Oakes Park: The Martian Child
Embark on a heartwarming adventure crafted by a group of imaginative kids during the 2014 Heaters Heroes fundraiser in Niagara Falls. This extraordinary tale revolves around a young boy who befriends Zurgg, a Martian child who unexpectedly crash lands on Earth. Join them on an unforgettable journey as they navigate the challenges of helping Zurgg find a way back home. Along the way, they will encounter new companions, forging lifelong friendships, and together they will embark on an extraordinary escapade that will leave an indelible mark on their lives. Prepare to be captivated by this enchanting story, where the power of friendship and the spirit of adventure collide to create memories that will resonate forever.
Or it's quick enough, you can read it below :)
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reviews
I just read the short story, Zurgg the Martian Child, and it was such a fun read - I really enjoyed it. I understand it was written by a group of kids who were all lined up at an annual charity event called Heater's Heroes, and I really enjoyed the premise behind the story, which was that it's a translated letter from a young boy from Mars who crash landed his spaceship. I loved that there were many interesting themes throughout this entertaining and magical story. It focused on new friendships and helping others - two great life lessons for readers of any age. From a purely creative standpoint, I very much enjoyed the writing and would encourage the young authors to keep on writing and to keep sharing their creative energy with the world. Job well done!
James Ryan, author
James Ryan, author
This is a delightful story about a martian child named Zurgg on a special mission who runs out of fuel causing his spacecraft to crash on a foreign planet. Upon exiting his spacecraft to explore the planet he notices a park called Heater's Heroes where a race is being held. He uses his magical powers to enlarge a frog, hops on him, and enters the race. He makes friends with a boy named George and a large turtle who both want to play with him and his magical frog. As they are racing through the park, they find a spacecraft Zurgg thinks can get him back home. He tries starting the spacecraft but it doesn't work. Suddenly, a lady appears and offers Zurgg some magic beans to make the spacecraft fly, if he will let her have a ride on his magic frog. He accepts her offer for the magic beans that will allow him to command the spacecraft to take him home. While he is waiting for the magic beans to take effect he teaches his new friends how to read and write Martian. Finally, Zurgg tells his friends it was the most fun filled day of his life, promises to return next year, and commands the spacecraft to take him home. Zurgg the Martian Child teaches a strong message of acceptance, tolerance, and friendship. It's definitely a children's must read and worthy cause.
5 Star Review for Zurgg The Martian Child - Janet Balletta
5 Star Review for Zurgg The Martian Child - Janet Balletta
Young Boy: Zurgg didn't leave behind a note before his extraordinary journey; he left behind an epic tale. He called it "My Story." Let me translate it for you, as I learned Martian firsthand. According to his story, Zurgg embarked on a daring exploration mission. But his spaceship ran out of fuel, stranding him in a mysterious, uncharted part of space. With his ship slowly losing speed and his rations dwindling, Zurgg feared the worst—survival and finding his way home seemed nearly impossible.
Then, one fateful morning, a gleaming star in the distance turned out to be a planet. Guided by the planet's gravitational pull, Zurgg crash-landed on its surface. As he emerged from the wreckage, a curious crowd of people gathered around him, eager to see this unexpected visitor. Strangely, despite never having been to this planet, Zurgg effortlessly understood their language.
While exploring, Zurgg noticed a sign that read, "Welcome to Oakes Park," with another sign below it that said, "Heater's Heroes today." Seizing the chance to add some Martian magic to the moment, he cast a spell on a nearby frog, causing it to grow ten times its size. Riding this gigantic frog, Zurgg joined a thrilling race about to begin. And it was during this race that he met a young boy named George, who instantly became fascinated with the extraterrestrial visitor—that's me!
After introductions and sharing their excitement, the duo stumbled upon a trail deep within Heartland Forest, where the mighty frog playfully bounded through towering trees. Hours flew by as Zurgg and George had an afternoon filled with joyous adventures, temporarily lifting the weight of Zurgg's worries about getting home. Their journey brought them to a lemonade stand staffed by an unusually large turtle. George asked if the turtle had any grapes, and to their amazement, the turtle produced a bunch of delicious green grapes. The trio settled down for a delightful picnic, and to Zurgg's delight, the friendly turtle decided to join them on their adventure.
Guided by the turtle's wisdom, they learned about a hidden ship deep within the forest that could possibly help Zurgg return to his Martian home. Determined, they set off to find the elusive vessel, racing through the woods with excitement. Suddenly, the frog halted in front of a floating board adorned with fiery designs, emitting an enchanting hum. Zurgg suspected this hoverboard held the key to his journey home, but it refused to move. Then, a mysterious woman emerged from the trees, offering a trade—vibrant red beans in exchange for the hoverboard and a thrilling ride on the magical frog.
Eager to continue their adventure, the frog agreed to carry the woman. After a whirlwind of loops and spins, she hopped off and gave them the coveted beans. She instructed them to eat the beans, promising that the hoverboard would respond after a few hours. While they waited, Zurgg taught his new friends the intricacies of his language.
Once the beans infused Zurgg with incredible power, he leaped into the air, and the hoverboard slowly soared aloft. As it ascended, Zurgg looked back, bidding his newfound friends a heartfelt farewell, promising to return the following year if fate allowed. Before leaving, Zurgg wrote this story to convey that the day he met George, the turtle, and the magical frog at Heater's Heroes in Oakes Park was undoubtedly the most extraordinary and exhilarating experience of his young life.
Investigator: Well, well, young George, that was quite a tale you shared. Zurgg sounds like an adventurous Martian! Your imagination and storytelling skills are impressive.
George: Thank you, Mr. Investigator! It was amazing, I promise! Zurgg was real, and we had so much fun.
Investigator: Oh, I have no doubt you had a wonderful time. Sometimes our imaginations take us on incredible journeys, even if they're not entirely real. That's what makes storytelling so magical.
George: But it was real, I promise!
Investigator: Well, George, I believe in your imagination and your creativity. Sometimes our brains can create amazing things, like languages or believing in something so strongly that it feels real to us. It doesn't mean it happened, but it shows how creative and imaginative you are.
George: (a bit disappointed) So, you don't believe me?
Investigator: I believe in you, George. Your parents and I are going to have a chat about your fantastic storytelling. We might even plan an event for you to share your stories with others. How does that sound?
George: (perking up) Can they come talk to you?
Investigator: Of course! We'd love to hear your parents' perspective. We can all have a good laugh together and celebrate your vivid imagination. [Later, the investigator talks to the boy's parents.]
Investigator: It seems George has quite the imagination, doesn't he?
Parents: (laughing) he's always coming up with incredible stories. We've never seen him so excited before.
Investigator: He's quite the little genius, creating a whole Martian language!
Parents: (chuckling) He's quite something. We're so proud of him.
Investigator: Let's set up a date for next week, and we'll invite everyone who wants to hear George's extraordinary tale. It's going to be quite an event! [They all look forward to the upcoming gathering, fostering George's creativity and imagination for more adventures.]
Then, one fateful morning, a gleaming star in the distance turned out to be a planet. Guided by the planet's gravitational pull, Zurgg crash-landed on its surface. As he emerged from the wreckage, a curious crowd of people gathered around him, eager to see this unexpected visitor. Strangely, despite never having been to this planet, Zurgg effortlessly understood their language.
While exploring, Zurgg noticed a sign that read, "Welcome to Oakes Park," with another sign below it that said, "Heater's Heroes today." Seizing the chance to add some Martian magic to the moment, he cast a spell on a nearby frog, causing it to grow ten times its size. Riding this gigantic frog, Zurgg joined a thrilling race about to begin. And it was during this race that he met a young boy named George, who instantly became fascinated with the extraterrestrial visitor—that's me!
After introductions and sharing their excitement, the duo stumbled upon a trail deep within Heartland Forest, where the mighty frog playfully bounded through towering trees. Hours flew by as Zurgg and George had an afternoon filled with joyous adventures, temporarily lifting the weight of Zurgg's worries about getting home. Their journey brought them to a lemonade stand staffed by an unusually large turtle. George asked if the turtle had any grapes, and to their amazement, the turtle produced a bunch of delicious green grapes. The trio settled down for a delightful picnic, and to Zurgg's delight, the friendly turtle decided to join them on their adventure.
Guided by the turtle's wisdom, they learned about a hidden ship deep within the forest that could possibly help Zurgg return to his Martian home. Determined, they set off to find the elusive vessel, racing through the woods with excitement. Suddenly, the frog halted in front of a floating board adorned with fiery designs, emitting an enchanting hum. Zurgg suspected this hoverboard held the key to his journey home, but it refused to move. Then, a mysterious woman emerged from the trees, offering a trade—vibrant red beans in exchange for the hoverboard and a thrilling ride on the magical frog.
Eager to continue their adventure, the frog agreed to carry the woman. After a whirlwind of loops and spins, she hopped off and gave them the coveted beans. She instructed them to eat the beans, promising that the hoverboard would respond after a few hours. While they waited, Zurgg taught his new friends the intricacies of his language.
Once the beans infused Zurgg with incredible power, he leaped into the air, and the hoverboard slowly soared aloft. As it ascended, Zurgg looked back, bidding his newfound friends a heartfelt farewell, promising to return the following year if fate allowed. Before leaving, Zurgg wrote this story to convey that the day he met George, the turtle, and the magical frog at Heater's Heroes in Oakes Park was undoubtedly the most extraordinary and exhilarating experience of his young life.
Investigator: Well, well, young George, that was quite a tale you shared. Zurgg sounds like an adventurous Martian! Your imagination and storytelling skills are impressive.
George: Thank you, Mr. Investigator! It was amazing, I promise! Zurgg was real, and we had so much fun.
Investigator: Oh, I have no doubt you had a wonderful time. Sometimes our imaginations take us on incredible journeys, even if they're not entirely real. That's what makes storytelling so magical.
George: But it was real, I promise!
Investigator: Well, George, I believe in your imagination and your creativity. Sometimes our brains can create amazing things, like languages or believing in something so strongly that it feels real to us. It doesn't mean it happened, but it shows how creative and imaginative you are.
George: (a bit disappointed) So, you don't believe me?
Investigator: I believe in you, George. Your parents and I are going to have a chat about your fantastic storytelling. We might even plan an event for you to share your stories with others. How does that sound?
George: (perking up) Can they come talk to you?
Investigator: Of course! We'd love to hear your parents' perspective. We can all have a good laugh together and celebrate your vivid imagination. [Later, the investigator talks to the boy's parents.]
Investigator: It seems George has quite the imagination, doesn't he?
Parents: (laughing) he's always coming up with incredible stories. We've never seen him so excited before.
Investigator: He's quite the little genius, creating a whole Martian language!
Parents: (chuckling) He's quite something. We're so proud of him.
Investigator: Let's set up a date for next week, and we'll invite everyone who wants to hear George's extraordinary tale. It's going to be quite an event! [They all look forward to the upcoming gathering, fostering George's creativity and imagination for more adventures.]