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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

With hearts brimming with excitement, Alex and Lily ventured deeper into Penny’s shell, their tiny feet dancing across the smooth, curved surface. Inside, the air was cool and fresh, carrying with it the scent of earth and moss — a scent that spoke of adventure and possibility.

“Wow, it’s even bigger in here than I thought!” exclaimed Lily, her eyes wide with wonder as she took in the vast expanse of their new home.

Alex nodded in agreement, his antennae twitching with excitement. “It’s like our own little world,” he marveled, his voice filled with awe.

Together, they explored every nook and cranny of Penny’s shell, marveling at its intricate design and sturdy construction. They found hidden alcoves and secret chambers, each one filled with the promise of new discoveries and adventures yet to come.

Outside, Penny continued on her journey, her slow and steady pace carrying her further into the heart of the forest. But inside her shell, Alex and Lily were lost in their own world — a world of endless possibilities and boundless joy.

Chapter 5: Home Improvement

Alex and Lily’s excitement for their new home only grew stronger. With each passing moment, they found themselves more deeply immersed in the joy of creating a space that was uniquely theirs — a space where they could build their dreams and create memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, armed with boundless enthusiasm and endless creativity, the two industrious ants set to work, transforming Penny’s shell into a cozy haven that reflected their own unique personalities.

First, they gathered branches and leaves from the forest floor, carefully carrying them into the shell one by one. With nimble legs and steady determination, they arranged their newfound treasures, fashioning them into furniture and decorations that brought warmth and character to their humble abode.

Next, they set about adding the finishing touches — a soft bed of moss for sleeping, a cozy corner for reading and relaxing, and even a tiny kitchenette where they could prepare meals together.

With each new addition, their home began to take on a life of its own — a place that was not just a shelter from the outside world, but a sanctuary — a place where they could truly be themselves.

And as they put the final touches on their masterpiece, Alex and Lily stepped back to admire their handiwork, their hearts swelling with pride and satisfaction.

“This is perfect,” whispered Lily, her eyes shining with delight.

Alex nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across his tiny face. “It’s more than perfect,” he replied. “It’s home.”

Chapter 6: Mobile Home

Life inside Penny’s shell was anything but ordinary for Alex and Lily. Unlike the static homes of their fellow ants, theirs was a dwelling in perpetual motion — a mobile sanctuary that carried them on a journey of endless adventure and discovery.

With Penny as their trusty steed, they embarked on a whirlwind tour of the forest, her slow and steady pace carrying them through towering groves of trees and winding pathways bathed in dappled sunlight.

From the cozy confines of their shell, Alex and Lily watched in awe as the world outside passed by in a blur of colors and shapes. They marveled at the beauty of the forest — the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, the gentle babble of nearby streams — and felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of it all.

And as Penny climbed ever higher, her shell becoming a beacon of light and laughter in the heart of the forest, Alex and Lily knew that they were exactly where they were meant to be — in motion, in harmony with the rhythm of nature, and in the company of a friend who would carry them to the ends of the earth and back again.