Once upon a time, there was a girl named Lizzie who loved going to school and playing with her friends. However, there was one part of school that she really didn’t like: Reading. Lizzie thought books were boring and she would much rather spend her time playing.

Today was Library Day at school and Lizzie was not looking forward to it. On Library Day, her class went to the school’s library and everyone picked out a book to read. There were lots of comfy chairs and pillows to read on and, of course, lots of books lining the shelves.

After her class arrived at the library, they were introduced to the new librarian, Mrs. Johnson. Mrs. Johnson asked everyone to look through the shelves and to pick out a book to read. Lizzie didn’t want to read, so she decided to be sneaky instead.

While all her classmates were taking books off the shelves to read, Lizzie hid behind a row of books. She quickly got bored sitting by herself, but she figured that it was still more exciting than having to read.

However, it didn’t take long for Mrs. Johnson to find her and Lizzie grew worried that she would get in trouble. Mrs. Johnson didn’t look mad though. Instead, she looked a little confused.

            “What are you doing, Lizzie?” She asked in a soft voice, “Do you need help finding a book?”

            Lizzie sighed, “I don’t like reading. Books are too boring, and I’d rather play with my friends or toys instead.”

            Mrs. Johnson grew quiet and seemed to think for a moment. She looked around at the bookshelves surrounding them, before reaching and plucking out a book.

“I’m sorry you think reading is boring, but maybe you’ve just been reading the wrong books,” She said with a smile as she placed the book into Lizzie’s hands.

            “You know,” She went on, “Some people say reading is a lot like magic. It gives you the ability to travel to different worlds and to make friends with different characters. All you have to do is pay attention to the words on the page and your mind does the rest.”

Lizzie listened to Mrs. Johnson as she talked and watched as she stood up, giving her one last encouraging smile before walking away. Lizzie’s gaze then fell onto the book and, after a moment of hesitation, she opened it.

As soon as Lizzie started reading, magic started to swirl around her. In the blink of an eye, she was transported to a new world and was soon face to face with three beautiful princesses.

            “Hello brave Knight,” The princess in the pink dress greeted Lizzie, “Have you come to help us?”

            Lizzie was shocked for a moment, but it quickly turned into excitement as she nodded to the princesses.

            “Excellent,” The princess in the purple dress said, “I’m afraid our magic mirror was stolen by that greedy red dragon last night. Will you journey to his lair and return our mirror to us?”

            “Of course!” Lizzie smiled, ready for an adventure.

After the princesses pointed Lizzie in the right direction, she started walking along a winding path. She soon came across an opening of a large cave. The princess in the green dress had explained that the big red dragon loved stealing treasure and kept it all to himself in his lair.

The princesses had warned Lizzie to be careful because the dragon didn’t like anyone touching his treasures. Standing before the opening of the cave, Lizzie grew nervous. However, she reminded herself that, in this world, she was a brave knight!

With a sudden rush of bravery, she crept into the cave.

Lizzie gasped as she soon came across the dragon and his piles of treasure. She withdrew her sword just as the dragon noticed her presence.

            “Who dares disturb me!” He roared, “Have you come to steal my treasure?”

            Lizzie replied, “I only wish to take back the magic mirror you stole. I don’t wish to harm you. If you give me the mirror, then I’ll be on my way.”

            The dragon huffed, “Fine. Take the mirror. I’ll just steal it back anyways.”

            The dragon brushed the piles of gold and jewels with his tail, revealing the mirror underneath the top layer. Lizzie quickly grabbed the mirror, but paused before leaving.

            “Why do you steal things?” Lizzie asked the dragon.

            The dragon growled, “I don’t steal things. I steal treasure. It keeps me company.”

            Lizzie thought for a moment, “Don’t you have any friends to play with?”

            “No!” The dragon turned away from Lizzie, “Friends are boring. Treasure is never boring. Don’t you see how it glitters and shines?”

            Lizzie suddenly remembered the words that Mrs. Johnson spoke to her. She felt sorry for the dragon as the cave did seem lonely and dark.

            “Maybe you just haven’t met the right friend,” She said with a small smile on her face.

Lizzie decided to teach the dragon how much fun playing with friends can be. Luckily, the dragon had a few sparkly toys in his collection of treasures and soon they were having so much fun that Lizzie forgot all about the magic mirror and the princesses. 

            "Oh!" Lizzie exclaimed, "I should return the mirror before the princesses worry."

            "I suppose," The dragon agreed, "Thank you for playing with me. I will return these treasures to their rightful owners as long as you promise to come play with me again."

Lizzie happily agreed and began the journey back to the princesses.

            "Thank you for returning our magic mirror!" The princess in the pink dress exclaimed as Lizzie gave it to her.

            "You're welcome," Lizzie smiled, "The dragon isn't mean or evil. He's just lonely and didn't realize how much fun playing with friends could be."

            "I'm very glad you made a new friend," The princess in the purple dress said, "Would you like to go on another quest? There is a certain berry we need to make the King's favorite dessert but they only grow in..."

            Lizzie grew confused as the princess's words faded away and was replaced by a familiar voice calling her name.

            "Lizzie!"

            "Lizzie!" The voice called out again and suddenly Lizzie was back in the school library.

           Mrs. Johnson was standing beside her and had a smile on her face when Lizzie looked up from the book.

           "Library time is over," She explained, "Did you like the book?"

           Lizzie smiled as well, "I did. You were right, Mrs. Johnson. I can't believe I ever thought that books were boring."

           Mrs. Johnson chuckled, "Would you like to check that book out?"

           Lizzie nodded. As they both walked to the front desk, Lizzie looked at all the books lining the shelves. She couldn't help but wonder what other adventures they held.