Please colourme in!

in partnership with:

Drawings by the pupils of Rivers Primary Academy.

Welcome to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s

Dream Big book!Following on from 2017’s hugely successful community pantomime project, Standing Tall, this year the Grand Theatre has teamed up with local writer, performance poet and workshop leader, Emma Purshouse, to bring you the 2018 panto project, Dream Big.

This exciting project, which runs alongside the pantomime, SLEEPING BEAUTY, involved Emma delivering 10 creative writing workshops to over 100 local primary school pupils, helping them to write their own bedtime story. These will be displayed at the Light House in Wolverhampton, while 30 of the stories have been published in this limited edition book with all proceeds going to local charity, Promise Dreams.

The Grand Theatre would like to thank JPL Print and Design Limited for sponsoring the project and Philip Bates Trust and Langdale Trust for donating generously to the project.

The Grand Theatre’s Creative Learning Fund, which has also helped make this project possible, supports educational and community development projects, enabling the theatre to engage with and provide opportunities for both schools and the local community, helping us to reach more people through the magic of theatre.

The free exhibition will be on display in the Light House’s exhibition space from 13 December 2018 – 27 January 2019.

The Sleepy CapOnce upon a time there was a sleeping cap, that snored, snored,

snored and snored. I tried to wake the cap up by poking him, but he did not wake up. I tried a clock, but that did not wake him up either, so I tried an alarm clock, but that didn’t wake up him up either (even though it woke the neighbours up). I shouted, “Wake up!” in his ears. The cap woke up.

I asked the cap to see if he had had a nice sleep, and he said “Yes, until you woke me up.” I think the magic cap can grant three wishes.

“Is that right, magic cap?”

The cap said, “Yes.”

I wanted to race. So I told the magical cap to make me go fast, but he said that was cheating. “But I want to please.”

“The winner of the race is Emily with her cap.” YES!

I saw on the news that if you have a trophy you can visit the chocolate factory, so they wanted me to go. I got to my bedroom and the cap said, “I won that for you, and you need to tidy this bedroom.” Soon he fell asleep, so I closed the curtains and fell asleep myself.

When I woke up I found a magical door. I put the cap on my head and went through. It lead me to a disco, so we danced the night away.

By Olivia, aged 8, Springdale Primary School

The Pretty PrincessOnce upon a time there was a pretty princess. She lived in a magical

palace. Her name was Emily. In the palace she had shimmering and shiny magical stars, and by her throne there was a very special wand, but sometimes she felt sad because she lived alone.

She also got scared of the evil queen. The evil queen had done something horrid to a handsome boy. She put a spell on him. All day the princess thought about the handsome boy. She thought for a minute more. She had forgotten that her mom had left her a fi ghting suit with a sword. Using her magic wand she magicked a sparkly magic train.

She was heading for the queen’s castle. When she got there she could not fi nd the evil queen or the boy. She saw a mirror fl ashing. When she touched it her hand went through, so she decided to go through too.

When she got there she saw the evil queen and she started to fi ght. She won. She broke the spell, and she kissed the prince, and they all had a massive party.

By Ruby, Springdale Primary School

The Door of DeathOnce upon a time, Temie was walking around Slimeland. It was a

normal day. The sun was shining and the Slimes were happy.

Temie saw a big cave. The cave was huge and scary. She went in. Some bats fl ew past. It was very dark. Temie got her torch, which led her to a room with a very spooky door. Suddenly a big, evil slime came and Temie realised that Mega Slime had stolen Temie’s Temie Flakes.

Temie tried to get them back. Mega Slime said that they would race for them, but Mega Slime was zooming along and Temie was losing. At that moment Mega Slime won!

Mega Slime was very fast. They got back to the cave and started to fi ght, but Temie fell over, and Mega Slime picked her up and then she threw Temie through the spooky door and Temie was gone forever.

By Sam, aged 8, Springdale Primary School

The Runaway FoodThe Nanny Gang and the Granddad Gang were playing cards.

“Yes!” “I won.” “We won.” chanted the nannies.

“Let’s go get some food,” said Nanmar

“Let’s go eat food by the sea.” replied Papa.

“Let’s.” they exclaimed. They went to the restaurant and ordered their food and they were seated on a table for eight. When their food came they couldn’t eat it forever. They all had the same, salmon and roasted vegetables, with some sweet potato chips. They must have all fallen asleep because when they woke up it was dark and cold under the draughty roof and the restaurant was closed. In the distance they all heard little voices, “What is that?” they all exclaimed. They went to the counter. They saw talking walking food. Food walking and talking! “Hello,” said the breadstick, “Could you help us?” “Do what?” they said eagerly. “Go to the magic oven. We live by there. Can you take us?” “Sure.” They set off on the bus and travelled down the street, and there it was the magic oven. It made a sound then said, ‘What would you wish for?’ “A bed,” said the food. “You’re in luck,” said the oven, “You can live in me.” And the granny and granddad gang went home. And the food went to sleep in the magic oven, and everybody had a great day.

By Mya, Uplands Junior School

The Stolen TiaraA long, long time ago there was a happy princess, who lived in a

magical cave with her best friend, a beautiful butterfly called Sophia. When the princess was sleeping a naughty wizard came into the cave and stole the princess’ tiara.

When the princess woke up she looked over at the royal table and noticed that the crown had vanished. This made the princess sad. Sophia the butterfly heard the princess crying and asked her what the matter was. The princess cried, “Someone has stolen my tiara. Can you help me find it?” “Of course,” said Sophia the butterfly, and she flapped her wings as fast as she could and flew out of the cave. When Sophia flew over the nearby stream she noticed a twinkle of light in the water. “It’s the tiara,” she said. As Sophia tried to get the tiara a group of magical mackerel said, “You can’t have the precious tiara, this is ours now. It was dropped last night by a naughty wizard with a magic wand.”

Sophia said, “But it was stolen from my friend the happy princess, who is now sad, can I please take it back to her?”

The mackerel said, “Of course, if it makes her happy again.” Sophia tried to pick up the tiara, but it was too heavy. The mackerel said, “Don’t worry, we are magical mackerel, and can fly it back to the princess.” They flew the tiara back to her and she smiled with joy and lived happily ever after.

By Ruby, Uplands Junior School

The Race Once upon a time there were two people called Alex and BHSB (Big

Head Small Body) who participated in a race that was 15m (miles). They were the only people who entered, so the rest of the people gave stuff for prizes. 1st a Rainbow diamond. 2nd a hypno device.

6 weeks later...

Today was the race. The race had obstacles. Jump. Skip. Under. Over. BHSB was winning for 14.3 miles, Alexandria was losing for 14.3 miles. Alex was winning for 1.7 miles. Alex was losing for 0.95. Alex was winning for 0.03 miles. BHSB was winning for 0.01 and a half miles. The winner was....

By Alex, Uplands Junior School

Rainbow HairOnce upon a time there was a chocolate bar called Jake. Jake and

the meany Pavan had an argument over hair.

Jake had found some hair that was rainbow hair, even better than normal hair it was.

Walking on the street with his rainbow hair, Jake went past the meany

Pavan. She grabbed it and put it on. “Look at my rainbow hair.” She fl icked it. Then the rainbow hair fl ew off her head and a bird grabbed it to put in its nest.

“What lovely rainbow hair. I shall use this for my baby birds.”

Pavan and Jake watched the bird. They followed it to its nest. They worked together. Pavan said, “Climb on my shoulders and grab the hair and give it to me.” Jake didn’t agree. He scrambled up the tree and grabbed the rainbow hair and put it back on himself.

Pavan was upset, so they cut the rainbow wig in half and shared it. They didn’t leave any for the baby birds. They both looked very silly.

By Roopen, aged 7, Newbridge Preparatory School

Granny’s Missing Glasses One sunny day granny was sitting in the living room watching TV

when Ding DONG. Flora the fl ying fi sh was at the door. When Flora came in she had a plan to steal granny’s glasses. When granny bent down to get some paper, it was then Flora stole the glasses. Granny tried to retrace her steps. Flora said, “I know where your glasses are...they are in Candyfl oss Land.” But what grandma didn’t know is that Flora was lying.

They went on a journey to Candyfl oss Land, there were lots of obstacles in their way, like fl ying monkeys. Eeeoooahh! And scared lions who always get angry when someone touches them, and talking trees who have long conversations, but fi nally they go there.

Flora decided they should split up, so they did. And they looked, looked, and looked, but they ended up where they started. Granny said, “It’s no use, we’ll never fi nd my glasses.” Granny was crying. Flora felt really bad, she fl oated up and told granny that they had been on her head the whole time. Flora the fl ying fi sh and Granny became friends, and ate some candyfl oss, but then they fell down, down, down, down onto the ground. After they had recovered they had some juice and chocolate mousse!

By Lily, aged 10, Newbridge Preparatory School

Save Me Timmy!Once upon a time there was a little taco called Timmy. He was the

most jolliest taco everyone had ever seen. His mum was called Tilly the Tomato, his dad was Chris the Cabbage and his sister Lilly the Lettuce. Everything was going well except from one day when Timmy woke up, he went to his sister’s room... and she was gone.

Timmy shrieked like a girl, which was quite weird. He looked around, there was a note. It said, “It will be a week til me and your sister get married on the Leaning Tower of Pizza. If you want to see her again you will have to get there. From Yours Faithfully Mr Cucumber.”

Timmy ran like a lion out of the house and went on a journey. He travelled through the Shoe Falling Forest, climbed over the Mashed Potato Mountain. Finally he got there, but he was too late! She was on top of the Pizzas.

Timmy was about to cry out rain drops but then a magic olive appeared in front of him. The magic olive helped Timmy to the top and freed Lilly the Lettuce. Mr Cucumber escaped just before Timmy could capture him.

So check your windows each night, as you might be the next victim and if you are, call Timmy.

By Raechel, aged 10, Newbridge Preparatory School

Sleepy Billy Once upon a time in a far away desert it was incredibly hot where

the boiling sun was going down, and Mr and Mrs No Wing were getting ready for bed. Mr and Mrs No Wing are two gentle parents, they are butterflies with no wings. Yes, I know what you’re thinking that’s impossible. But it’s not.

At night time Mrs No Wing tucked in her 3 year old son, who was a slice of pizza with legs. After that Mrs and Mr No Wing got into bed themselves, but soon after that heard clanks and clatters coming from their son’s room. When they peeked into the noisy room, Billy (their son) had invited his imaginary friend round. Mr No Wing said, “Go to bed, Billy.”

“BUT I’M NOT TIERD!”

“Suit yourself,” said Mrs No Wing.

In half an hour they tried again, but he was having a sword fight with his imaginary friend.

In the morning Billy was exhausted, and his mother and father were trying to wake him up.

“I want to go to bed now,” said Billy.

By Willem, aged 7, Woodfield Junior School

Jack, the Witch, and the Butterfly

Jack woke up hearing someone shout, “Wake up. Wake Up.” There was a butterfly in front of him. There was something wrong with this butterfly. It had no wings. Jack looked for his book but he couldn’t find it. He looked around for it but he still couldn’t find it. He got out of bed, then looked out of the window to figure out why he wasn’t at home. He was somewhere magical.

Outside he could see a field of talking, walking Christmas trees with decorations on them, even though they weren’t in anyone’s homes yet. “Ar, I know.” said the butterfly, “It could be the wicked witch. Her name is Anibelle and she is brilliant at flying so she can just swoop over you and cast a spell on you in one second.” The butterfly and Jack set off to find her, until the butterfly shouted, “That’s Anibelle’s lab.” So, Jack and the butterfly went into the dark gloomy lab. Jack saw a candle. He picked it up and it shouted, “Who picked me up?” it said, “Oh it’s just a little boy.” Jack lit the candle and walked forward. “You’ll never get your book back,” shouted Anibelle out of nowhere. “I’ve cast a spell on it.” “It’s just a book. It’s just a book.” said Jack, trying to calm himself down. Suddenly a spark of light came from Jacks’ body.

“Noooo. You’ve stayed calm. You’ve broken the spell,” Anibelle screamed. Jack went back home and the butterfly lived happily ever after.

By Livia, aged 7, Woodfield Junior School

The Vast Mouse that Eats Queens

Once upon a time there lived a strict queen. She lived in a castle. One day she saw a mouse that eats queens. The mouse had sharp jaws. The queen saw the mouse and the queen screamed and ran all around the castle.

She saw one of her servants. His name was Annoying. The queen kept on shouting but Annoying is not very good at hearing, so she just pushed him out of the way, which was very lucky, because as she pushed him out of the way her crown fell off. She wanted to get it, but the mouse was chasing her. Even though she was an animal lover, she hates this type of animal.

Finally, she was out of the castle but everyone saw that the queen was in danger. The servants rang the bells. The queen saw a river bank. She thought I’m just going to run for years, until I get to Canada where there are cold trees and mountains.

She crossed the river bank and never stopped, until she saw a magic cauldron. She managed to lift it and there was slime in it, and the queen poured it on the mouse and the mouse died. The queen made another crown and it was even better, and she had another 20 years on the throne.

By Karina, aged 7, Woodfield Junior School

The Dragon’s CaveOnce upon a time, there was a scruffy invisible dog who lived in a

messy, scruffy cottage in a tall green hill, as green as jade. The dog’s name was Roi. Roi was a friendly, cheeky dog and could sense danger. Out of nowhere a strong signal bulleted through his brain, so then Roi darted all the way to a daring, terrifying, mysterious ravine as quick as quick as a fl ash.

Roi bravely skipped down the steps to a dungeon. Inside the eerie dungeon was an ice cold bright icy blue dragon. Then Roi and the dragon face to face started fi ghting, “Give me that precious blue as ice opal now” demanded Roi.

“Never!” roared the dragon

Once Roi had defeated the demonic dragon he was no longer invisible and had a majestic white coat, and blue diamond eyes. So, then Roi got the valuable opal and took it to the bright surface, and then the opal hatched an icy blue dragon with lovely shiny eyes, and so Roi named it Ice. So then they lived happily ever after, fl ying elegantly into the sunset.

By Liam, aged 9, Fallings Park Primary School

Ashley’s Only DesireLet me tell you all about Ashley’s unusual story. It starts off with

Ashley all alone locked up in a tower wishing to get out of this tower prison and save somebody just like a prince. Now you may be wondering who Ashley is, and what she is like.

These two questions have the same answer. Ashley, normally called Ash because of her tomboy and kind traits. Now let’s get back to the story. Just before she gets saved her wish comes true. She is back where the prince started. For her kindness she was awarded with a helpful horse that led her along the journey as she fought through thorny bushes.

A year later Ashley found herself at a diamond palace. She looked through the window and saw her tower prison. A loud clang and footsteps hurried caused Ash to jump out of her skin. It was a T-Rex with an army throwing diamonds. Ash managed to avoid it. When she saved the prince, her wish came true. How do I know this, you may ask? I am Ash.

By Sadeem, aged 9, Fallings Park Primary School

Puppy Love The brave young pet store owner liked puppies. “I can picture the

cuteness of those puppies.”

One day the pet owner found the cutest of the cutest puppy. “Wuff, can you take care of me please?” whined the puppy. The pet owner took the puppy home and checked if it was OK.

Every enchanted night the puppy and the girl would lie on the grass and watch the beautiful enchanted stars. The stars were beautiful in the dark blue night sky, the girl and the puppy could imagine the different star pictures. They saw a bunny and a kitten. They also could imagine he stars having long enchanted conversations. They loved doing it together.

“Puppy, I’m going to have an amazing future with you!” explained the girl.

By Lily, aged 9, Fallings Park Primary School

One Dark Christmas DayOnce upon a time... there was a boy and a girl and they were

very special people but they didn’t realize it. The boy was called Rumplestiltskin. The girl was called Dacia. They were best friends, almost like they were connected. Rumple had ginger hair, and he always liked to wear a tuxedo, and that was one of the weird parts of him. Dacia was the girl’s name, she has chocolate brownish black hair and black and purple glasses.

One stormy day when it was a broken Christmas day, Rumple and Daria were in their secret cave telling funny jokes and trying to cheer up God. Because every time there was a storm or something they thought god was crying. BUT! A random dash of clouds, black as coal just appeared right in front of them...out of that terrifying cloud an evil wizard came. Dacia and Rumple quickly rushed to hide! But right before Rumple started to run, sadly the wizard grabbed him on the shoulder and sensed that Rumple was a very special boy, he was the chosen one, the wizard took Rumple to his evil lair.

Dacia didn’t know what to do...she yelled, “Help! Help! Rumple was Kidnapped!!!” but nobody came, nobody could hear her from the loud banging storm.

By Daria, aged 9, Warstones Primary School

The Snake and the Witch Once a upon a time there lived a happy witch. Her favourite animal

was a snake. She adored snakes. She would always think about them. She had a long purple cape and a long dress that dragged across the fl oor as she walked. One day she banged her head off a tree. She had a massive bump on her head. When she woke up the next morning, she was so ditzy she dropped her wand on the fl oor and it turned her into a SNAKE!!

She felt that she was shrinking!!!!! She was turning into a snake. She rushed to the mirror and glared at herself. She was joyful. She was a real snake!

She always wanted to be a snake, it was her favourite animal. Later in the day she found a letter. It said, “THIS ONLY LASTS FOR THE DAY BE WARNED!!!!”

She was not bothered about it. She just burned the letter and never looked at it too closely. It also said, “You will be very sad and unhappy.”

The next morning she was back to normal. She was heartbroken, sad and miserable. She said to herself, “I should have listened to the letter.” And that is how she learned a lesson.

By Kamile, aged 10, Warstones Primary School

Look After Your Scooter Because...

Ethan was a happy, kind boy. He went to bed. He heard a BANG CRASH. “It’s only a mole”. Not an ordinary mole, a fi re breathing mole. The mole was strong as well.

Before you knew it, Ethan was asleep. “Ha, ha, ha.” The mean mole had stolen Ethan’s scooter.

When he woke up the next morning Ethan wanted to play on his scooter, but it wasn’t there. “Where’s my scooter?” He saw muddy footsteps, so he followed the footsteps. They led him to a cave. He walked inside the cave. BANG CLASH BOOM. Ethan began fi ghting fi re everywhere. He kept jumping so he didn’t get burned.

Ethan got the scooter and podged the mole. The mole was hurt, but Ethan had got his scooter.

By Ethan, aged 7, Warstones Primary School

The Missing Lamp It was the middle of the day and I was eating my lunch. I was on

my last thing, and my favourite thing, a glittering doughnut. It glowed while I was eating it. After I went to put my lunch bag in my locker and in my locker I had a special good luck lamp. I opened my locker and it was gone. “HHHH...” I was shocked. The lamp was replaced with a teddy bear, and although it was cozy it was not my lamp. “Oh No. I know this can’t be good. “What could I do?...”

I went to search all around the school to check. It wasn’t there but there was one place I hadn’t looked yet. THE ATTIC!! There were ladders by the attic so I climbed those ladders and climbed into the attic. It was dark and scary. I found the light switch and right by the light was my lamp. I went to get it and a monster blocked it. Right next to me was a sword and I decided to fight the monster, and I hit the monster in the heart and the monster fell to the floor. I grabbed the lamp and climbed the ladder back down, and it was finally time to go home so I packed my bag and I was off.

By Kayla, aged 8, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy & Nursery

The Poor UnicornOne day, there was a unicorn (a shy unicorn). The unicorn lived on

the Wolverhampton Road. She had no money and no friends. Well, she did have a horn but half of it was broke off by a rude person. The next day Winnie the Pooh came into town to make the unicorn more happy. Winnie the Pooh took the shiny unicorn to the clouds to find a precious gem. “Woosh” they went up in the clouds. They found a chocolate cave, so they went in. The unicorn was scared, but Winnie the Pooh was excited to find the gem. They could see light, so they ran quickly. Unicorn was promised they would share the gem. So now the unicorn was rich as rich as gold.

By Victoria, aged 8, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy & Nursery

The Cursed Bird A long, long time ago there lived an enchanted bird who lived in an

enchanted land with generous kind and warm-hearted friends. One day he was out having a stroll when all of a sudden he tripped over a mysterious lamp and before he could get up a genie rose from it and pleaded with the bird to free him by rubbing the lamp. So the enchanted bird did as told without knowing this genie was evil and was going to curse him. So as soon as he rubbed it the genie roared with laughter and shouted, “Now that I am free I will curse you and you will never have kind or warm-hearted friends” and with this he did as he had said and flew away. Now that the bird was cursed it went home and fell asleep, then in his dreams an ancient ninja, who was sneaky, fast and clever came to him and said, “Do not worry, I will help you.” And when the bird work up the ninja was there in front of him and the first thing the ninja said was, “What happened before you were cursed?” And the bird told it what had happened, and then the ninja asked where would the genie go. And the bird thanked the ninja.

The ninja began his journey on the quest to defeat the evil genie.

On his journey he must go through the land of the dead where the souls of the dead live and so his adventure begins.

By Nana, aged 8, SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy & Nursery

Ellie’s Magical Dream“Oh please, Ellie, please can we play the game where I start poor but

work my way up to being super duper rich?” Ellie’s annoying little sister asked.

“Okay then.” she replied. They went up to Ellie’s bedroom since it was the biggest. “I’m only letting you play if you keep it tidy!” Ellie told Amelia.

“I will, don’t you worry.” Amelia replied.

They started to play for hours and hours. Ellie didn’t like to admit it but she actually enjoyed the game. The two sisters played and played and played until their mum and dad called them for dinner. “Ellie, Amelia. Come down!” they said in unison.

“Okay.” they said.

As they came down the stairs, Amelia remembered something. “We need to feed Pearl!”

“We’ll do it after dinner,” said Ellie.

When they went down to the dinner table they saw it was their all time favourite dish: noodles. They found it delicious. After they finished, they went out into the garden to feed their pet horse, Pearl. She had a streak of purple in her beautiful silky soft hair. When they were done they went upstairs to go to bed.

Now this is where the magic happens, while Amelia was dreaming about Peppa Pig and things like that, Ellie was having a magical dream...

“Where am I?” Ellie exclaimed!

“Nahhhe.” nahhed Pearl. At least Ellie knew she had some company.

“Right let’s start walking.” After about 13 minutes she and Pearl saw a wall. They walked over to it, to get a better look. There was a key hole and next to it was a letter reading...

Dear reader, This door is magical. It beholds the most wonderful of things. To get the key, you will need to solve the riddles. Here is the first.

Choose a path, left or right and follow to see if it’s right. If it is, you shall see a twisted tree which beholds the next clue.”

“Okay then let’s set off. I wonder where we will get to?”

To be continued...

By Aneesha, aged 10, Pinfold Street Primary

A Story About a Horse and a Pan

There was once a very happy horse, who had such a HUGE desire to be richer. One day, the horse went to the library to meet his friend...

Chapter 1 - Pan “Ahhhh!”

“What’s the matter, Ben?” asked Chip the horse.

“I’ve lost my magic pan!” It was worth a lot of money!” said Ben the Book.

“How about if I help you find it?” suggested Chip.

“Okay, and if you find it, I will pay you 20 million pounds!” said Ben.

“Okay.” said Chip cheerfully.

Chapter 2 - Millions The next day, Chip searched everywhere! He wanted that money so much that he went in the stingers and even got his bum stung by them too!

He went back towards the library until...

“Aha! I’ve found the magic book.” Cheered Chip with excitement. He ran up the stairs to the ramp and through the door.

Chapter 3 - Treasure “Thank you so much Chip!” said Ben.

“You can get a book from the library and the 20 million pounds prize.” said Ben in delight.

“Thank you so much. I just don’t know what to say!” cried Chip.

Epilogue. So that’s how the story ends, Ben gets his magic pan back and Chip becomes a millionaire! But there was something that wasn’t that right, find out in the next story what was wrong.

By Ambika, aged 8, Pinfold Street Primary

The Rat’s LessonOne Wednesday evening, a miserable, plump chef was cooking his

signature meal. It was a cheesy, meaty lasagne. The only thing that was missing was his trusty pan.

“Where is that thing!?” the chef shouted in anger. He threw his white hat on the floor and stamped on it.

“I’M NOT A THING! I HAVE FEELINGS!”

The pan jumped up from a small shelf quickly. He suddenly stopped and gagged. “Oh my lord, that lasagne is disgusting!!!” The chef grew even more angry now. His face was as red as blood and his hands were shaking in anger.

“You couldn’t do better!” the chef barked, “You can’t even cook!”

The pan gasped and screamed, “I know but I’m still better than you!”

The argument went on and on until a skinny rat came along with a flying spoon flying behind him. “Neither of you are good, because I’m better.”

The rat laughed and muttered some words to the spoon. The spoon made a wonderful lasagne that was better than their lasagne. Just then the chef and the pan realised they sucked at cooking and stopped arguing.

Charlie, aged 10, Pinfold Street Primary

Me and the Moon I am in a rocket about to leave earth. I have a lot of hope to reach

the moon. I set off.

Crashhhhh! “Am I there?”

“Yes, you are,” said a heavy voice out of the shadows. It was the moon. I ran round, rapidly jumping and hopping up to the gentle gravity. I looked down. The moon was high off of earth but with legs!!! And arms!!!

“Do you have legs and arms?”

“Yes.” he said, even heavier. “I do this to move around the world a lot. I can’t actually touch you with my legs and arms, and my legs and arms from earth they are invisible.”

“I have to go home. Can you help me?”

“Hop in.” he said, a bit lighter.

And I solemnly got home and to bed, smiling at the moon. Cosy and warm, “Good night.” I say.

By Paige, aged 10, Priory Primary School

ImaginationOnce upon a time, there was cotton candy shaped like trees:

colourful, as fl uffy as a pillow, and rainbows, with a delicious, milky, smooth chocolate river fl owing through the world they called Candy Land.

One day, people had been walking into a hospital – a lot of the time people argued – as if today no one said a word. At the hospital usually there were mimes (their names were Funny and Angry), they would give adrenalin to patients who didn’t feel their best.

As Funny had been sneakily creeping into the room that had a sign saying “Do Not Enter” fi nding out the secrets of this room. In the middle of this room, was a magical staff in a chamber like box. Holding it, trying to fi gure how to use it he swayed it in the air. CRASH as it glided in the air. BOOM it broke and shattered pieces were left on the ground. After a minute, realizing it was a dream.

By Anastasya, aged 10, Priory Primary School

A Hungry Mouth A Star-Rainbow awoke on a sunny Saturday morning he went from

his happy, brave friendly self to a confused scared creature. He was jelly as he crept towards the maroon coloured door. His long swirly tail dragged miserably on the forest fl oor while his heart thumped madly.

Star-Rainbow’s hand crept nervously towards the antique door handle. His hand shook. His hand shook scaredly. His hand shook scaredly and nervously until...

“Hello, Mouth.”

“Hello Star-Rainbow.” the invisible creature said.

“How are you today, Mouth?” the sparkly beautiful creature wondered.

“I ammmmm veeeeeeeery well thank you.” He responded. “Oh, I am starving. Yooooooou wouldn’t happen to have some food I could eat? Am I still longing to be rich?” Mouth asked.

“No. But I know a place which does. “Come Mouth let’s fi nd you some food at Vog.

By Alice, aged 10, Priory Primary School

The Devil Dog and the Witch!Once upon a time there was a devil dog and his family. They lived in a

mansion house and they were happy.

But one day an EVIL witch appeared and said that she will take his family.

“No, I won’t let you do that,” shouted devil dog. But the witch didn’t listen, she scooped them up and took them away. “Nooooooooo!” screamed the devil dog. The witch left on her magical, dirty, disgusting broom.

Two weeks later!

“OK, I’ve got all my supplies to go save them,” said devil dog.

“Ha ha. I will eat you very soon children,” said the witch.

“No you won’t,” said devil dog angrily. “Cuz I’m going to stop you,” shouted devil dog.

Two minutes later!

“Ha I beat you,” said devil dog, “Now give my family back!”

“Fine,” said the witch. Then she let them all down. They all became good friends and they... LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

By Liarni, aged 8, Rivers Primary Academy

Butterfl y and The Magic PenOnce upon a time a talking butterfl y was feeling happy, but felt she

wanted to be richer. She’d heard about a place called Popcorn World which she found out had magic things there. She needed a gold, shiny pen. She was wondering how she was going to get there. She had many ideas but she wanted to travel on a train the most.

She fl ew all the way to the station but then this scary rat tried to stop her, but she quickly went on the train and closed the door. She was so scared of the rat because he had webs over him and slug slime over him and also bits of food all over him. She was very disappointed.

The train went off. She saw loads of trees and also some other animals. She was so sleepy so she went to sleep. She was so happy because she woke up and she was in Popcorn World.

She knew that she had to fi nd that golden pen, so she looked everywhere for it, but then the scary rat came back and he was holding the golden pen. The rat slyly hides the pen but the butterfl y fl ies up and sees where he hid it. She quickly fl ies down and gets it and she was fi nally rich again, so she fl ew home and was never in so much trouble again.

By Natalie, aged 9, Rivers Primary Academy

The Stolen SpoonOnce upon a time there was a kind, brave prince and a horrible, slimy

alligator. The alligator took the prince’s magic spoon. The magic spoon could be used to stir magic potions.

The alligator stole the magic spoon for the naughty, evil spider. He lived in the gloomy dark woods up on a tree. The spider tumbled down and said, “Have you got my spoon?”

The alligator said, “Yes.”

The prince came and said, ‘What spoon, that one isn’t magic. This one is,” he said, “You got the wrong one. Ha, good luck next time.” And then they had a right crash clank boom crack fi ght.

The prince taught them a lesson, he took his spoon back and lived happily ever after.

By Marshane, aged 7, Rivers Primary Academy

The Best Bedtime Story in the World……

The children at Springdale Primary School said, “The best bedtime story in the world would have spiders and slime, a dummy, some rhyme, a shimmering sword, a cap that snored, chocolate races, exciting chases, a wand and an evil queen, Sleeping Beauty having a dream.”

“No! Wait!” said the children at Uplands Junior School. “The best bedtime story in the world would have an adventurous cake, talking food that might get baked, a lava sword, Pac-Man, a unicorn, a ghost called Stan. It would have diamonds, and a ruby from the earth’s core. Oh, and a mutated dinosaur. A wooden weapon, some magical mackerel (six or seven).”

“Ridiculous!” said the students at Newbridge Preparatory School. The best bedtime story in the world would have rainbow hair, something to scare. It would have pizza and ice cream and an evil cucumber to make you scream. A sassy sun, and shopping to be done. A princess peacock name of Pearl. A granny, an invisible-face girl, plus a golden rubber duck (which would be for luck).

“Not at all.” said the children at Woodfield Junior School. “The best bedtime story in the world should have an evil witch with a kind hearted sister, some no wing butterflies (Mrs and Mr). A random chocolate bar, a queen travelling far, sword fighting popcorn, and a rainbow unicorn. Some evil ice cream, a fluffy dog that has a dream. Not to mention, the pretty princess who is looking for her dress.”

“Nope!” said the children at Fallings Park Primary. “The best bedtime story in the world would have an evil iron man, a dragon, a demon. Moody minions. Oh and stars...billions and billions. And maybe a giraffe with glass wings. Fighting princesses and angry things. An ombre haired unicorn, a dragon being born, a small child lost in the wild. Plus a mermaid that’s lazy, and a plot that’s crazy.”

“We beg to differ!” said the children at Warstones Primary School. “The best bedtime story in the world would have a witch as a snake. And, for goodness sake, a fire breathing mole! That would be droll? It would need a talking Pepsi can, a talking tree man. A friendly dinosaur, an attack with swords. Oh and a guy that’s made of straw. It should have an evil potion, or a peculiar lotion. And a touch of the absurd...like a long-legged ladybird.”

“Pah!” said the children at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Academy. “The best bedtime story in the world would have an evil lollypop and a blonde, fluffy cat. A laser eyed dog. Well, fancy that! A poor giant, a ninja. A second cat, but this one is ginger. A penniless unicorn. A broken horn. An ice cream. An axe. A creepy attic and a monster attack. Plus a spiky dragon with a golden brick. That’d be amazing, wouldn’t it?”

“We don’t think so!” said the children at Pinfold Street Primary School. “The best bedtime story in the world should definitely have an angry baby. Or a small chef rat, maybe. Some talking pizzas and a nervous boy. Or a talking book full of joy. Maybe a dad who flew. A stolen necklace....who took it? You? It would have a yoga frog and a helpful horse and a magical rabbit, of course.”

“Please!” said the children at Priory Primary School. “The best bedtime story would have a dancing frog. A cafe called ‘Vog’. A girl and the moon. The future...coming soon. A visit to Candy Land. A desire to form a band. It would have a red rubber football. Spiders hanging on a wall. Batman and a laser gun. And just when you thought it all was said and done, a creepy clown without a frown.”

“Are you for real?” said the children at Rivers Primary Academy. “The best bedtime story in the world would have a slimy alligator, time travel... and then two weeks later...a scary slug-slimed rat and an ice queen. It would have a splattering of ice cream. A swimming meglodon. Harry, Voldemort and Ron. Maybe Paris for a setting. Oh, and a missing home, ‘Where’s my house? I keep forgetting!’ It would have a wolf called Shadow and a boy. A happy ending filled with joy.”

Whatever the answer, I’m sure you’ll agree, these fantabulous, fantastical flights of fancy are quite wonderful to see. But...if you were asked, what would your best bedtime story be?

Emma Purshouse Emma Purshouse is a freelance writer, performance poet and workshop leader from the Black Country. She writes for children and adults and is a poetry slam champion. She makes up one third of the poetry collective Poets, Prattlers, and Pandemonialists, who actively promote spoken word across the Midlands.

Emma’s book of children’s poetry I Once Knew a Poem Who Wore a Hat (Fair Acre Press) won the poetry section of the Rubery Book Award in 2016.

For more information about Emma visit her website: www.emmapurshouse.co.uk

Promise Dreams Promise Dreams is a national charity that aims to make a real difference to children who are seriously or terminally ill. Every child has a dream and whatever it may be we aim to make it come true – whether it be to go on the holiday of a lifetime and spend time with their siblings following extended hospital stays, the chance to meet their celebrity hero, a specially adapted trike to enable them to join in on family bike rides or essential equipment and resources for their home. In fact, anything that will make life happier and easier for the family in need.

JPL Print & Design JPL are proud suppliers to The Grand theatre and have welcomed the opportunity to work closely with them on the Dream Big project. JPL offered support in areas of graphic design and manufacturing to produce the printed booklet and also the display boards, all items being produced in-house.

JPL offer a wide variety of printing services supporting many companies including schools, academy’s and universities.

Should you have any design and print requirements for short run digital, general print or signage/point of sale please get in touch on 0121 561 5020 or please go to our web site www.jplprint.com

in partnership with:

with thanks to the following schools: