The Mountain's Softest Song
The Sleeping Mountain sleeps too deeply, and Joel and Gus the badger search for the one sound that can wake it. It is not the loudest one.
Ages 7 to 85 minute read10 illustrated pages
In the valley lived Joel and his friend, Gus the badger. For many years, the enormous Sleeping Mountain watched over their village with gentle, closed eyes. Then one day, a peculiar problem arose. The mountain slept too deeply.
Without the mountain's soft rumbling, the village spring had become very quiet. Old stories said only a special sound could wake the Sleeping Mountain. "We must find that sound, Gus!" Joel exclaimed, feeling determined.
Their quest began in the Whispering Woods, where enormous trees reached for the sky. Joel tried mimicking the chirps of birds and the rustle of leaves. He even tried a loud 'HOOT!' like an owl.
"Too loud," Gus whispered, shaking his head. Suddenly, a peculiar, deep hum vibrated through the air. "What was that?" Joel wondered, his eyes wide. It sounded like a giant, happy bumblebee.
Following the sound, they discovered an enchanted opening to a shimmering cave. Inside, enormous crystals hung from the ceiling, sparkling like captured starlight. Every sound they made echoed beautifully.
Joel shouted a cheerful "HELLO!" and heard his voice bounce back. Gus clapped his paws together, making a surprisingly loud noise. Nothing they tried seemed gentle enough for the mountain's rest.
Leaving the cave, they journeyed toward the mountain's highest peak. The wind there was strong and whistled through the rocky outcrops. Joel felt a little anxious, wondering if they would ever succeed.
Gus nudged Joel's hand. "Perhaps a very loud sound is not what is needed," he squeaked wisely. Joel thought about a song his grandma used to sing, a soft, comforting lullaby. It was quiet and sweet.
Joel slowly lifted his wooden whistle. He didn't blow hard this time. Instead, he made the softest, gentlest tune, like a whisper carried on the breeze. It was the lullaby, played with care.
A low, joyful rumble echoed across the land. The enormous Sleeping Mountain slowly opened its stony eyes, revealing kind, sparkling irises. It smiled, a wide, sleepy grin. Joel and Gus had found the sound of peace, waking their ancient friend.
The end.
Talk about it after reading
- What sounds did Joel try before the lullaby?
- Why do you think the softest sound worked?
- What song helps you feel calm?
Where this story came from
Every Storybox story starts with one idea, said out loud. This one started with:
“A quest to find the sound that can wake a sleeping mountain.”
Your child can do the same. They say what they want the story to be about, and Storybox writes and illustrates a picture book like this one in about a minute.
Get Storybox for iPhone and iPadHow it was made: Storybox wrote and illustrated this story with AI from the idea above. Our team picked it for the free library and edited the text by hand.
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