Written by Aayan P. Jain
Illustration by Aahan A. Jain

One day, my friends and I were reading a book called The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. The Gruffalo had terrible claws, terrible tusks, and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws. He had knobbly knees, turned out toes and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose. He had orange eyes, a black tongue and he had purple prickles all over his back. My friends thought it was just a story, but I thought it was true.
I lived next to a forest and at night I heard strange sounds. One night, I decided to go out and find the Gruffalo. I put on my clothes and leaped out of my bedroom window. Luckily, my bedroom was on the first floor of my family’s apartment because if it wasn’t, I would’ve probably been badly injured. Anyways, I sprinted into the woods at top speed. I realised that at one point of time, I was going to get tired. So I slowed down and stopped near a tree. I leaned on the tree to rest. Suddenly I noticed some scratch marks on the tree and they looked fresh. I began to get frightened. Suddenly, an owl perched on my head and screeched, “Run for your lives! The Gruffalo is coming!” And it flew away, still screeching.
Then the strangest thing happened. A snake slithered past, followed by an ostrich, an otter, a fox, an ox, a Gruffalo, and- I froze. “Wait. Was that a Gruffalo?” I asked myself. “That’s why the other animals were running away! AAAAAAAHHHHH!! Save me!” The Gruffalo spotted me. “Help! Help! Human is going to shoot me! NOOO! Please! Don’t shoot me!” I realised it was talking to me. “Don’t worry. I won’t shoot you.” “Good.” replied the Gruffalo. “But you’re so nice. They can’t be running away from YOU.” I said. “Oh, they’re running from a lion. That lion is behind you. Let me kill it.” replied the Gruffalo. And sure enough, when I turned back, a lion was creeping towards me, its claws just about to pierce my skin. The Gruffalo grabbed the lion by its throat and lopped its head off with its sharp claws. “Whoa. That was close. Thanks, Gruff. Can I call you Gruff?” I asked. “No prob. By the way, it’s almost sunrise, maybe you should go home.” it replied. “Yeah, you’re right. Bye, dude. See you around.” I said. Then I skipped happily back home.
What a wonderful story. Written so beautifully, making it feel like it’s actually happening live in front of you!
Thank you
This looks great Aayan and Aahan !
It was a fantastic read.
This looks great Aayan and Aahan !
It was a fantastic read.
Absolutely loved it!
Amazing read Aayan! Very interesting.
Amazing read Aahan! Very interesting
This is superb ! Outstanding work !
Hey Aayan. I like your book.My favourite part is when the boy jumped out of the window!
Thanks
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I see all the ingredients of a J K Rowling in your imagination and writing, I look forward to reading more 🙂 keep writing 🙂
Interesting read…very well written Aayan 🙂 keep at it !
Very well written, Aayan and Superbly illustrated, Aahan!! Your command on the language and art of story telling is commendable! Keep shining 🙂
Very well written Aayan and Aahan. Love the illustrations too. Keep it up
Wonderful story boys – well done and keep writing!
Very well written Aayan and beautifully illustrated Aahan. Keep it up boys 👍👍
Amazing story ayaan and ahaan!
Great imagination and work.
Hi Aahan and Aayan, I liked the story and the illustration. Your imagination is quite vivid. Continue writing and keep inspiring people around you. God bless you!
Unbelievable dudes ! This is awesome writing and illustration! Blessed you both are with a rare talent …keep going 🥰
So beautifully written. Young budding writer – May you write many such more reads.
Love always
Superb work Aayan and Aahan…..really enjoyed reading it!
Hi Aayan and Aahan keep you the good work . I thoroughly enjoyed reading and both of you are truly creative and budding writers .
All the best .
Booga is so cool! Making friends in the scariest of places. Great work!
Hi Aayan and Aahan I loved reading your story you both write very well keep going strong like this
Hey there boys!
I really loved reading the little details you guys added to your story. It makes the story very interesting. Well written boys.
This is so beautiful Aayan & Aahan both in thought and expression.
Incidentally, twin boys also read and wishes you both to continue to pursue your exceptional talent in writing.
Our best!
Absolutely loved it!!