Emma skipped through her living room in Jacksonville, her pigtails bouncing. "It's time for our reading adventure, Jacob!" she giggled. Jacob, her big, fluffy cat, just yawned, showing off his pink tongue. He loved listening to Emma read.
Today, Emma was reading about a magical castle. "This castle sounds amazing," Emma whispered to Jacob. "I wish we could visit!" Suddenly, the room filled with bright light. When the light faded, Emma gasped! She was in the castle from her book!
The castle walls shimmered with every color imaginable. Gigantic flowers bloomed in the courtyard, and tiny, sparkly creatures flew around them. "Wow!" Emma breathed. Just then, a sleek black cat strutted by, his tail held high like a flag.
"Excuse me," Emma called to the cat. "This castle is amazing! Do you live here?"
The cat stopped and looked at her with bright green eyes. "Of course, I live here! This is Enchanted Castle!" he said in a voice as smooth as butter. Emma's mouth dropped open. The cat could talk!
"Don't look so surprised," the cat chuckled. "In Enchanted Castle, everyone can talk, even the flowers!" He bowed low. "My name is Midnight."
"I'm Emma," she said, "and this is my cat Jacob... but he can't talk... yet!"
Midnight winked at Jacob, who purred. "So, what brings you to Enchanted Castle?"
"My book! I was reading about this castle, and then *poof* here I am!"
"Ah, the magic of reading!" Midnight exclaimed. "Reading can take you anywhere! It teaches you new words and tells exciting stories!"
Emma nodded. "That's what I love about reading!"
Midnight led Emma through the castle, showing her enchanted gardens and talking portraits. He introduced her to a friendly dragon who loved to play hide-and-seek and a mischievous pixie who could make himself invisible.
"This is the best day ever!" Emma laughed. She learned so much about the castle from Midnight. She even learned that Midnight loved to eat fish, just like Jacob!
Suddenly, Emma remembered Jacob, who was napping under a sunbeam. "Oh no, we need to get back home!"
Midnight nodded. "The magic of the book will take you back. Just close your eyes and think of your home."
Emma hugged Midnight goodbye. "Thank you for the amazing adventure!" She closed her eyes and thought of her living room in Jacksonville.
*Poof!*
She was back in her living room, with Jacob purring beside her. The book lay open on the floor, the castle on its pages shimmering faintly. Emma knew she'd never forget her trip to Enchanted Castle and the talking cat named Midnight.
"Time for bed, Emma!" her mom called. Emma snuggled into bed, her head full of magical creatures and talking cats. Reading truly was magical!
