The story follows Maya, a compassionate girl who embarks on an adventure with her dog, Sam, to find a legendary magical garden where wishes come true. Upon discovering the garden, Maya makes a selfless wish for the happiness and safety of her family and village, which results in a thriving and joyful community. Through her experience, Maya learns the importance of a pure heart and the power of selflessness in making wishes.

1. NATIO
NAL
PRO
A
REA
DIN GRADE 8
THIRD QUARTER

2. THE GARDEN OF
WISHES

3. In a small village nestled between rolling hills and a babbling brook,
there was a legend of a magical garden where wishes come true. The
garden, hidden deep in an ancient forest, could only be found by those
whose hearts were pure and kind.
Maya, a curious and compassionate girl, had always dreamed of finding
this fabled garden. One sunny morning, inspired by the stories her
grandmother told, she set out on an adventure with her loyal dog, Sam.
They ventured into the forest, navigating through dense trees and thick
underbrush.

4. After hours of walking and with the sun starting to set, Maya and Sam
stumbled upon a clearing. In the middle stood a beautiful garden, filled with
vibrant flowers of every color imaginable. At its center was an old well, covered
in ivy and surrounded by fireflies that glowed like tiny stars.
Maya approached the well and saw a sign that read, “Make a wish, but choose
with care.” She closed her eyes and whispered a heartfelt wish for her family
and village to always be happy and safe. Suddenly, the garden glowed brighter,
and Maya felt a warm breeze around her.

5. Opening her eyes, she saw that the flowers had grown even more vivid
and the air filled with the sound of laughter. Maya and Sam made their
way back home, feeling a sense of peace and joy, they had never felt
before. When they returned to the village, everyone seemed happier, and
the village thrived like never before.
From that day on, Maya knew the power of a pure heart and the
importance of selfless wishes. She continued to visit the garden, always
making wishes for the good of others.

6. Questions
1. Where was the magical garden located?
2. Why did Maya decide to search for the garden?
3. What did Maya whisper as her wish at the well?
4. How did the garden react to Maya’s wish?
5. What changes happened in the village after Maya’s wish was granted?
6. What lesson did Maya learn from her visit to the magical garden?
7. Describe how the garden appeared when Maya first found it.
8. Why do you think only those with pure and kind hearts could find the
garden?
9. If you could visit the magical garden, what selfless wish would you make and
why?
10. How does the story illustrate the importance of selflessness?