Tickle Me Monster

In a house that looks just like yours lives a little boy called Christopher. He had three sisters a mum and dad.  He had food for his tummy and a place to sleep at night. He had a room full of toys and friends to play with him but Christopher wasn’t a happy boy of four. He was glum at breakfast, lunch and tea. He  wasn’t happy at school or with his friends. His dad was worried so he tried everything he could to get him to smile.  But Christopher was just not happy!

His dad played tricks on him but it didn’t work. He told funny jokes but he wouldn’t laugh.  He dressed up as a clown and danced around. Not even a smile appeared on Christopher’s face.  His dad bought him ice cream, lollies and cakes. But nothing would work!

One day after weeks of trying his dad was tired and out of ideas. Christopher’s family was very unhappy. His sadness was contagious!. His sister Brittany was the first to go down with it, she wouldn’t play with her dolls. Next came Elise she caught it as she was going to bed. Rhiannon was the last and it happened on a rainy day. His mum was doing washing as she caught the sadness and she couldn’t smile!.

His dad started to get unhappy and found himself frowning too. But then a bright idea came into his mind. So he went and found his family all in the lounge. He said with a big smile I have a friend who would like to come and play. He’s quite harmless and great fun!

They all looked at him with their mouths turned down and said what is it dad. His smile got bigger as he gave a loud laugh and said his names ‘tickle monster’ and he loves to tickle people when they are not happy. They all looked at him and said he sounds like no fun at all. But their dad did not listen but instead rushed forward and started to tickle them all. Christopher started to giggle and the others couldn’t help but join in.  Soon the house was filled with loud laughter as Christopher and his family laughed till they cried. The sadness went away never to be seen again and the tickle monster visited Christopher’s house most days after that to keep the sadness at bay.