Summer Creative Writing Contest 2022: ‘Library of Time’

The Palisadian-Post is running a selection of winning pieces from the 2022 Pacific Palisades Library Association’s Summer Creative Writing Contest, which featured the theme “Bouncing Back.” The following piece was penned by Reese, who was awarded third place in the third and fourth grade Jotters category.

Long ago, there was a set of twins. Their names were Rosalyn and Alexander. Rosalyn and Alexander lived in a rather large mansion in Los Angeles, near the coast. From the windows on the west side of their home, they could see the sparkling sea and the sandy shore.

In the north quarter of the house, there was a library full of all different kinds of books from biographies to fairy tales. The books were kept on carved wooden bookcases and tables, and they were all different colors. In the northwest corner of the library, pushed against a wall there was a marble statue of a rabbit on top of a 6 foot pedestal. The twins loved to play around and on it in their free time.

One day, in the summer, Rosalyn discovered a stone and a scroll under the rabbit. The scroll said that if you tap the right front leg of the rabbit three times, a door would appear in the pedestal and beyond the door was a room with a crystal globe in the center of the room. If you pressed down on one of the countries listed on the globe and said what year and city you would like to travel back to, you would travel to that place and time. When you wanted to go back to the present, tap the stone three times. You would end up in the time room again. To close the door, tap the left front leg of the rabbit three times.

She showed it to Alexander. “Isn’t the stone glorious? I can’t believe we can time travel inside our house” said Rosalyn. “I agree. It’s weird knowing that you have lived in the same house all your life and not knowing you can time travel inside it all this time” said Alexander. “You know what Alex? We have been standing here talking about time travel and we haven’t even thought about going right now! Do you want to go?” she said. “Yes!” The twins ran to the statue. Rosalyn tapped the right front leg three times. A door appeared in the marble. The twins went in.

The time room was beautiful. The walls were gold with white marble pillars. There were colorful and highly detailed paintings on the walls. There were shelves on the walls as well. They held History and Geography books. The floor was of white tile and shone like a thousand stars. In the center there was a pool with five bridges spanning it, all connecting in the middle where the globe stood. The globe itself was made of blue and green crystal and was on top of a golden, two-foot pedestal. “This is amazing!” cried Alexander. “We could do anything in here without being bothered at all!” “Don’t forget we have an adventure to go on!” Rosalyn said. “Oh. Right!” Alexander said. “I’ve been thinking,” said Rosalyn. “Do you want to go to London during 1553? It was when Queen Elizabeth I ruled. The English say she was the greatest queen there ever was!” Rosalyn exclaimed. “Sounds like the only plan we’ve got right now. Let’s go!”

So they walked over to the globe, pressed down on England, whispered London, 1553, and began their journey.

They appeared on the side of the road full of people, horses, and carriages. They were standing on a patch of green grass in the shade of a tree. Their clothes had changed too. Rosalyn was wearing a rose-colored dress with swirly gold designs on the sleeves near the wrists and on the bottom of the skirt. Pearls lined her collar and she was wearing a diamond necklace. Alexander wore brown leather baggy pants and coat, long white stockings, and black shoes with gold buckles, and not too far from them, there was Queen Elizabeth I, herself.

Queen Elizabeth I had fiery red hair and wore a beautiful blue dress bejeweled with pearls and gems. She wore jewelry made that winked in the sunlight. She was beautiful.

The Queen looked up and noticed the twins. She smiled at them. “Your Highness,” the twins said together and bowed (well, Rosalyn curtsied) “we are pleased to make your acquaintance.” “It is a pleasure to meet you. What, may I ask, are your names?” The Queen asked. “My name is Rosalyn, and this is my twin brother, Alexander.” “Rosalyn. Alexander. What wonderful names!” Then, the Queen looked up. “We must get inside. A rainstorm is on its way.” She said, “You two may have tea with me until the storm passes. Now, come along.” “We’re coming, Your Highness.” The twins followed Queen Elizabeth I through the gates and into Buckingham Palace.

When they were inside, the Queen asked for some tea to be prepared and brought to the dining room, and showed the twins around. Then they sat down to eat and drink and enjoy.

“This tea is delicious Your Highness” remarked Alexander. “Thank You, Alexander. It is green tea with mint, honey, and sugar.” “Best tea we’ve ever had. I also enjoy the scones and pastries.” They enjoyed tea with the Queen for half an hour and watched a play created by William Shakespeare before the rain stopped.

“We really must be going, Your Highness. Thank you for everything.” “I enjoyed having you today. In exchange for your kindness and manners, I gift you each a weaving. Thank you! Good bye!” the Queen said. The twins went home and had many more adventures.