DUO: LARA AND SARA

INTRO

Hi guys! This book tells us about two girls: Lara and Sara. These two girls are twin sisters and they are about 13 years old. They are very kind and caring. But that’s the only thing common in them... Their personalities are completely different. So let’s read something more about them.( a value is taught at the end of every chapter, for the betterment of people and  a dictionary is given at the end of the book to increase vocabulary)

 

LARA

A sunny and adventurous girl.  She is cheerful but very adamant and a big sleepyface. She wants to be referred as ‘Lara: the queen of adventure’.

 

SARA

A calm and sincere girl.  She is caring, sweet and helpful. But she also cries frequently. She wants to own 100 libraries.

 

 

 

BOOK NO 1: THE SCHOOL TRIP

CHAPTER 1: AT HOME

“Laraaaaaaa!!! Wake up! It’s seven o’ clock.” Shouted mummy. Lara slowly got up and brushed her teeth. By the time, Sara had finished packing her bag. The girls thought that it was a normal day; little did they know that something exciting waited for them. Lara and Sara then sat for breakfast.

 “Mummy,can I get one more slice of plain cheese?” asked Sara. “Here you go”, said mummy, handing the cheese to her. “Hey Sara, why do you want that plain, boring cheese? Why don’t you try peppery cheese with tangy sauce? It’s amazing!”Said Lara. “Nope, I prefer it plain, it is better”, said Sara.

“Girls, everyone has different opinions. Nothing can be judged as inferior or superior. Now c’mon finish your breakfast and go to the bus stop. Your bus will be there any minute now”, said mom. “Yes mom”,said the girls. Then they quickly ran to the bus stop.

VALUE: Guys! Did you understand what this chapter teaches us? It teaches that everyone has different opinions. Nothing is superior or inferior.

 

CHAPTER 2: IN THE SCHOOL

“Anna - present

Ben - present

Calie - present

Dick - present

George - present

Jazzy - present

Lara - present

Oliver - present

Penny - present

Sara - present

Xavier - present

Zelda - present .” Miss Rosie, Lara, Sara’s class teacher read out the attendance list.

“Great! All are present today.”She said. “We have got a surprise for all of you.” “A surprise?” “Which kind of?” “It is so exciting” “Are we going somewhere?” muttered the enthusiastic children. “Quiet down kids. We have planned a one day trip for you”, Said ma’am.

VALUE- Attend Schoolregularly. Many surprises might be waiting for you.

CHAPTER 3: WHERE TO GO?

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to decide the place...” said ma’am as her voice slowly faded out. “ So now it is upon you to decide it. We can either go to the adventure park or to the museum. So those who want to go to the museum, raise your hands up.” She said.

      Penny, George, Dick, Calie and Sara raised their hands. “Now for the adventure park.” Lara, Jazzy, Oliver, Ben, Xavier, Zelda and Anna put their hands up this time. “Well, it’s decided then.. “ We are going to the adventure park.” Everyone shouted before the teacher could finish. Rosie ma’am went to enquire with the adventure park people.

       Lara was pleased, but Sara was reluctant. She was very particular about going to the museum. But Sara, being a well mannered and good natured girl kept it all to herself. She didn’t want to keep complaining and spoiling others’ mood.

 Then ma’am came and announced, “You all will get your lunch at the adventure park itself. We all will go there by one of our school buses. Then we will be welcomed there by some of the hosts. Then we will play in the adventure rides. Next we would be provided with lunch. Then we can play in the water rides.” The teacher explained. “And your parents had been informed about it earlier itself. We requested them not to share it with you as there would be no surprise...”she said. “yess !  The kids shouted.                                             VALUE – Respect others’ feeling as well.

CHAPTER 4: THE BUS JOURNEY

      Cheerful shrieks and loud cries buzzed around the class. After a minute or two, there was a soft knock on the door. It was the bus driver, who was going to take them to the park. “C’mon kids, what are you waiting for? Rush out and hop on into the bus.” He said.

         Rosie ma’am took out her attendance register and kept it in her handbag. “All set?” she asked. “Yes” was the chorus answer.Well, all except Calie, a girl who was wheelchair bound as she had met with an accident when she was young. She was scared that how and what would she do in the adventure park, sitting in a wheelchair.

          Sara saw the dejected Calie and rushed to her aid. “Calie, I understand. It is tough for you. But with friends around like us, you have nothing to worry about. We will help you out with it. Even I am scared, but if we try nothing is impossible.” Said Sara. “You are right, but what if I faint?” Calie asked. “You won’t. Nothing is impossible. The word impossible itself says ‘I’m possible.’” “You are right. I will give it a try.” Calie said.

       “Let’s play atlas.” Said Xavier, one of their classmates.  They got divided into two teams. Team 1- Anna, Dick, George, Lara, Xavier and Zelda. Team 2- Ben, Jazzy, Calie, Sara, Oliver and Penny.

VALUE- Help others and care for their feelings.

CHAPTER 5: ATLAS GAME AND REACHING THE PARK

 

“Sweden” “New York” “Korea” “Asia” “Antarctica” “Africa ....................  it kept on continuing and continuing. Both the teams were equally good and brilliant. So finally it was a tie between the two teams.

     “Kids have your snacks and juices. We are not allowed to take them inside and we are nearing the park.” Madam instructed. “Want some sandwich?” “Hey, how is my lemonade?”  “I would prefer some cake.” “Your food is very delicious.” This kept echoing through the bus.

Lara went to Sara and asked, “Hey are you upset that we didn’t go to the museum?” “No no. If you guys are happy, I am too. We all have to face different experiences in life, right?” Sara said. “Absolutely.” Said Lara. They gave each other a warm hug.

        Suddenly, the driver uncle shouted, “ Kids, we are here.” “ Yayyyyyyy!” shrieked the kids. “Kids leave your bags and other provisions here. Take your water bottle if needed.  Come down and form a line. I want to take your attendance. It would be a problem if somebody is left out.” Madam said

VALUE-  Think and care for others’ feelings too. Be kind in action as well as in words.

 

CHAPTER 6: ENTRY AND RIDES IN THE PARK

       “Children, we are going to go to the adventure rides first. Just inform the guide uncle. Lara, Sara and Penny can go and tell him. Be close to each other and don’t lose anyone. It is a very big spot and it wouldn’t be a piece of cake to find the lost person.” “Yes ma’am, we will take care and inform the guide uncle.” The girls said.

           On the way, Lara and Sara started to talk. “I don’t think there are any easy rides here.... Plus, I have a phobia of heights. And I have also given my word to Calie that I would help her.” Sara said.  “Why fear when Lara is here. I am not afraid of anything. I, you and Calie can stay together. I will help you overcome your fear.” Lara said.

        Even Penny was very bold. She also promised to help Sara and Calie. Soon they informed the guide and returned to their class and teacher. “Ma’am, can we take the giant wheel first?” the kids suggested. “Sure kids .Lara, Sara and Penny, when will the guide come?” Ma’am asked. “He is on his way.” Penny replied.

        Soon, the guide came and introduced himself in front of the teacher and the class. He also gave the kids a small piece of information about the place. The kids were very attentive. Then it was the best part.... The giant wheel!!!

VALUE- Be helpful and bold. Being attentive is also very important.   

 CHAPTER 7: THE GIANT WHEEL AND THE OTHER RIDES

 

       Then the guide and madam led the children towards the first ride of the day.... The giant wheel! The kids were very excited. What they had always craved for to their parents was finally going to come true. “Kids, seat yourself properly. If you don’t, it can be risky.” said the guide “Ok” they responded.

They all settled down properly in the giant wheel. Only Calie was waiting on the floor, unsure what to do. “C’mon, plunge in. You, Sara and I can sit together.” Lara cried. “But....” Calie said as her voice trailed off. “No ifs and buts. Come in right now.” She said as she quickly jumped down, pulled her inside and made her sit near them.

         Even Sara was a little bit scared. But she hid it, as she wanted to give more willpower to Calie. “Sara, Calie I am contented that you both have overcome your fear and you have joined me. Luck will be by our side, don’t worry. I hope you have heard the famous proverb- fortune favours the bold.” Lara cried. “Ye...” Just as they were about to reply, the wheel started. The girls clutched each others’ hand tightly and enjoyed the ride. It was scary but together, facing it was fun. They then together enjoyed other small rides such as merry go round, mini roller coaster, etc.

VALUE- Be courageous and help people who are scared.

CHAPTER  8: LUNCH AND A SURPRISE

 

          After all the rides, the students had become very hungry. “Children, its lunch time. Come in a line with us to the dining hall.” The guide said. It was a buffet lunch. “I will go with a wrap.” Said Anna. “Me, a burger.” Said Jazzy. Twins Xavier and Zelda had an allergy to cheese and tomato, so they had packed their own lunch with them. Sara had a pizza and Lara preferred a lasagne.

            “Sam!?!?!?!” suddenly Oliver yelled. He was generally a silent and shy boy. He spoke very less, but whenever he did it dragged a lot of attention. So everyone turned to see him. He pointed towards a boy of about the same age. Oli shouted back the boy and embraced Oliver.

It was Sam, their old classmate. He had left the school 2 years ago and the others were missing him quite terribly. He was very brilliant and friendly. Well all means it excluded one boy, Ben. He was always the second topper and Sam was the first. Ben’s envy had no limits. He always wanted to embarrass Sam, but never had got a chance, but now he did.

      Even the madam was very happy to see her old pupil and requested him to join the class as he had come alone to the adventure park. Ben was just about to explode after hearing that Sam would join them...

VALUE- Be friendly and truthful to all.

CHAPTER 9: WATER SLIDE& BEN’S SABOTAGE

 

      Sam was the same cool, intelligent boy; he had not changed even a little. He was very cheerful and everyone was talking to him. Ben was becoming more jealous second by second. “Students, has everyone finished their lunches?” “‘Yes’ was their reply. Then next they headed to the water play area.

        All the kids changed quickly and took out their floaters, swimming caps, swimming goggles and all the other stuffs that were needed. The whole class was surrounding Sam with questions. “In which school are you presently studying?” “Have you shifted your house as well?” “How is your new school?”.........He answered everyone patiently.

            Then after a few minutes, they all entered into the water pool. Ben had a plan to sabotage Sam. He would push Sam down from the slide, just as Sam would climb it. Jazzy and George were the most adventurous ones, so they climbed the slides first. Then Sam just went after them. Ben according to his plan pushed Sam, so did Sam fall, but luckily, Sara was standing right in front of the slide, so she threw a float and saved Sam. Ben acted as if he didn’t know anything whereas from inside he was burning with anger.

 

VALUE- If you try to do bad things, you will never succeed.

CHAPTER 10: BEN’S NEXT ENEMIES

        All the others were shocked at this sudden incident. Even the teacher was a bit shaken. Then after some time they came out of the pool. Lara and Sara were Sam’s good friends. So Lara called Sara and Sam to one corner of the park and said, “I am being frank to you as a friend, Sam. You should be more cautious now, because I don’t think that you fell accidentally. Ben was right behind you and I saw him snicker, when you fell.”

          Unfortunately, Ben was just standing behind a tree overhearing their talk. So now he had two more enemies in his list – Lara and Sara. He now had more plots to play tricks on both of them too. Both of the girls had a lucky locket, which was very important to them. He wanted to steal them. The class now proceeded towards the changing room.

          Lara and Sara took off their lockets, kept it on a nearby bench and went inside the changing room to change. Ben tiptoed to the bench and quickly took the lockets and put them into his pocket. Then suddenly, Rosie ma’am appeared from somewhere and said, “Ben, you are soaking wet, water is dripping all around, go change fast.” Then she guided him towards the boys changing room. He then quietly went inside.

VALUE- Keep your precious things with you always, so that they don’t get lost or stolen.

CHAPTER 11: LOCKETS SAVED!!!!!

Then Ben entered the room. But he didn’t notice Dick and Oliver, who were just standing behind him, chatting. He took the lockets out of his pocket. All of a sudden, Dick turned back to see Ben. “Oh! Hi Ben.” He said. “Hhhhi” he said in a jittery tone. He was scared that the other two boys would identify the lockets.  He put the lockets slowly back into his pocket. But Oliver had very sharp eyes, he noticed Ben putting the lockets into his pocket. He immediately asked, “Hey! I guess I saw you put something into your pocket...” Then he saw the chains sticking out of Ben’s pocket. Even Dick noticed the same...

           “Those chains look like Sara and Lara’s locket chains, don’t they?” asked Dick. “Even I think so. It does look similar..” said Oliver. Ben’s face turned white with fear. He stammered, “Yes... actually.... hmmm,  yeah.. I... I saw these fallen on the ground. So I thought that I would return it to them when I see them.”Then George joined the group and when Ben repeated his story about the lockets, he said, “Give those lockets to me, I am just going to meet them now, I have to give a message to Lara.” After saying this he snatched the lockets and rushed off. The girls were worried about the lockets, they searched for it everywhere and when George repeated Ben’s story, the girls understood that Ben had purposely taken their lockets. They shared this with Sam too.

VALUE- Observe properly and pay attention to everything.

CHAPTER 12: TALENT COMPETITION

    Then a few minutes later, everyone gathered in a nearby garden in the adventure park itself. “We are getting bored, let’s do something.” Said Calie still in her wheelchair, a bit sad that the adventures had got over, but on the other hand glad that there were no more risks to take. Others agreed that they were bored as well.

          Dick said, “Guys, I just love singing... Let’s have a musical session.” “Yes, but this is a picnic, we are here to enjoy, we can have a dance session instead...” Jazzy said. “No, let’s put up a drama, which would be entertaining.” Said Xaviar. This continued for a while. Then suddenly it struck to Sam, “Why can’t we have a talent session, instead?” he suddenly questioned. And why, everyone liked it a lot... Well except Ben, because it was Sam’s idea, of course!

          Each child had a different talent. Anna had a talent of writing with 2 hands simultaneously. She wrote everyone’s name in the sheets. Ben wasn’t willing to do anything neither was anyone to force him. Calie could imitate anyone perfectly. She imitated each of her classmate. Dick sang an amazing song..  Jazzy and Zelda danced a duet. George, Oliver, Xavier and Penny performed a drama which they had prepared on the spot. Lara, Sara also performed a melody song. Everyone enjoyed a lot.

VALUE- Each and everyone has a talent, no one should be discriminated if they are not good in either one.

 

CHAPTER 13: SAM’S TURN

   The whole time when the students were performing, Rosie ma’am and Sam kept chatting. What has he been doing since he left the school, how are his parents, where do they currently reside, is he happy with his new school, etc, were the questions from the teacher, while the latter replied to all the questions patiently.

       Suddenly Lara noticed Sam talking with the teacher and shouted, “Hey guys! We all have performed, now it is Sam’s turn, isn’t it?” There was an immediate chorus of agreement amongst the class. Everyone was interested to see their former classmate performed in front of them, well all except Ben, who was thinking how to trick Sam this time.

       Sam liked performing gymnastics on slow mellow pieces. Rosie ma’am had the exact piece of music. She gave the song to Sam. He performed spectacularly. “Bravo.” “Exotic.” “Wow.” Was the chorus.  “This is no big deal!” suddenly Ben shouted out of rage. “Moving your body on dry land is nothing. I am greater than you. I can do all the things you did now, here, in water!” He yelled. Everyone was flabbergasted! The usually quiet, moody Ben screaming like this???  But everyone was also eager to see what he was upto.

 

VALUE- Appreciate others, don’t always expect appreciation.

CHAPTER 14: BEN HAS DROWNED!!!

       He quickly put on his swimsuit and plunged in the water. The children weren’t allowed inside the deep pool, but he didn’t care about the rules. “Ben, it is not allowed for you all to go there.” Rosie ma’am yelled. But he paid no attention. He swam right to the middle of the pool. His legs hardly touched the ground.

          He first tried the front flip in the water. My! It was not as easy as he had thought it would be! Especially,for a beginner like Ben. He then tried to do back swimming and roll and flip to stand on his legs. Everything was fine until he did back swimming.

          Just when he tried to do the roll and flip, he lost his balance. His ankle got sprained inside the water itself.  He wasn’t able to stand up. “Hellllllllllllllllllllp!!!!!” he shouted. Unfortunately, none dared to go into the deep pool. No one was around and Rosie ma’am hardly knew how to swim.

          Suddenly there was a loud noise. “Hang on. I will come.” It said.  Ben was way inside the water. It was impossible for him to either get up or see who it was. He just held his hands up for whosoever was trying to lend him a hand. He was thankful for the person who was coming to help him.

VALUE- Help anyone who is in need.

 

CHAPTER 15: WHO IS THE RESCUER?

     “Hold my hand.” Shouted the rescuer. Ben could hear a somewhat blurred voice, as he was underwater. Yet, he tried to grab the person’s hand. Finally he caught hold of it. He also grabbed the hand tightly and pulled it to the steps. Relieved that he was safe, Ben was now free to think about other things.

        He now thought, who was his rescuer? He wiped his wet eyes with his hand and opened his eyes to see..... “Sam????” Ben said, in a perplexed, quiet and shocked tone. “You actually saved me? Despite the rude way I challenged you?” He said, but now in a very sorry and ashamed tone.

       “Yes. I did. A person’s life is more important than our revenge.” Sam said. “I..I..I am extremely sorry. I also want to apologise for... Just as he was about to say, Sam said, “ Pushing me into water from the slide and as Lara and Sara told me about it, stealing their lockets and you want to say sorry to them too?” He said, knowingly. “You knew it all? Still you helped me?” He asked.

     Lara was the one to step in now. “He helped you all right, but we will only forgive you when you promise not to be jealous of anyone or do something wrong to them. He did as she said. By now it was time for everyone to go back to school, from where their parents would pick them up.

VALUE: Apologise for your mistakes and be good to others.                  

CHAPTER 16: BACK HOME

     They all boarded the bus again. Rosie ma’am was glad to see Ben and Sam chatting away like old friends sitting together in the front seat. “How just one day can change the entire life of a person, isn’t it Lara?” Sara asked. “Of course.” Lara replied, smiling. The entire class had enjoyed themselves thoroughly.

        The bus driver dropped Sam in his house, which was halfway from the picnic spot and school. Finally when the bus had reached the school, everyone was happy and content to go back home. Lara and Sara found their father, whom they thought was the best, most adorable father in the entire world was standing right near the school gate.All the children started dispersing along with their parents. These two girls were glad too, to go back home and narrate the entire story to their parents. They sat in the car, and reached their home which was approximately 2-3 kilometres from the school.

             They went straight inside their room, changed,and quickly came out. Then turn by turn,they started to narrate the story to their parents, who were patient throughout and pleased with the happy ending. The generally quiet Sara too was very excited to tell the incidents. Her mother who was a writer, wrote a whole book about the incidents. That is what you have just finished reading! Hope you liked it!

VALUE: Pay attention to others’ talks as well

WORD DICTIONARY

1.    handing over- giving(chapter 1)

2.   Tangy- a sour, yet sweet and spicy flavour

3.   Inferior- greater

4.   Superior- lesser

5.   Muttered- whispered(chapter 2)

6.   Enthusiastic- energetic

7.   Quiet down- keep silence

8.   Unfortunately- unluckily(chapter 3)

9.   Faded- slowly disappeared

10.                     Reluctant- uninterested

11.                     Particular- specific

12.                     Shrieks- loud, shrill noises(chapter 4)

13.                     Cries- loud human sounds

14.                     Buzzed- crowded( people/ talks)

15.                     Chorus- agreement for something from a lot of people

16.                     Wheelchair bound- using wheelchair

17.                     Dejected- sad

18.                     Faint- unconscious

19.                     Warm  hug- to give a loving hug(chapter 5)

20.                     Provision- foodstuff

21.                     Echoing- kept on sounding

22.                     Guide- mentor, a person who leads us somewhere(chapter 6)

23.                     Attentively- carefully

24.                     Phobia- fear

25.                     Seat yourself- settle down(chapter 7)

26.                     Risky- dangerous

27.                     Craved- ask for something repeatedly

28.                     Responded- replied

29.                     Trailed off- faded

30.                     Yelled- shouted, screamed(chapter 8)

31.                     Embraced- hug

32.                     Buffet- a type of dinner in which you have to serve yourself, by moving from counter to counter.

33.                     Exclude- leave

34.                     Pupil- student

35.                     Patiently- slowly, calmly(chapter 9)

36.                     Burning with anger- very angry

37.                     Sabotage- cheat, play a bad trick

38.                     Incident- a happening(chapter 10)

39.                     Shaken- shocked

40.                     Cautious- careful

41.                     Snicker- laugh ( in a bad usage)

42.                     Plot- plan, story

43.                     Dripping- drenched

44.                     Chatting- talking(chapter 11)

45.                     Sharp eyes- good vision

46.                     Purposely- with a purpose

47.                     Imitate- repeat an action or talk of a person(chapter 12)

48.                     Amazing- exotic, awesome, marvellous, excellent

49.                     Discriminate- treat low because of a specific reason

50.                     Currently-presently(chapter 13)

51.                     Reside- live

52.                     Chorus- a same agreement from a group of people

53.                     Flabbergasted- surprised

54.                     Moody- sad

55.                     Exotic- fabulous, fantastic

56.                     Plunged- jumped, dived(chapter 14)

57.                     Dared- had the courage to do something

58.                     Hardly- little did they

59.                     Rescuer- saver(chapter 15)

60.                     Blurred- hazy

61.                     Knowingly- in a knowing manner

62.                     Boarded-  climbed(chapter 16)

63.                     Adorable- sweet

64.                     Dispersing- separating, moving out( from a crowd)

65.                     Narrator- writer, the person who narrates

66.                     Thoroughly- a lot

67.                     Approximately- almost , not exact

 

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INFORMATION ABOUT BOOK AND AUTHOR

 

Hi all! My name is AmruthaVarshini. V and I am 15 years old. I live in Pune, Maharashtra. The idea for this book was actually inspired by the books which I used to read. Some of my favourites were Geronimo Stilton by ElissabettaDami, Famous five and Secret seven by Enid Blyton, Boy- tales of childhood by Roald Dahl and many short stories which used to come in the magazines. My family and friends were also a big support. I analysed the books after reading them. So I got to know that Geronimo was mostly funny and had fantasies, famous five and secret seven were adventurous and Roald Dahl books were practical. So I wanted to incorporate all these features and also add my own spark to it. One night suddenly it struck. Why not a story with 2 twin sisters with completely different characters? I thought that this theme would make people curious to know more and I wanted children to find it interesting, informative as well as valuable. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you!!!

MAIN FEATURES:

 

v Easy language

v Simple sentences

v Teaches values and practicality

v Interesting as well as informative

v Suitable for children to read

v Introduction is given to make it easy to understand the protagonists and their characters

v Value given at the end of each chapter

v Dictionary given at the end of the story

v Short story, divided into chapters to make it easy for the readers

v Information about book is given

 

 

I hope you liked the book, please keep encouraging and supporting me... That would soon make me write more and more books and series, that you can enjoy!!!!

 

 

THANK YOU!!!!!!!