Once upon a time, in a small farmhouse nestled among the golden fields of Kansas, lived a cheerful girl named Dorothy. She loved playing with her little dog, Toto, and listening to her aunt’s stories about faraway lands. But one windy afternoon, a great storm swept across the plains. Before Dorothy could reach the cellar, a swirling gray tornado lifted the house into the sky. When the world finally stopped spinning, she opened the door to a place unlike anything she’d ever seen. 
The grass was emerald green, the sky sparkled like sapphire, and a path of yellow bricks led toward a towering castle in the distance. A crowd of tiny people in blue hats gathered around her. “Thank you!” they cheered. “You’ve freed us from the Wicked Witch of the East!” Their leader, a kind woman in a glittering gown, explained that Dorothy’s house had landed on the witch. “To return home,” she said, “follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City. The Wizard of Oz can help you.”
With Toto by her side, Dorothy set off. Soon, she met a Scarecrow dangling from a pole. “I wish I had a brain,” he sighed. Dorothy helped him down, and he joined her journey. Next, they found a Tin Woodman, rusted stiff. “If only I had a heart,” he creaked. Dorothy oiled his joints, and he happily followed. Then, a trembling Lion emerged from the forest. “I’m too scared to be king of the jungle,” he sniffled. “Maybe the Wizard can give me courage!”
Together, the friends faced challenges. They crossed rickety bridges, dodged mischievous apple trees, and even escaped a field of poisonous flowers. When they finally reached the Emerald City, the Wizard’s booming voice echoed: “I’ll grant your wishes—if you defeat the Wicked Witch of the West!”
The witch, furious about her sister’s defeat, sent wolves, crows, and bees to stop them. But the Tin Woodman chopped through the wolves, the Scarecrow scared off the crows, and the bees stung the Lion’s metal friends instead! Enraged, the witch hurled a fireball at the Scarecrow. Without thinking, Dorothy tossed a bucket of water to save him—and splashed the witch, who melted into a puddle!
Returning triumphantly, the friends learned the Wizard was just a ordinary man hiding behind tricks. “You don’t need magic,” he said. “The Scarecrow’s clever ideas prove he’s wise. The Tin Woodman’s kindness shows his heart. The Lion bravely faced danger—that’s true courage. And Dorothy…” He gestured to a hot-air balloon. “I’ll fly you home!”
But as the balloon launched, Toto leaped out, and Dorothy stayed behind. Tears filled her eyes until the good witch appeared. “Your silver slippers can take you anywhere,” she reminded. Dorothy closed her eyes, clicked her heels three times, and whispered, “There’s no place like home.”
In a whirl of color, she found herself back in Kansas, hugged tightly by her aunt and uncle. “Was it all a dream?” she wondered, spotting Toto’s muddy pawprints—the same shade as the Emerald City’s glitter.
From that day on, Dorothy cherished every moment under the wide Kansas sky. She knew adventures were wonderful, but home was where love waited, warm and steady, like a heartbeat.
And so, dear little listener, whenever you see a rainbow stretching across the horizon, remember Dorothy’s journey. For courage, kindness, and wisdom aren’t gifts to find in far-off lands—they live inside you, shining brighter than any emerald. Close your eyes now, snuggle under your blanket, and let your own adventures begin… in the land of sweet dreams.
The end.
