The Little Artist

“I think it is probably a myth”, said Bill.

“If you think it’s a myth, why don’t you test it”, Jack suggested.

Both the friends were arguing at school about a book in their library, which glowed when opened. Bill Sandy, a curious student, thought that it was a myth, but on his friend’s suggestion decided to test it.

“Very well then, meet me in the corridor after the English class”, said Jack smiling.

They headed towards their classes. Bill was eagerly waiting for the class to get over. Soon the dispersal bell rang. He got up and walked to the corridor where Jack had asked him to meet.

“This is my chance”, said Bill to himself. He saw Jack looking out of a window. Both of them walked towards the ground floor library.

“Here we are!”, they said together, pushing the library door open.

“Excuse me Miss, where is the fantasy book section?”, asked Jack, to the librarian.

“Go straight, then turn left and you’ll find it”, she replied.

They walked straight, then turned left and saw the rows of books.

“So, which book were you talking about?”, asked Bill.

“It has a glittery cover and thick velvety pages”, said Jack, looking around.

“Is this the one? It’s just like your description”, said Bill, holding a book.

 “Yes! This is the one! Open it carefully!”, replied Jack excitedly.

Bill held the book gently and lifted the cover open. He saw a soft glow peeping out of it. His hands felt cold.

“Ouch!”, Bill cried, just as the book smacked his hand and closed itself shut very tight. Before Bill could even respond, the book started shaking with the sound of tinkling bells and the next second…. Bill had vanished!

“Bill! Where Are You! Bill!”, Jack yelled. The book had fallen on the floor with a thud. Jack picked it up with shivering hands and opened it. There was no glow….no Bill…. nothing, just blank pages!

It was strange that the other students in the library had no reaction, despite Jack screaming so loud.

“Can’t anyone hear me?”, wondered Jack.

Jack opened the book again. This time there was a note:

Dear Friend , I know how you feel about seeing your best friend disappear. But you don’t have anything to worry about. Your friend will be back with you in ten minutes.

“I wish I could go with him”, Jack said gently.

Jack was puzzled and worried about Bill. With no other choice he sat at a table with the book in his hand and decided to wait ten minutes before calling for help.

On the other hand, Bill was in a starry, swirling tunnel, softly landing on a patch of cotton candy. He heard magical sounds and turned his head to see fairies.

“Are you here to help us?”, asked one of the fairies.

“Are you here to help us?”, asked one of the fairies.

Seeing Bill confused, another fairy added, “The Queen of this land needs someone to draw a portrait of the King for his birthday today. Can you help us?

“Well yes, I can. I do make good portraits”, said Bill smiling nervously.

“Can I meet his majesty, the King?” Bill asked curiously.

“Definitely. You will meet the Queen too.”, replied the fairy.

Bill was floating through clouds with the fairies and finally saw a towering castle on a hill. They entered the beautiful castle. He saw the Queen sitting on her throne.

“Your majesty, we finally found the perfect person to paint”, said one of the fairies, bowing.

“Greetings, your majesty”, Bill said respectfully.

“What is your name?”, asked the Queen.

“Bill Sandy, your majesty”, answered Bill.

“Good, follow me”, said the Queen, getting up from her throne.

The Queen took Bill to a beautiful room with a large canvas and painting tools. The queen left, leaving Bill behind with a small photo of the king. After a lot of hard work, he created a piece of art! The evening arrived and the whole kingdom gathered in the royal ballroom, with the King and Queen.

“We will now present a beautiful portrait of the King made by Bill Sandy”, said the Queen. Bill stood up and presented the painting to the king.

“Your majesty, this special painting is just for you, happy birthday”, Bill said calmly.

It was a lovely night, but Bill was feeling restless. He wanted to go back to his school and home. The grand party ended.

Bill walked up to the King and said with teary eyes, “Your Majesty, I want to return to where I came from. It was lovely being with you, the Queen and the fairies, but I have to go now…”

“We understand Bill, you have to go now”, said the King. Bill heaved a sigh of relief.

The Queen opened a portal with her wand and said, “Bye little artist!”

The King and the fairies waved goodbye. Bill waved back and jumped into the portal.

The next second, Bill was in the library beside Jack. Jack jumped up from his chair and hugged Bill. Exactly ten minutes had passed since Bill’s disappearance.

“Jack! I saw fairies and was called a little artist by a King. But I was scared. I thought I would never see you or my family again”, said Bill. He narrated his experience to Jack.

“Bill, you are indeed a little artist!” said Jack amidst tears of relief.

Note : This story was written as part of an event organised at Mallika Malancha Housing Complex, Newtown, Kolkata. We commend them for encouraging young voices. 

FAQ’s : The Little Artist I Story By Advika

What is The Little Artist about?
The Little Artist is a magical adventure story about Bill Sandy, a curious boy who is transported into a fantasy world through a mysterious glowing book and discovers the power of his artistic talent.

Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are Bill Sandy, his best friend Jack, the Queen, the King, and the fairies who live in the magical kingdom.

Why does Bill disappear from the library?
Bill disappears after opening a magical book that transports him to a fantasy world where he is needed for an important mission.

What special task is Bill given?
Bill is asked to paint a portrait of the King as a birthday gift, using his artistic skills to help the kingdom celebrate.

Why is Bill called “The Little Artist”?
Bill earns the title because of his talent for creating a beautiful portrait and his willingness to help others through his art.

What role does Jack play in the story?
Jack is Bill’s loyal best friend who waits anxiously for him in the library and is relieved when Bill safely returns.

What themes does the story explore?
The story explores friendship, creativity, courage, imagination, kindness, and believing in one’s talents.

Is the magical kingdom a real place?
No, the kingdom is a fictional fantasy world filled with fairies, magic, and adventure, making the story exciting for young readers.

What lesson can readers learn from Bill’s adventure?
Readers learn that everyone has unique talents, and those talents can be used to help others and make a positive difference.

Why should children read The Little Artist?
Children will enjoy its magical adventure, lovable characters, and inspiring message about creativity, friendship, and self-confidence.

Where can I buy books?

You can buy the books at Bookosmia website and Amazon.in

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This article is published by Bookosmia, India’s #1 publisher for and by young people. Bookosmia publishes stories, books, podcasts, events, TED-Ed talks, workshops, bedtime stories and more related to kids and young adults.

Photo Credit – AI generated images from Chat GPT and Magic Media from Canva .

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