Copyright 2009 by Rachel Orsinger and Denis Orsinger

All rights reserved.

portiasmask@gmail.com

PORtiA’s MAskB Y R A C H E L O R s i N G E R

i L L U s t R A t E D B Y D E N i s O R s i N G E R

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On a narrow street in Venice,

Portia was looking for a mask for

Carnival.

she visited the best mask-makers

to see all the masks before choosing

one.

But -- oh! there were so many to

choose from! Masks with feathers,

masks with gold, masks with

sparkling gems, masks in all colors!

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As the mask-maker showed her

the newest mask he was making,

Portia heard a commotion in the

street. she looked out to see what

was the matter.

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three of Portia’s friends were

arguing outside the mask-maker’s

shop. When they saw Portia, they

each tried to be the first to tell her

about their problem.

“We can’t decide what masks to get

this year!” explained Jessica.

“Our costumes need to match for us to

get...”, started Balthasar.

“...a spot in the big Carnival Parade!”

interrupted Nerissa.

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Jessica explained, “Each year,

Venice has a grand parade, with

only the most wonderful costumes!

And the best costumes lead the

parade! For three whole years,

we’ve been picked to march, and we

want to be in the parade again this

year!”

Portia’s friends explained that last

year they had worn hats and masks

in cerulean velvet, and they were

selected for the parade.

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two years ago, their costumes had been emerald

green, with golden trim, and they were selected for

the parade.

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three years ago, they wore vermilion costumes

with pink ruffs. And they were selected for the

parade.

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As they strolled down the

narrow street, looking at all the shops

preparing for Carnival, Portia asked

her young friends if they knew what

sort of costumes they wanted to wear

this year.

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Balthasar said, “i want us to wear the biggest

masks of all! With bright and glorious colors!”

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Nerissa said, “No, no no! i want us without masks

this year, just hats! Hats that sparkle and glitter...

and make us tall!”

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Jessica said, “i’m tall enough!

Besides, i’d like a mask. But a small

half mask. And a long robe, mysterious

and dark!”

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the friends were stuck.

Everyone had different ideas.

Jessica said, “Portia, we know you

always try to make things fair. Can

you think of a fair way for us to

choose?”

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Portia tried to think of a fair way to

decide.

“Who hasn’t had a turn to choose the masks?

it could be that person’s turn to decide.”

the friends agreed that this would be fair!

Except...

“i chose the year that we wore green and

gold,” said Balthasar.

“And the ruffles and red were my ideas,”

added Nerrisa.

Jessica finished, “the blue and violet were my

grand idea!”

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Portia thought again. “What

if you each wear exactly what you

want to wear?”

Nerissa shook her head. “to enter

as a group we have to match.”

“Yes,” Balthasar said. “And it’s more

important to march together than

just to get my own way.”

the other two agreed.

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Portia wondered aloud, “What if

your costumes weren’t exactly the same,

but you all were dressed up as things

that you might find in the same place?”

the three friends thought about this

and agreed that it could work.

“But where,” continued Portia, “do you

find all three: something sparkly and

tall, something big and yellow, and

something mysterious with only half a

face...?”

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“Well,” started Nerissa, “the moon is mysterious,

and often shows only half her face...”

“And,” said Balthasar, getting excited, “the stars are

very high up, and glitter all night!”

“Yes!” Jessica exclaimed. “And the sun is big and

bright and yellow!”

“And all those things are in the sky!” the friends

were excited about their new idea!

the mask-maker smiled at them.

“Wonderful idea!” he said.

“i can help you make those

costumes. i think

you will be

delighted with

them”

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And they were.

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