If you believe and step with care. There's magic waiting in the air. The peephole suddenly closed with a loud click. The children stood in silence. James looked at his sisters, well, should we try it? Hazel gave a tiny nod. Harriet looked nervous, but reached for the doorknob, turning it carefully and slowly to the left. At first, nothing happened. Then the door creaked open just a little. The doorkeeper appeared in the opening he was a badger with his striped snout and round spectacles. Perched low on his nose. He was much smaller than the children and was wearing a waist coat that was buttoned neatly as can be. Well, now he said in a warm voice, took you long enough. I should introduce myself. My name's Mr. Cobbled. I've minded this door since I was a cub, same as my grand badger did before me. He said proudly. And I've been expecting you three. Then he smiled. Eyes twinkling, come in if you please. The children stepped inside and found themselves in a small, cozy living room. It looked nothing like the dusty shed. They knew the floor was now layered with mismatched rugs and a clock ticked gently from a wooden mantle. Two Squashy armchair sat by the fire, which crackled, even though it was summer, the walls were covered in more books than the children had ever seen. Curious ornaments were scattered on tables around the little room. Welcome to the waiting room, Mr. Cobble Twig said every portal has one. Can't go charging it to magic without a little sit down first. The little badger handed each of them a tiny mug of hot tea. The world behind the world. He said, thoughtfully. I only keep it curtained to keep the breeze out. Hazel giggled. They si their warm tea quietly for a moment. Enjoying the cozy room together then Mr. Twig stood up and gave a small sniff. Well, then he said, your next step lies just behind the curtain. Is that the portal James asked? Mr. Twig nodded. Very clever, James. Yes, that's right. It doesn't open unless you're meant to see it, and it doesn't always lead to the same place either. It takes you where you're most needed. At the back of the room hung a beautiful purple velvet curtain. Just a quick visit for today Will do. I think the badger reached out and gently pulled aside the velvet curtain. All four of them walked through the opening to find themselves in a wonderful forest. The trees were tall and willowy. With trunks as smooth as polished stone. Their branches swayed gently, letting flickers of light shine onto the soft mossy ground. Waiting beneath the largest tree was a kind looking witch, wearing a blue cloak and a large pointed hat, a floating teapot hovered above her broomstick. Welcome to Tangle Wim Hollow. She said, I'm Molly Broom. Well, you must be Harriet James and Little Hazel. I've been so looking forward to meeting you. Hazel stepped forward. Are we dreaming? No dear said Molly. Smiling kindly, just then there was a sudden whoosh and a flying broomstick shot into view from above doing a small loop. The loop before crash landing in front of the children. The rider came tumbling down in a pile of her own bags, wand and a little striped kitten. It was meant to broom well, Molly's younger sister. Something's gone sideways. Molly Mindy announced breathlessly All the clocks in the hollow are ticking backwards. It's complete chaos out there. Molly looked at her fondly, but firmly. Did you fiddle with the hollows? Enchantment again, only a teeny tiny spell. To make the trees and flowers shimmer a bit more for the bees. You know, I didn't think anyone would notice. Said Mindy sheepishly Molly turned to the children. Will you help us? Harriet nodded. Of course we will. Molly gave them each a soft brush. Carefully find the floating berries please. They hold little memories like laughter and kindness. They must go back on branches before they drift too far and vanish. The children worked together happily. Harry had found a tree whose berry's shimmered back. You go on your tree, she whispered. Brushing a berry gently onto its branch. James chased a particularly cheeky berry that kept dodging his hand. This one's got giggles in it. Hazel stood still under a silver leaf tree and closed her eyes. This one smells like raspberries Bit by bit. The forest calmed. The berry settled. They're gentle light twinkling through the branches. You've done beautifully. He said, Molly, as they returned. Time will keep flowing in the right direction. Thanks to you, Mr. Cobble tweaked. The badger stood waiting beside the velvet curtain, which hung from a large branch in the forest. Time to head back. I hear your lunch is ready. They stepped through the curtain and just like that, they were back in the waiting room. Mr. Cobble Twig gave them a little nod. Now you know where to find the portal, but remember, magic waits until it's needed. The children waved to the badger as they walked out the door and back into their own garden. Quiet and familiar. James checked his watch. We've only been gone a few minutes. It's like time stood still. Then they ran up the garden to find their mom waving and smiling at them from the kitchen. The end.