Curious Life of Hannah Noble

By Toni Grace Hale

"She tumbled and arched to a standing position--still the silk ribbon danced."Hannah's stories are full to the brim with adventures into the unknown, experiments gone awry, animal friends that speak human, and a creature that causes chaos. But best of all are her delightful friends she meets along the way who always try their personal best.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781645159872

Book preview

T here she is, there she is! screeched a clever seagull named Sky to his fellow feathered friends. Sky flew out of the white billowy clouds, tilting his wings back and forth in a bird hello, then playfully swooped down over Hannah’s head causing her to duck.

What a silly bird. Hannah giggled as she sat with her long slender legs folded crisscross applesauce on the soft green lawn. Suddenly she shoved her arms up over her head and shouted, It’s my birthday today!

Surprise! Surprise! yelled her friends as they raced toward her with rainbow-colored gift bags flying behind them.

Grandmother chuckled and joined in the birthday fun with a loud shout of her own, Hip, hip hooray for Hannah!

Hannah cringed from all the sudden attention, burying her head deep into her three-foot-long cuddly toy alligator so no one could see how red her face glowed. The gator was a birthday gift from her daddy and it didn’t have a name yet. As she lifted her face from its soft green body, everyone held their breath.

With a sly smile on her lips, Hannah yelled, Allie! that’s her name! She then pushed her arms straight out and danced Allie in a circle with its floppy head and tail swishing back and forth. Hannah dizzily collapsed on the grass all sprawled out on her back with Allie lying across her tummy, dreamily looking at the fading sun.

Suddenly, much to Hannah’s delight, the glow of lightning bugs filled the night air. She jumped up and shouted, Let’s go get them! The children happily raced into the night trying to catch the magical blinking bugs, then releasing them to fly again only to catch them again and again. All of a sudden Hannah came to a quick stop and dropped to the soft grass as her friends plopped down beside her. Gazing up at the starry night sky, they listen to the noisy chirping cricket’s song that pierced the night silence. What a bodacious day this has been, thought Hannah. All at once a huge yawn escaped from Hannah’s gaping mouth before she could cover her mouth for good manners sake.

Her birthday had come to an end and with sleepy children in tow, family and friends waved goodbye.

Time for bed, declared mom to the very sleepy birthday girl.

Hannah was tucked into her cozy bed with a goodnight prayer and cuddly Allie wrapped tightly in her arms. Soon, happy dreams took over her sleep. Dreams of giant frosted cookies, mountains of chocolate ice cream, and funny games with friends.

* * * * *

The next morning came with a bright sunbeam racing across Hannah’s bedroom floor waking her from foggy dreams. With sandy eyes and uncombed hair, Hannah ran outside to sees if her home was still decked out with the brightly colored ribbons from her party. Hannah’s eyes crinkled up with happiness as she saw that everything was still in its place. Yes, yes, even the birthday banner is still up!

Hannah turned around. There stood Daddy grinning as he bent down face-to-face with Hannah saying, Hey little muffin, we need to take this banner down today. Then Daddy swiftly hoisted her onto his strong shoulders causing her to squeal. To his surprise Hannah made fast work tearing the banner down, balling it up, and tossing it into the trash can.

Looking around, Hannah spied her mommy out of the corner of her eye. Mommy, Mommy, may I keep the ribbons, P-L-E-A-S-E? Mommy nodded yes with a big knowing smile. She knew most likely the colorful ribbons would be tied to Hannah’s doorknob or used as a bow for one of her stuffed animals. Then suddenly, with one quick movement, Mommy pulled Hannah into her arms, patting her sun-streaked golden hair, and softly whispered, I love you, little one.