Awe-inspiring Transformation Tale: 'Baby Gardenia and Her Magic Stone'
"Baby Gardenia and Her Magic Stone" is a delightful addition to the charming debut tale of "Baby Gardenia and Her Magic Glasses." The story unfolds deep within the lush subtropical woodlands of Baby Gardenia's homeland in South Africa.
Baby Gardenia, a joyful yet visually impaired baby White Rhinoceros, embarks on another profound journey of self-discovery and awareness, accompanied by her devoted companion, Oxill the Oxpecker.
Armed with her cherished handmade glasses, she marvels at the world with newfound clarity. Her enhanced vision not only brightened her life but also illuminated the lives of those around her.
However, one fateful evening, everything would change as they trek their path homeward from night school at the WideEye Academy.
Pausing to cool off at their secret watering hole, Baby Gardenia spots a radiant, shimmering glow nestled among the rocks at the water's edge. Naturally curious, she can't help but take a closer look. "Wow! There it is a purplish, hexagon-shaped stone," the very color and shape she had just learned about at night school. "Let's take it home, Oxil, and see what Momma thinks. She is so smart."
Picking it up and balancing the glowing stone on her horn, off they go! "Huh! It's like my own nightlight, how handy!" Slowly tiring, Baby Gardenia stops to take a short nap under her treasured Baobab tree.
As Baby Gardenia closes her eyes and protects the mysterious stone, her heart begins to race, and a wave of unease washes over her. The once-starlit sky above her begins to blur, and the world around her seems to spin like a crash of rhinos gone wild. As she hovers over the stone, her baby rhino body is trembling.
Panicking, she calls out to Oxill, her loyal companion. "Oxill, what's happening?" Her voice quivers with fear as she feels her insides twist and turn like somersaults in a circus act. And then, in the blink of an eye, it happens. A magical poof fills the air, and the chaos ceases. As if a hidden spell had been cast, the turbulence dissipates, leaving behind an eerie calmness.
In that moment, something extraordinary occurs. Baby Gardenia's body undergoes a startling transformation. Her rhino body vanishes, replaced by arms, legs, and a body covered in smooth, youthful skin. She blinks in astonishment, realizing that she is no longer a rhinoceros but has transformed into a bright, young girl.
At the same time, Oxill, perched on Baby Gardenia, undergoes his transformation. He sheds his small, winged features to become a towering, feathered ostrich with large eyes and a wide grin, actually realizing his dream to be tall had come true.
With a welcoming chirp, Oxill exclaims, "Welcome, 'Dr. B. Gardenia, ' the youngest and brightest veterinarian, to the rescue!" His words carry a flutter of pride and excitement as if he had known all along that this transformation was destined to happen.
"Ready to protect and care for her homeland's endangered wildlife," Dr. B. Gardenia declares, her youthful voice filled with newfound determination. "Her eyes sparkle with the sensation of enhanced vision as she uncovers her extraordinary purpose-fulfilling her dream to help animal welfare. She exclaims, 'It's the best feeling in the world!'
Embark on an exciting adventure with 32 vibrant illustrations, fostering color awareness and sparking young imaginations. This hidden gem introduces the joy of reading, weaving themes of friendship, purpose, love, teamwork, and overcoming challenges. Easy-to-read text and charming dialogues, perfect for read-aloud sessions, independent readers, and bedtime moments. Ages 3-7 (Pre K-K2) Original artwork (c)am
