GRIMALKYN
THE KEEPER OF THE SPELLS
by
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Grimalkyn felt the familiar tickling in his tummy. He looked worriedly at Jack and Raven. "Do you think Araminta is going to make many spells?" he asked softly. "I wish I hadn’t eaten so much supper!" Before they could answer he gave a loud hiccup! He glanced anxiously at Araminta, but she ignored him and went on reciting. Suddenly, without warning, there was another hiccup, even louder than the first! Araminta looked coldly at him. Grimalkyn blushed bright pink under his black fur as she turned her back on him and, in a louder voice, continued her recitation. He sat very still. He simply must not hiccup again! He was afraid of what the spells would do. But he felt another hiccup coming! He held his breath, shut his eyes and concentrated. He would not let it out! He struggled in vain! The hiccup burst out and, at that moment, Grimalkyn found himself transformed into a white mouse! He looked at his tiny paws with dismay. Then another hiccup shook his tiny frame. ZOOM! He found himself shooting up towards the roof of the cellar. He was an enormous giraffe! He caught a glimpse of Jack’s astonished gaze and Araminta’s wrathful face, when ZIPP! He was a long green snake! Then PUFF! Another hiccup and he was a brightly colored Easter egg tied with a bow of red ribbon! Before he could collect himself, there was a clap of thunder, and WHEEE! Grimalkyn found that he was a roaring wind! Unable to control himself, he whistled ‘round the cellar, scattering papers, books and bottles in his wake. He blew the Raven off his perch and poor Jack closed his eyes as his candle went out and Grimalkyn sent him rolling across the floor. Then, horrors! Quite unable to stop, he blew Araminta’s hat off and, as it sailed through the air, he blew her long black cloak over her head! Shocked to the very marrow of his bones, Grimalkyn gave another violent hiccup, and BOOM! He was a large green dragon! As he tried not to step on anything, he gasped and breathed sheets of flame, which set fire to the table leg! It was burning merrily as Araminta struggled out of her enveloping cloak. White with rage, she pointed a trembling magical finger at Grimalkyn. Plop! A bewildered and terrified black cat reappeared. He dared not look at the angry witch, but he knew with relief that his hiccups had stopped.
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About the Book
Grimalkyn is sure that, if his witch, Araminta the Wise, will give him a chance, he can do everything expected of a witch's cat. But Araminta insists that he is still too young. Dreams come true! Araminta finds herself unable to keep all of her vast store of magic spells inside her head. While they are exploding around her, she decides to give Grimalkyn his first task: Keeper of the Extra Spells. Delighted with his assignment, at first Grimalkyn is conscientious; but, as time goes by, he becomes over- confident and playful. He is soon in trouble. Out of control spells cause him to disappoint Araminta and lose her trust. His punishment is to miss the Halloween celebrations. Pulling himself together, Grimalkyn realizes that he must do better. He seizes an opportunity to help Araminta. Pleased, she relents and takes him with her to the celebrations. There his adventure begins. Kidnapped by an evil wizard, he saves a fellow prisoner: only to get lost in the magic with his best friend. A host of colorful characters help them as Grimalkyn bravely faces danger and proves that he is trustworthy and courageous.
About the Author
M.M. Jay was born and educated in the U.K. She worked with the family business in art and antiques before teaching language arts to second and third graders. With a background in dance and dramatic arts, she became interested in children's theatre. Teaching at the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C., she began to write for children and created scenarios for the Beauvoir Summer Day Camp's weekly open-air productions. She joined the Little Theatre of Alexandria, Virginia and won the Floodlight Trophy. Moving to Chicago, Illinois, she taught at Roycemore School in Evanston. She now lives in North Carolina with her husband and two dogs named Mickey and Rosie.