Max Marshall
Illustrator Ideogram
© Max Marshall, 2024
© Ideogram, illustrations, 2024
ISBN 978-5-0064-1645-1
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
Big House on a Snail
Max Marshall
While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.
Big House on a Snail
First edition. June 27, 2024.
Copyright © 2024 Max Marshall. Written by Max Marshall.
This book was written partially using AI content in the text and illustrations.
Description
Initially, there was a group of ants who lived in a small house deep in the forest. One day, they were faced with a big problem – their house had been damaged by a storm and needed to be moved to a new location. That’s when they met Penny, a friendly snail who offered to help carry their home on her shell. As they journeyed through the forest, the ants and Penny encountered all sorts of challenges and adventures, but they persevered with teamwork and determination. This heartwarming fairy tale teaches children about the importance of helping others and working together, while also showcasing the beauty and wonder of nature.
About the Author
Max Marshall creates stories that transport readers to far-off lands, immersing them in rich cultures and inviting them to experience the full spectrum of human emotion.
Nestled within the pages of countless masterpieces lies a writer whose name evokes thoughts of passion, creativity, and boundless imagination.
With an elegant command of language and a deep understanding of the human soul, this writer creates characters whose triumphs and struggles resonate deeply with readers of all ages. Whether exploring the complexities of love and loss or delving into the depths of the human psyche, this writer’s prose is as beautiful as it is insightful, revealing truths that stir the heart and inspire the soul.
Chapter 1: The Seven Ants
Deep in the heart of a lush forest, there lived a bustling colony of ants. Among them were two particularly industrious ants named Alex and Lily. They were a pair of adventurous souls who shared a dream – to build a home of their own.
Every day, the colony buzzed with activity as ants scurried about, tending to their duties. Some were busy gathering food, while others worked tirelessly to expand and fortify the intricate network of tunnels that made up their underground abode.
Alex and Lily, however, had their sights set on something different. They longed for a place they could call their own – a cozy nest where they could start a family and create memories together.
As they watched the other ants go about their tasks, Alex and Lily whispered excitedly to each other, imagining the kind of home they could build. They envisioned a snug little burrow tucked away beneath the roots of a towering oak tree, with soft moss for bedding and a steady supply of juicy aphids nearby.
But deep down, they knew that their dream home would have to wait. For now, they were content to be a part of the bustling colony, contributing in whatever way they could while they waited for the perfect opportunity to make their dream a reality.
Chapter 2: The Huge Snail
Alex and Lily ventured through the forest, they stumbled upon an unusual sight – a massive snail slowly making its way along a leaf-strewn path. Its shiny shell glistened in the sunlight, casting a golden glow amidst the dappled shadows of the forest floor.
“Wow, look at that!” exclaimed Lily, her antennae quivering with excitement.
Alex nodded in awe, his tiny legs carrying him closer to the towering creature. “I’ve never seen a snail so big before,” he marveled.
The snail, oblivious to the tiny observers, continued its leisurely journey, leaving a glistening trail of slime in its wake. Its name was Penny, a gentle giant of the forest who moved at her own unhurried pace.
“Hello there!” called out Alex, waving a tiny antenna in greeting.
Penny paused, her gaze drifting down to the curious pair of ants at her feet. “Well, hello,” she rumbled in a deep, rumbling voice. “What brings you two to my neck of the woods?”
“We were just exploring,” explained Lily, her eyes wide with wonder. “We’ve never seen a snail as big as you before.”
Penny chuckled softly, the sound like distant thunder rolling through the forest. “Ah, well, I suppose I am a bit larger than most,” she admitted modestly.
Chapter 3: The House in the armor
Excited by their newfound friendship with Penny the snail, Alex and Lily couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of her shell. It was not just any shell – it was a magnificent, gleaming fortress, large enough to house an entire family of ants.
“Look, Lily!” exclaimed Alex, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Penny’s shell is like a giant castle!”
Lily nodded in agreement, her antennae twitching with anticipation. “It’s incredible! Imagine if we could live in a place like that.”
Just then, an idea began to form in Alex’s mind – a daring plan that seemed almost too good to be true. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he turned to Penny and spoke in a voice filled with hope.
“Penny, would you mind if we…borrowed your shell for a little while?” he asked, his heart pounding with excitement.
Penny blinked in surprise, her gaze shifting between the two tiny ants. “Borrowed my shell?” she repeated, her voice tinged with curiosity. “Whatever for?”
Alex took a deep breath, his courage bolstered by Lily’s encouraging smile. “Well, you see, Lily and I have been dreaming of building a home of our own,” he explained earnestly. “And your shell is so big and sturdy, we thought…maybe we could live in it.”
For a moment, there was silence as Penny considered their request. Then, to Alex and Lily’s delight, she let out a booming laugh that echoed through the forest like the sound of distant thunder.
“Well, I’ll be!” she exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I never thought I’d have ants asking to move in with me! But you know what? I think it’s a splendid idea.”
With Penny’s blessing, Alex and Lily wasted no time in making themselves at home. They scurried up the smooth surface of Penny’s shell, their tiny legs carrying them to the entrance of their new abode.
Inside, they found themselves in a vast, cavernous chamber, bathed in a soft, golden light that filtered through the translucent walls of the shell. It was a space unlike anything they had ever seen – a place where they could build their dreams and create a life together.
Chapter 4: Inside the Shell