Elliot and Grandpop. The search for the Monk Monk Tree!

Grandpop was sat at the dining table ready to tuck into his breakfast - a bacon butty with plenty of brown sauce. "Today is the day, Elliot!" he declared as he sipped from his steaming mug of tea. "We are going to find the Monk Monk Tree!"

Grandpop finished his breakfast and got prepared. Little Elliot giggled as Grandpop packed his metal detector and banjo into his back pack. He grabbed his packet of Fishermans friend and looked at Elliot, "Ready?". With a fresh jar of smelly homemade sauerkraut the brave pair set off on their grand quest.

They set off on the Zig Zag road to begin their journey. Grandpop made sure to check for treasure at any opportunity. He waved the metal detector side to side at all times. Suddenly the metal detector made a loud BEEPING noise! Grandpop grabbed his shovel and began to dig into the dusty ground. Clink!.... He looked down at the glistening treasure...

Grandpop adjusted his spectacles and pulled out a glass bottle. Inside was a tiny ship with sails that seemed to be blowing in the wind. Grandpop rubbed the dirt off the bottle and it began to glow a beam of light. "Look, Grandpop! The tiny ship is guiding us towards the winding river," shouted Elliot.

When they reached the riverbank they wondered what to do next.... Grandpop had an idea! He pulled out a magazine from his backpack - it was this weeks copy of The Beano! Together, Elliot and Grandpop folded the pages into a sturdy paper boat. They hopped inside and sailed downstream, guided by the tiny ship in the bottle.

The river roared as it rushed over a giant cliff and into a cave. The water had changed into a funny brown colour and there was a smell in the air that made Grandpops belly rumble! Elliot dipped his finger in the river and tasted it...."Curry?!" he said in surprise. "I wish we had some poppadoms" said Grandpop.

The boat sailed on and eventually they could see the shore appearing. As the boat began to slow down Grandpop pulled out his Banjo and strummed a funny song. Elliot clapped his hands and sang along with him.'On top of Old Smokey....'

Stepping onto the muddy shore, Grandpop turned on his metal detector again ready to discover more treasure. BEEP! BEEP! The detector started going wild, it had found something really special! The beeping got louder as they walked towards a patch of squelchy blue mud.

Grandpop dug into the mud and pulled out a rusty old spoon with a tiny zigzag carved into its handle. "Aha! This clue shows us the way!". They exited the cave into a woodland area. Pushing past the tall bushes and giant trees, they finally stood before the magical Monk Monk Tree.

The magical tree opened two sleepy wooden eyes and gave a huge, creaky yawn. "Who dares visit the Monk Monk Tree?" it rumbled in a booming voice. "To earn my treasure, you must pass my test. You must make me laugh..."

Grandpop winked at Elliot and held out his hand. "Pull my finger," Grandpop whispered playfully. Elliot gave it a tug, making a hilarious loud Trumping sound that made the tree burst into laughter! A tiny glowing golden coin dropped right in front of them. They had passed the test and won the treasure.

"Well, time to get home I think. Nan will be waiting for us" said Grandpop. Elliot nodded. As the pair arrived back home they ran into the kitchen to find Nan. "Where have you two been?!" she questioned. "I've got a big pan of scouse ready for us here." They both looked delighted. "Are there any dumpings?" said Grandpop.....