Welcome to the Guelph Public Library's Pajama Rama,
brought to you by the children's department at the main library.
My name is Ben Robinson.
And today, I'll be sharing one of my favourite stories for you for bedtime, so let's get started.
Today's story is "Instructions" by Neil Gaiman.
[starts reading]
Say "please" before you open the
latch, go through.
walk down the path.
A red metal imp hangs from the green
painted front door, as a knocker,
do not touch it; it'll bite your fingers.
Walk through the house. Take nothing. Eat nothing.
However, if any creature tells you that it hungers, feed it.
If it tells you that it is dirty,
clean it.
If it cries to you that it hurts, if you can, ease its pain.
From the back garden you'll be able to see the wild wood.
The deep well you walk by leads to Winter's realm; there's another land at the bottom of it.
If you turn around here, you can walk back, safely; you will lose no face.
I will think no less of you.
Once through the garden you will be in the wild wood. The trees are old. Eyes peered from the undergrowth.
Beneath a twisted oak sits an old woman. She may ask for something; give it to her.
She will point the way to the castle.
Inside it are three princesses. Do not
trust the youngest. Walk on.
In the clearing beyond the castle the 12 months sit upon a fire, warming their feet, exchanging tales.
They may do favours for you, if you are polite.
You may pick strawberries in December's frost. Trust the wolves, but do not tell them where you are going.
The river can be crossed by the ferry. The ferryman will take you.
(The answer to his question is this: if he hands the oar to his passenger, he will be free to leave the boat.
Only tell him this from a safe distance.)
If an eagle gives you a feather, keep it safe.
Remember: the Giants sleep too soundly; that witches are often betrayed by their
appetites;
dragons have one soft spot, somewhere always;
hearts can be well-hidden,
and you betray them with your tongue.
Do not be jealous of your sister: 
know that diamonds and roses are as uncomfortable
when they tumble from one's lips as toads and frogs: 
colder too, and sharper, and they cut.
Remember your name.
Do not lose hope - what you seek will be found.
Trust ghosts. Trust those that you have helped to help you in their turn.
Trust dreams.
Trust your heart, and trust your story.
When you come back, return the way you
came. Favours will be returned, debts will be repaid.
Do not forget your manners. Do not look back.
Ride the wise eagle (you shall not fall).
Ride the silver fish (you will not drown).
Ride the gray wolf (hold tightly to his fur).
There is a worm at the heart of the tower; that is why it will not stand.
When you reach the little house, the place your journey started, you will recognize it,
although it will seem much smaller than you remember.
Walk up the path, and through the garden gate you never saw before but once.
And then go home. Or make a home. Or rest.
[end of story]
Well thanks for joining us!
If you enjoyed these stories, be sure
to join us every Tuesday and Friday
morning at 10:30 am in the main library
children's department for our weekly story times.
Full event details are available at www.guelphpl.ca!
Until next time...
keep on reading!
