TEEN AND ADULT SCRIPTS
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NOTE: Any of the scripts below work especially well for teen or adult readers who are performing for younger and/or family audiences. If you are studying any of the themes below, the scripts can also be useful as classroom tools. A number of Adult ESL classes have also used some of these titles and found them helpful.
I-10 CLEVER LUCY
Poor John Carver is a farmer who has a hard time feeding his family. But John is married to Lucy, and Lucy is a mighty clever lady. With the family down to its last roasted chicken, Lucy engages in some clever mathematics and produces more than enough food to feed them all. The tale ends happily as John becomes a successful farmer -all because of Lucy's cleverness. Be prepared for a lively discussion of this tale! EDUCATIONAL NOTES: Adapted from a well-known Russian tale, a woman is asked to divide a goose for a wealthy baron and ends up profiting through her cleverness. In the English version of this same story, the clever woman is replaced by an Irish tramp in a story called "Dividing the Chicken." (6 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-11 THE HAPPY MAN
King Landor is faced with a seventeen year old son who has lost the will to live. Old Jack, who lives in a small hut high in the hills, is summoned to speak to the boy and prescribe a remedy. Finally, Old Jack tells the king to "find a truly happy man and have him change shirts" with his son. As King Landor finds out, finding a truly happy man is difficult. When he finally finds one, the outcome is totally unexpected, ironic and bizarre. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: The story of a luck-bringing shirt has its origins in a Greek legend about Alexander the Great. From Greece, the story found its way to Europe and the Orient. An Italian version of the story, "The Happy Man's Shirt," can be found in Italian Folktales, Pantheon, New York, 1981. Hans Christian Andersen used a similar motif in his story "The Shoes of Happiness." (5 Readers)
Script length: 9 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-13 THE TRICKSY MOUNTAIN ELVES
Set in the mountain country. An innkeeper and his very capable wife find their inn invaded by invisible tricksy mountain elves. Knowing that the elves love meatloaf and never, ever eat breakfast, helps the pair outsmart their unwanted guests. A cheese pie baked in a jar lid, a chicken casserole baked in an egg shell, and a meatloaf baked in a sewing thimble are part of the plan. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: Adapted from an old world-wide favorite! Here's the tale about a clever woman who rids her home of unwanted invader elves. Another version, "Eggshell Pudding" can be found in Tell Me Another Tale by Jean Chapman, Hodder and Stoughton (Australia), 1977. (6 Readers)
Script length: 9 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-14 THE FAST SKIPPIN' POT
Back in the days when "pigs could whistle and pots could talk, "a poor hungry husband and wife trade their skinny pig for an old cooking pot and are finally blessed with good fortune. The magical pot skips off to find adventure, tricks a troll, an ogre, and a witch into parting with their most prized possessions, and skips everyone off to the hinterlands in a vat of hamburger soup. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: This story had its origins in the Scandinavian and Baltic countries, which have spawned at least three versions. Shades of Jack and the Beanstalk: traded pot brings wealth midst much adventure! The script has been adapted from "The Talking Pot" found in Danish Fairy and Folk Tales by Christian Bay, Harper, 1899. (6 Readers)
Script length: 11 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-5 THE KING OF THE CATS
Set along a rocky coast. A grave-digger returns home to tell of his eerie encounter with nine black cats who marched through the fog to deliver a message: "Tell Tom Toldrum that Tim Tildrum is dead. Tell him, or your life won't be worth living!" The poor grave-digger doesn't even know a Tom Toldrum. His wife and old cat listen carefully as the tension mounts. This story is a jump-tale. If read correctly, all listeners should be scared enough to "jump" at the story's end. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: "The King of the Cats" is a suspenseful English fairy tale which makes a good Halloween story. This script features sinister talking cats who deliver a confusing message to a terrified gravedigger! Several versions of this tale have been collected in England. The names Tom Tildrum and Tim Toldrum appear in an English version by Joseph Jacobs, More English Fairy Tales, 1894. (6 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-6 MISERY'S TREE
Set in apple-growing country. An old woman named Misery owns one prized possession: a magnificent apple tree. The tree, however, does not make Misery happy. Village children steal her apples and ignore her when she warns, "Go on home and let me be. Stay away from Misery!" In the end, the tree, an enchanted visitor, and a granted wish help Misery outsmart both the children and DEATH'S messenger when he, too, tries to steal an apple. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: This tale originates from a motif which personifies death and also explains why misery remains in the world. A Portuguese and a Puerto Rican version feature a pear tree as the central symbol. In both versions the central character, Aunt Misery, traps local village boys in her tree in order to teach them a lesson about stealing. A Flanders version features an apple tree and Misery traps children, parents, and various animals in the branches of her tree. (6 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-7 THE RAT PRINCESS
A Rat King decides that his exceptional daughter must marry "only the most powerful in all the world." He sets forth on a journey to find the perfect husband. By journey's end, the King has learned an important lesson about power from the sun, the cloud, the wind, the stone wall, and an ordinary gray rat whom his daughter has secretly loved all along. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: There are countless versions of the motif, rodent searches for strongest husband, dating back to the 15th/16th centuries. A French version has a rat turned into a princess by a fairy. Sun, cloud, wind and mountain are likely bridegrooms, but the princess is turned back into a rat and weds a rat. In Japanese and Burmese versions, a mouse seeks a husband. In Korea a mole is the central figure. (7 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-8 SILLY, SILLY, SILLY
Thomas Stern is engaged to his neighbor, Mary Sillatoe, and thinks she might be the "silliest girl in the world." He goes off on a quest to find someone sillier, and does. He not only meets an old gent who is trying to plant a puppy so it will grow into a dogwood tree, but also meets a fair maiden trying to make a suit of armor from old love letters, and a lad trying to rake the moon's reflection out of a pond of water. Thomas returns home to marry Mary, knowing there are other people in the world sillier than she. EDUCATIONAL NOTES: This adapted script from the English noodle story about a young man searching for someone sillier than his bride-to-be is a classic tale known throughout the world. Another version, "The Three Sillies" can be found in British Foktales by Katharine Briggs. Many known variants of the tale exist, but the Grimm version, "Clever Elsie", is probably the most well-known. (8 Readers)
Script length: 8 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-20 SILLY WILLY GOOSE WAR
"Once upon a time, a farmer's wife went out to her garden to dig carrots. Instead, she dug up a pot of gold." Sounds simple enough, but the plot thickens as greedy kinfolk descend upon the farm hoping to get their hands on the treasure. There is no solution but to declare a Silly Willy Goose War! You've got to read this one to believe it! EDUCATIONAL NOTES: An adaptation of "The Silly Goose War", a folk tale from Latvia in which clever parents outwit a "clueless" son and keep a fortune in gold away from greedy relatives. The Latvian version by Mae J. Durham, can be found in Tit for Tat and Other Latvian Folk Tales, Brace and World, 1967 (6 Readers)
Script length: 9 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-28 THE ROLY RICE BALLS
Japanese folklore contains many stories about kind people who live next door to mean people. In this version of that theme, a poor but kind old man follows three rice balls as they roll into a hole. The rice balls lead him to a tiny land under the earth which is inhabited by millions of mice. The mice give the man a magical golden rice-pounding mallet to thank him for sharing his rice balls with them. From that day on, the mallet provides food for the man. His greedy neighbour, however, tries to trick the mice into giving him a mallet, and ends up with mud, slime, slugs, and other "horrid things!" EDUCATIONAL NOTES: This script comes from a Japanese folklore rich in stories about kind old men living next door to mean old men. The familiar motif: "dropped ball (basket) leads to adventure when recovery is attempted" has been used throughout the world. A recent version by Margaret R. MacDonald, "Roly Poly Rice Ball", can be found in Twenty Tellable Tales, H.W. Wilson, 1986. (5 Readers)
Script length: 12 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-36 PROMETHEUS (Myth)
God Zeus commands two titan brothers to create the animals and endow them with special gifts. The impulsive Epimetheus creates one strange looking animal after another, but thoughtful Prometheus thinks, wonders, and ponders. He finally creates a small living figure which is god-like in appearance and man is born. But Zeus does not like the man creation and is furious. Prometheus gives man the gift of fire, but is sentenced to an eternal punishment for his act. This Greek myth explains the creation of man and how man became master of the earth. (7 Readers)
Script length: 7 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-37 PANDORA (Myth)
According to greek mythology, evil and hope both came into the world with the creation of the first woman! Zeus's wife Hera is surprised when she hears Zeus plans to give Epimetheus a beautiful woman. The woman is called Pandora. Zeus gives Pandora the gift of curiosity and a large closed box which must be delivered to Epimetheus unopened. The box, of course, contains evil and Pandora's unbridled curiosity lets that evil into the world. Hera cannot change what has happened, but she can help. She gives Pandora the gift of hope. (11 Readers)
Script length: 8 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-38 JASON AND THE GOLDEN FLEECE (Legend)
This story script about Jason and his pursuit of the golden fleece covers only a small part of Jason's adventures. The script is meant to introduce readers to Jason, Medea, Pelias, and the basic plot elements which make up Jason's quest for the legendary golden fleece. Young Jason kindly carries an old woman across a river and looses one of his sandals. King Pelias has been warned to beware a man wearing one sandal, so he wants Jason out of his sight. He agrees to give up his crown if Jason can recapture the golden fleece. Jason sails off in the Argo and with Medea's magical help, finally outsmarts Pelias, the king of Colchis, and a field of fire-breathing dragons to retrieve the fleece. (7 Readers)
Script length: 7 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-39 THE TROJAN HORSE (Legend)
"Beware of Greeks bearing gifts," warns a Trojan wise man. No one is listening! The Trojans want to keep the giant wooden horse found on their beach. They want to believe the horse is a gift offering to the goddess Athena. They want to believe ten years of war with the Greeks is over. The Greeks have left the gift horse and sailed away. It is time for celebration! But beautiful Helen of Troy knows the horse is filled with 30 Greek warriors who have come to rescue her. She places a guiding light in her chamber window. The gods interfere in the plans of men, bringing death to the Trojans and disaster to the Greeks. (8 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-40 ODYSSEUS RETURNS HOME (Legend)
The Trojan War ended ten years ago. Helen has returned to her Greek husband, Menelaus. But the fate of brave Odysseus, designer of the Trojan Horse, is unknown. Odysseus's faithful wife, Penelope, awaits his return and plays a clever waiting game with the many men who have moved into her castle and demand her hand in marriage. Just in time, a dirty beggar appears at the castle door with news that Odysseus is alive. The castle dog and an old nurse sense the beggar is not who he pretends to be. In an archery contest between Penelope's suitors, the beggar outshoots everyone and proves to be Odysseus himself. (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-41 THE SWORD AND THE STONE (Legend)
No other round table legend is as well known as this one! Based on Sir Thomas Malory's fifteenth century tale, Merlin prophesises King Uther Pendragon's death. Arthur, the king's infant son, is taken from the palace, hidden from crown enemies, and raised by trusted knight, Sir Ector. Arthur grows up believing he is the knight's son and Sir Kay's brother. He learns the truth on a visit to London for a great tournament. Arthur is sent off to find a sword for his brother, sees one encased in a large stone, and easily removes it. The stone's inscription reads: Whoever pulls this sword from this stone is king of all England by right of birth. Colour-me posters, tickets & program covers not included in this collection. (8 Readers)
Script length: 7 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-42 BEOWULF (Legend)
The character of Beowulf is found in one of the oldest poems in the English language, yet many modern superheroes share such common Beowulf characteristics as unlimited bravery, goodness, and unusual strength. In this scripted legend, Hrothgar's Denmark castle is being terrorized by the savage creature Grendel and Grendel's beastly mother. But help is on the way! A ship carrying Prince Beowulf of the Geats sails into the harbor. As readers chant "Beowulf, Beowulf, Beowulf," the brave prince rips Grendel's arm from its socket and follows Grendel's mother into the watery swamp. Blood soon colors the water. The lives of many are saved and Beowulf becomes a hero. (6 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-43 ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL: INVENTOR OF THE TELEPHONE
Canadian-born Alexander Graham Bell, his wife, father-in-law, lawyer, and partner (Thomas Watson) appear in court before a judge. They take part in a preliminary hearing to determine ownership of patent rights to the telephone. Through dramatic testimony the story of Bell's extraordinary invention unfolds. Readers and listeners alike will remember the facts of this case long after the reading ends. (6 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-44 LEONARDO DA VINCI: IMAGINATIVE INVENTOR
Leonardo da Vinci fears he is dying and asks his companion to summon a notary and a priest. Through their bedside conversation we learn about Leonardo's life and incredible accomplishments as a "visionary inventor." Many of today's modern machines can be traced to da Vinci's notebooks and sketches. But in 1519 these ideas lived mainly in the inventor's imagination, and Leonardo felt he would die a "failure!" (4 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-45 THE WRIGHT BROTHERS: INVENTORS OF THE AIRPLANE
Three students visit a flight museum and are amazed when statues of Orville and Wilber Wright come alive and speak to them. The students question these famous brothers and learn important facts about the invention of the airplane. Did you know the Wrights owned and worked out of a bicycle shop in Ohio? That Wilber tired of bicycles and longed to invent something new? Who was actually in the plane that day at Kitty Hawk and what he was wearing? The facts are intriguing and this script is fun to read. (5 Readers)
Script length: 7 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-46 JAMES NAISMITH: INVENTOR OF BASKETBALL
An ace newspaper reporter and his photographer plan to interview Canadian James Naismith about a new game played with peach baskets! They visit the Springfield, Massachusetts YMCA where Naismith works. It seems the cold winter weather made it difficult to play games outside, so Naismith devised an inside game involving a large ball (small balls required too much extra equipment), passing rather than running (too many injuries occurred when players ran inside), and the ultimate goals -- two peach baskets found in the corner of the gym. (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-47 JOHANN GUTENBERG: INVENTOR OF MOVEABLE TYPE
The TV series "This is Your Story" features stories of the influential and famous. Today's show asks Johann Gutenberg to identify some mystery voices from the past! A monastery monk, Gutenberg's father, and the world's first printer tell a fascinating tale about the invention of moveable type. Using a piece of machinery which looked very much like a wine press, Gutenberg's first print project was to run 300 copies of the Bible. He became famous, but died penniless. A clever but unsympathetic lawyer stole his press, ink, paper, and staff. (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-48 BANTING AND BEST: INVENTORS OF INSULIN
Three reporters host the show "Meet the Reporters" and welcome their guest, Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Frederick Grant Banting. Banting surprises everyone by introducing Charles Best and announcing plans to share his portion of the Nobel Prize with Mr. Best. The reporters question both gentlemen and are told the story of the invention of insulin. Banting and Best's first job as inventors was to scrub the walls and floor of a small dirty room at the University of Toronto. The room became their research lab, and a year later they had developed the insulin for diabetes. (5 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-49 ARCHIMEDES: THIRD CENTURY B.C. INVENTOR
A Roman general has announced plans to capture the city of Syracuse. As the script begins, an ancient king and his royal advisor discuss the forthcoming battle and wonder how to defend their city. They send for Archimedes who had performed miraculous tasks for the previous king. Archimedes appears in court and tells how he once used science to catch a dishonest goldsmith. He then suggests the use of mirrors, levers, and catapults to defend Syracuse from the Romans. The plan is a good one, and Archimedes is rewarded for his service to the crown. (3 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-50 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE: INVENTOR OF MODERN NURSING
Welcome to the 1861 Florence Nightingale School of Nursing graduation ceremony! Although Florence is an invalid and confined to bed, family and friends gather to celebrate and share memories of Florence's unique career. They remember Florence's wealthy family did not approve of nursing and urged Florence to perfect her singing voice. But Florence studied mathematics and became "the lady with the lamp" to wounded soldiers of the Crimean War. Her book, "Notes on Nursing," helped establish the world's first training school for nurses. (6 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-51 REGINALD FESSENDEN: PROLIFIC INVENTOR
Three students need help with a joint science report which is due in just two weeks! They meet a helpful research librarian who is compiling a file on Canadian inventor Reginald Aubrey Fessenden. The librarian encourages them to look into Fessenden's work. The students find Fessenden holds over 500 patents, developed over 100 inventions related to sea transportation, and pioneered our modern radio and radio equipment industries. In connection with the Fessenden story, they also come across the names of Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, and Marconi! Needless to say, their science report is a great success. (4 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-52 THOMAS ALVA EDISON: THE PRACTICAL INVENTOR
One narrator and six characters tell the Thomas Alva Edison story which led to the invention of the electric light, the phonograph, and the moving picture. Young Thomas hates school, so his teacher-trained mother decides to teach him at home. Although nearly deaf, he goes to work at 12 and, by the age of 22, sells his first invention for $40,000! The money enables him to set up a workshop with tools, chemicals, equipment, and a good staff. The rest is history. (6 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-53 MAGELLAN (1480-1521): CIRCUMNAVIGATOR OF THE WORLD
After a perilous and disastrous journey, the dregs of Magellan's fleet sail into Spain. The King of Spain welcomes three of the survivors: Del Cano (second in command), Antonio Pigafetta (a writer who went along to record the journey), and one of Magellan's sailors. As they talk, the dramatic details of an ill-fated journey become clear. A fleet of five ships and over 250 men has dwindled to one ship and 18 men! Lack of wind, ice, starvation, native attacks, murder, and mutiny colour the tale. Magellan has not survived the journey, but has named the Pacific ocean and his fleet has circumnavigated the world. (5 Readers)
Script length: 9 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-54 LEWIS AND CLARK (1774-1809; 1770-1838): EXPLORERS OF THE AMERICAN WEST
Inspired by Voyages from Montreal by Canadian Alexander Mackenzie, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, sends a team of explorers into America's wild west. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark have returned to Washington with their guest, Chief Big White of the Mandans. All meet at the White House as the president requests a brief summary of the trip. He quickly learns of the careful studies and preparations needed to prepare for the trip, of 180 new types of plants identified in the field, of animals like coyote, and of jackrabbits seen for the first time by eastern explorers. He hears the story of Sacagawea and her role in helping the explorers survive! Lewis and Clark are rewarded, and this voyage ends happily. (4 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-55 ALEXANDER MACKENZIE (1764-1820): CROSSING CANADA BY LAND
Loyalist Alexander Mackenzie mounts two long and difficult explorations in his search for a water route to the West. "Why?" asks his cousin Roderick. "Furs, man, furs!" replies Mackenzie. In this scene Mackenzie, fellow explorer McKay, two voyageurs, and Roderick remember the excitement, hardships, and challenges of two famous Canadian explorations. By 20 he had become a partner in the fur trading business and was sent to Fort Chipewyan on Lake Athabasca, where he met McKay. Both men dreamed of finding a water route to the West. Their first attempt took them down "the River of Disappointment" ending at the Arctic Ocean. Their second journey, however, took them to "the Stinking Lake," better known as the Pacific Ocean. (5 Readers)
Script length: 7 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-56 JACQUES CARTIER (1491-1557): SEARCHING FOR A WATER ROUTE TO CHINA
Back in France, Jacques Cartier meets a friend on the street who asks Jacques where he has been for the last three years. "I've been in Canada, in the new world, exploring for the king!" he answers. A fisherman joins the pair and talk turns to fishing, marriage, and then to exploration. Suddenly a messenger interrupts him and he is led away to meet with the king. The king is not happy. Cartier's stash of gold, diamonds, and rubies from the new world is worthless. "Your gold is fools gold!" shouts the king. "The diamonds and rubies are just quartz crystals and mica!" There will be no more money spent on Cartier expeditions. Cartier sadly rejoins his friends on the street. "Maybe," he says, "I'll return to my boyhood home and Go fishing!" (5 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-57 LEIF ERICSSON (Approx. 960-1020): VIKING DISCOVERER OF NORTH AMERICA
Two Scandinavian children, Lars and Anna, have waited patiently for the skalds (storytellers) to begin. They tell how, long ago, Eric the Red had a fiery temper to go with the fiery color of his hair. In fact, Eric's temper caused him to be banished from both No way and Iceland, so he and his wife settled in Greenland to raise their children. Leif, Eric's son, (Leif Ericsson) grew to manhood, visited Norway, and became a favorite of the Norwegian king. On the return trip to Greenland, Leif rescued the survivors of a shipwreck and gained the nickname, Leif the Lucky! And he WAS lucky. Later he sailed off to discover three lands: Helluland, Markland, and Vinland. Many believe the new land was North America. (6 Readers)
Script length: 8 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-58 CAPTAIN JAMES COOK (1728-1779): EXPLORING FROM CANADA TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC
Three sailors, a clerk, and a mate watch from the ship as Captain James Cook is killed by natives in the Hawaiian Islands. As a funeral pyre flares, the men recall their voyages with Captain Cook. As a young man, Cook helped chart the St. Lawrence River in North America. Later he returned to search for the elusive Northwest Passage. But the men especially remember the voyages to the South Pacific, first to watch Venus pass between the earth and sun from a particular location, then to explore Easter Island where they discovered the giant stone heads! "Our captain is gone," says the clerk, "but his achievements will last forever!" (5 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-59 LA SALLE (1634-1687): TAMING THE MISSISSIPPI
This scene opens as a French hunter, settler, and carpenter complain about the miserable time they are having as would- be settlers in La Salle's expedition. LaSalle and a trapper friend enter and try to make the men feel better by comparing present hardships to those suffered on other journeys. They talk about earlier Mississippi river explorations: the hunger, the alligators, the Indians, the discouragement, and travelling back to New France against the river's current. But they also remember, with pride, the placing of a cross on the riverbank as they claimed the land in the name of Louis XIV, King of France and of Navarree. The three settlers are not impressed; they make plans to kill LaSalle, take his supplies, and continue on their own. (5 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-60 CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS (1451-1506): DISCOVERER OF A NEW WORLD
Christopher Columbus, back in Spain after his long and famous voyage, visits a monastery to thank the monk for his prayers. Two brothers, Bartholomew and Diego, join them and are eager to discuss the voyage from beginning to end. Each of Christopher's three ships had a surgeon and supplies to last a year. Cooking was done in a cook-box set on a bed of sand. Christopher's mission had always been to discover a new route to India and to spread Christianity, "the true religion!" On this voyage he believed he had found the islands off India, and felt the natives there would be easily converted to Christianity. And, even though the sailors were close to mutiny just before land was sighted the voyage had been a success. (4 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-61 MARCO POLO (1254-1324): CHINA ADVENTURER AND AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
Venice and Genoa are at war. Marco Polo has been captured and thrown into jail. He sits in his cell with writer, Rustichello, telling of his incredible experiences in China. Rustichello writes the stories down. Polo tells of a desert crossing which took thirty days, of visions of water and trees where there was only sand, and of lost lives. When Khan sends an escort, the Polos are finally welcomed to his world. It has taken three and a half years to get there. Polo describes Khan's systems for money (paper!), messages (these could be received 300 miles away within 24 hours!), and bathing (daily!). Soon Rustichello's book on Polo's adventures will be ready. All the world wants to know about the wealth and wonder of the East. (4 Readers )
Script length: 9 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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I-62 CHAMPLAIN (1567-1635): THE FATHER OF NEW FRANCE
Champlain is on his way to prison. Accompanied by a Frenchman, an Englishman, an Indian, and a guard. Champlain has crossed the ocean over twenty times, and his travelling companions are eager to hear his stories. In the early days of Champlain's explorations, he spent cold winters in Nova Scotia on the Bay of Fundy setting up a trading post for furs. Later, he named "Kebec" (Quebec) from an Indian word and built a fort there. Eventually, he explored the Ottawa River, Lake Nipissing, the Georgian Bay, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior. He charted the land, hoping settlers would flock to Canada. But the war between England and France is landing him in jail. All agree they have been honoured to share his company. (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-1 RUTH: A Story About Love
A reader script based on the Book of Ruth. Naomi's husband and two sons are dead. She decides to leave Moab and return home. Naomi insists her two daughters-in-law, Orpha and Ruth, remain in Moab near their own parents, but Ruth begs to accompany Naomi back to Bethlehem. She does, and the love story begins! Ruth meets Boaz in the barley fields, follows Naomi's good advice concerning the findinf of a suitable husband, weds Boaz, and ultimately gives birth to a son who later becomes the great King David! (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-2 DAVID AND GOLIATH: A Story About a Shepherd and a Giant
A reader script based on I Samuel 17. The Philistines are camped on one side of the valley and King Saul and the Israelites are camped on the other side. Young David pays a visit to the Israeli camp. He brings a gift of food from his father, Jesse, and hopes to spend a few moments with his brothers who are soldiers in the camp. Little does he know he will soon be a hero! The giant Goliath approaches, then challenges, defies, and insults Israel. What's a young shepherd to do? The rest is history. (7 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-3 JONAH: A Story About Jonah and the Whale
A reader script based on the Book of Jonah. God commands Johan to go to the great city of Nineveh and tell the people He plans to destroy them because of their wicked ways. Jonah hears the command and runs - in the opposite direction! He buys his way onto a ship headed for Tarshish and God is not pleased. God creates a great storm and the ship is about to sink when Jonah is thrown overboard in an effort to make amends. Needless to say, thanks to a very big fish, Jonah is transported to dry land and finally obeys God's command. In the end, the city is saved! (7 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-4 MOSES 1: A Story About a Baby in a Basket
A reader script based on Exodus 1 and 2. Pharaoh decided there are too many Hebrews in Egypt and commands Shiphrah and Puah (the Hebrew midwives) to kill all Hebrew male babies at birth. The two midwives outsmart Pharaoh, but he soon issues a new command which, he believes, all the people must obey. Pharaoh's assistant helps spread the command throughout Egypt: "Every newborn Hebrew son shall be thrown into the Nile River!" Miriam obeys the command and places her newborn brother in the Nile, but puts him in a reed basket coated with tar. The Princess of Egypt finds the basket floating in the river, decides to keep the baby herself, and names her new son Moses! (9 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-5 MOSES 2: A Story About Manna, Meat, and Water
A reader script based on Exodus 16-17. Moses and Aaron have led their people out of Egypt, but most of the people are angry, defiant, and indignant. They are hot, hungry, thirsty, and losing faith in their leaders' ability to keep them alive in the desert. Moses announces that God will send bread and meat, but when the manna and meat appear, the people take more than their share and are punished when the extra manna goes bad and becomes inedible. Still, God takes care of His people. He sends Moses to Mt. Horeb where Moses strikes a rock with his staff and water gushes forth. The Israelites continue to wander the desert for forty years and are dependant on God for their direction, their manna, their meat, and their water. (6 Readers)
Script length: 4 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-6 ABRAHAM AND ISAAC: A Story About the Offering of Isaac
A reader script based on Genesis 22. Abraham is commanded to go to the land of Moriah, climb a special mountain, and bring a specific gift for God himself. The command is a test of Abraham's faith and obedience. He approaches his son, Isaac, and tells him about the journey they must take. The narrators of this reader script comment, "Abraham isn't telling Isaac EVERYTHING God said." Of course, he isn't. Isaac is going to be sacrificed! Isaac accompanies his father to the top of the mountain while the narrators watch and worry. To the narrators' great relief, Abraham passes the test, Isaac lives, and Abraham's descendants are incredibly blessed. (5 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-7 KING SOLOMON: A Story About a Wise King
A reader script based on I Kings 3 and II Chronicles 1. King David dies and his son, Soloman, becomes the next king. One night God appears to Soloman in a dream telling him to ask for anything he wishes and God will grant his request. Solomon wishes for an understanding heart and a wise mind so that he may properly govern the people of Israel. God is so pleased with the wishes that he grants them and also gives Solomon riches, fame, and a long life. Solomon's heart and wisdom are soon called to the test when two young women come to him seeking a decision about which is the true mother of a newborn baby. A sharp sword and a revelation are involved in the outcome! (7 Readers)
Script length: 3 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-8 GIDEON: A Story About Gideon's Victory
A reader script based on Judges 6 and 7. God gave the Israelites the Promised Land, but they forgot their God, so He allowed the Midianites to rule. One day Gideon goes to thresh some wheat and is approached by an angel. The angel greets him as a mighty soldier and says, "I am the angel of the Lord and I am sending you to save Israel from the Midianites! Gideon doesn't believe what he hears, but is finally convinced. He gathers 32,000 men to fight the Midiantes, but this is too many men! Gideon and the angel find a unique way to pare the number of fighting men to 300, then march forth to fight the most famous "non-battle" in history. (4 Readers)
Script length: 5 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-9 JOSEPH: A Story About a Coat of Many Colors
A reader script based on Genesis 37. Jacob prospers and has twelve sons. He does not, however, treat all his sons equally. His favorite son is Joseph and the other sons are quite aware of Jacob's favoritism. Joseph not only receives the gift of a spectacular colored robe from is doting father, he also annoys his brothers by interpreting his own dreams to suggest that someday his brothers will bow down before him. The brothers rebel by stealing the robe and throwing Joseph into a dry well, then selling him to a group of traders heading for Egypt. Years later, of course, Joseph becomes the means of rescue for his brothers and they do bow before him, just as he had dreamed. (8 Readers)
Script length: 6 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
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B-10 DANIEL: A Story About Daniel and the Lions
A reader script based on Daniel 6. Although Daniel had been taken from his home country when he was a young man, he never forgets his God. He prays to God regularly, three times a day. Because of this, God gives Daniel a place of honor in a foreign land and he becomes a favorite of King Darius. Daniel's special status angers the king's governors. The jealous governors talk the king into proclaiming a new law: No person is allowed to request anything from any god or man except from the king himself! Anyone breaking this new law will be thrown into a pit of lions. Daniel, of course, continues to pray to God as he has always done and , to the governors' delight, is thrown into the pit. God sends an angel to shut the lions' mouths and Daniel survives. The king is elated! The governors are not. (7 Readers)
Script length: 4 pages of reading text. View sample pages HERE.
