Maynard and the Pumpkin Seed E-Book

Caviar Mikals

• Herausgeber: BooxAi
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

Come visit the wonderful world of Maynard and his best friend Lance, two adorable little ants that you’ll love getting to know!
While playing soccer, which happens to be their favorite sport, Maynard and Lance make a startling discovery.
As they work together to understand this discovery, the two friends overcome adversity and face many obstacles. They don’t give up. They stay focused on this quest until they reach a conclusion.
No matter what age we are, whether we are young or old, we must all set goals in life.
We then carefully consider our decisions as we work towards accomplishing those goals.
Maynard and Lance were laser-focused on attaining their dream careers and didn’t let anything get them off track.
No matter what obstacles we may face, we must always believe in ourselves.
Life’s challenges will always bring out new and unfound talents that may be lying dormant within you.
Live your life to the full, keeping your goals in mind.
Maynard’s example is one we can learn from!

Leseprobe

MAYNARD AND THE PUMPKIN SEED

CAVIAR MIKALS

MAYNARD AND THE PUMPKIN SEED

Caviar Mikals

This is a children book. Names, characters, places, and the incidents either are the product of the author’s ingenuity or are used fictitiously. Any similitude to the actual persons, the living or the dead, events, or locales is entirely fortuitous and inadvertent.

Copyright © 2024 by Caviar Mikals

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, replicated, infringed or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner. For more information, address: ([email protected])

First hardcover edition February 2023

Book edited by Ans Husnain Toori

ISBN: 978-965-578-890-7

CONTENTS

Author Introduction

1. The Golden Object

2. Pick Your Profession

3. The Soccer Match

4. How do You Know You Love Someone?

5. The Show and Tell

6. They Hid in the Basement

7. The Quest for the Lost Golden Object

8. Finally, The Pumpkin

9. He Was Maynard

DEDICATION

I would like to dedicate this 1st Edition of Maynard and Pumpkin Seed to my lovely wife Reena and my Incredible Twins Da Riuz & Sa Riya. They are the heartbeat and the motivation in being an Incredible Man and Father. I want Maynard and Pumpkin Seed to be an inspiration to children of all ages around the globe. Empowering them to know that with dedication and determination, they too can achieve their life goals and dreams.

AUTHOR INTRODUCTION

Caviar Mikals is a serial Entrepreneur and Business owner who holds a Degree in Business and Finance. He is a devoted Father, Husband, Writer, Author and Philanthropist. He has spent the last 10 years writing a collection of books that have spanned across all genres from children stories to adult fiction.

Having worked in the Finance arena for over the last two decades, it has given him a bird’s eye view of the issues that our youths face on a daily basis. Caviar has traveled extensively around the United States. Those travels have bestowed upon him the perspective of different cultures and lifestyles. In these travels, writing has brought him immeasurable joy and solace.

1

THE GOLDEN OBJECT

Just a typical day in the city of Sugartown. The sun was glowing brightly, providing warmth and nourishment to all of the vegetation. If you look close enough, you will be able to see the mockings of Maynard the Ant and his best friend Lance on this day as so many that had passed. You can hear Maynard and Lance laughing as they play soccer in the local park. It was the game point when Maynard kicked the ball past the goalie’s head, who happened to be Lance.

“See Lance, I am getting good at this game.”

“I see Maynard, you are a natural David Beckham.”

“Thanks, Lance; you don’t play that bad yourself. I must admit that since I started practicing with you, my game has improved drastically. It is getting late Lance, we better head home.”

Lance jumps on his bike and shouts, “Hey Maynard, I will race you. The last one home is a rotten egg.”

Lance started pedaling fast and looked back as he passed Maynard as he jumped on his bike.

“Yo Lance, wait up.”

“You better catch me, Maynard, there is no way I am going to let you beat me twice in one day.”

The two boys swerved and raced their bikes through the path until their focus was redirected to a foreign object that Maynard noticed in the distance.

“Hey Lance, what is that?”

“I don’t know, Maynard. It looks very strange.”

“Let us go check it out, Lance.”

“I am right behind you.”

Maynard rode his bike closer to the golden object. He jumped off his bike to examine the object closely.

“Lance, what do you think it is? I have never seen anything like it. I wonder if Professor Jenkins would know. It would be awesome to take it for a show and tell on Monday. What do you think?”

“Maynard, we would be the talk of the school!”

“It looks heavy. Do you think we could drag it back?”

“Let's see how much it weighs. Hey Lance, get the right side. I will take this side.”

Both Lance and Maynard try to use their strength to raise the foreign golden object.

“Hey, I got my side

“Hey, I got my side too, Lance. I think we can carry it, but to do it all the way to our house will take too long.”

“I got an idea, Maynard. Let's tie a rope around it. Let's tie one end of the rope to your bike, I will tie one rope around my bike, and we can pedal our bikes and drag it back to the house.

“Spoken like a true engineer.”

“You know Maynard, it is all in my blood, he replied.”

“Well, let's go do it before it gets late.”

After a few trips around the object, the boys had 2 ropes secured on the object.

“You start first, Lance, and I am right behind you.”

Within minutes the boys had the object smoothly dragging behind their bikes.

“Hey Maynard, it is working. We will have it home in no time at this pace.”

“I am happy you thought of this, Lance. I don't think my muscle could have carried it such a long way. Even though I am a strong little ant.”

“Go ahead, Maynard. You are too funny.”

The boys both laugh.

“Lance, do you have room at your house?”

“No Maynard, my dad just bought some tools, and they are taking up most of the room in our shelf out back.”

“I guess that leaves my yard.”

“Maynard, you all live on a huge ranch. There just got to be some room.”

“You know, Lance we can put it behind the tree house. That's perfect, Lance. We can hold it up there out of sight until we take it to school for show and tell. That's all we need for the nosey neighbors to see it.”

“You got that right, Maynard.”

“Okay, Lance one more left, and we are on my street.”

Both Maynard and Lance pedaled fast down the last stretch of the road to get to Maynard’s house and out of sight of those who may be looking.

“Ok, let's get it around back now.”

“Perfect, we made it Lance. Did anybody see us?”

“I don’t think so, Maynard.”

“Hey, Lance, stand guard while I check the garage for my dad’s pulleys. I will be right back.”

Maynard runs to the double-car garage and raises the door. Okay, now where would daddy’s pulleys be." -He looked all around the garage, and then he thought it was probably in the toolbox on Dad’s truck.

Maynard lowered the tailgate to his dad’s pick-up, climbed up on the bed, and opened the toolbox. “Bingo, I found it. We are in business.” Maynard grabbed 2 pulleys, closed the toolbox, jumped off the truck, closed the tailgate, and ran to help Lance. He was closing the garage when he heard a voice, “Maynard, is that you?”

“Yeah, it's me.” It was Maynard’s mother, Lucinda, calling.

“What are you up to, boy?”

“Oh nothing, mother.”

“You know Maynard, it's almost time for supper.”

“I know, Mom, I will be right there, and I have one more thing to finish up with Lance.”

“Well, you hurry up, Maynard, and when you're done, get cleaned up for supper. Your dad has to work late tonight.”

Maynard yells, “All right Mom!” As he runs back to the treehouse. “What took you so long?” My mom wanted me to hurry up, so I don't miss supper.

“I understand.”

“Did you get the pulleys?”

“I have them right here.” Lance put one around the tree lamp on the deck of the treehouse. “I will hook the rope around the golden block.” Lance climbed the tree and put the pulley in place. Maynard threw the rope up in the air, Lance grabbed it and placed it firmly against the pulley. “Maynard, it's all set. Get up, and we can pull it up.” Maynard quickly climbed up to the treehouse.

“Okay, I'm in place. Let's do it on 1,2,3.” It went like clockwork, and they pulled the golden block to the treehouse with ropes.

“We make a good team. Hey Maynard, cover it up with that old blanket. We would not want anybody to notice it before we get to show it off in class. I better get home too, Maynard, before my mom starts looking for me.”

“Thanks again for your help, Lance.”

“No problem. What do you think friends are for?”

Both boys slide down the firehouse pole attached to the treehouses. Lance jumps on his bike and yells, “I will see you tomorrow in school!”

“I will see you, Lance!”

Maynard rides his bike to the garage to put his bike up.

2

PICK YOUR PROFESSION

I am all done Mom.

“Good Maynard, food is on the table. When you get washed up, we can eat.”

“It will be a minute Mom.”

Maynard entered his bathroom, and washed his face and hands. Slips off his T-shirt that got dirty dragging the golden block. He slips on a blue sweatshirt and proceeds to the kitchen.

“I am so glad that you could join us, son.”

“Hey, Jared!”

“Hey, Maynard!”

“Jared, is that any way to speak to your brother?”

“Mom, I spoke.”

“Well, you should have sounded a little happier than that.”

“Yes, Maam!”

“Well boys, let’s say grace, bow your heads, Dear Lord, bless this family, bless the father who works to support this family. Thank you for the food we are about to receive for the nourishment of our body, amen.”

“Amen! Jared says followed by Maynard.”

“It smells good, mom. What are we having?” asked Maynard.

“We're having your favorite, meatloaf and mashed potatoes and gravy.”

“Wow, that is my favorite. This will hit the spot.”

“Enjoy boys. When you finish supper, make sure you finish your homework.”

“I don't have any.”

“That’s great Jared.”

“Can I watch TV then?”

“Yes, Jared but only for one hour, then it's time to take a bath and lights out.”

“What about you, Maynard?”

“Yeah Mom, I do.”

“What is it on, baby?”

“Professor Jenkins wants us to write a report on what career we want when we finish school.”

“Do you know what you are going to do yet?”

“I am not sure yet Mom. I have a few choices. I will narrow it down.”

“Well, whatever you decide, Maynard you will be great at it. I am going to finish the laundry. You know your father Lester will go and have a tizzy if his shirts aren’t pressed for his meetings.”

“Hey Maynard, I am going to be a motocross racer.”

“That sounds like a great profession for you Jared, racing motorcycles. I see how you are always racing the other kids in the neighborhood on your bike.”

“You know brother, I love speed.”

“Well Jared, I have a lot to think about. Your TV shows are about to come on.”

“I’m finished now.”

“Go ahead, I will clean up.” Jared jumps up from the kitchen table and runs into the family room.

“Hey, Mom!”

“Yeah, Maynard?”

“We are both done with supper. I will clean up the table, then I am going up to my room to do my homework.”

“Thank you, son, you are a lifesaver.”

Maynard clears the table and loads the plates, forks, and cups into the dishwasher. He punches in the program for a light load and heads to his bedroom. Maynard searches his backpack for his five-star notebook. He lays his notebook on the desk and jots down.

“Things I want to be as a career.”

He lists first, Builder like his dad.

He lists seconds, A carpenter.

He lists third, An architect.

Maynard sits and ponders his career of choice.

My father is a builder; he works hard building the interiors of houses and builds. He does carpet, and flooring and even puts in walls and windows. But as an architect, he has the ultimate job; without his design, nothing could be built. He gets to use his imagination and see his thoughts come to life. I think that fits my personality better. I guess it is settled then- I will be Maynard, the architect. I better get to work.

Maynard pulled out his MAC laptop computer, fired it up, and waited for his internet connection. Within minutes the search engine BING.COM was displayed on his computer monitor. Maynard types “architect” in the search engine, and Bing sprung to life all types of homes from small ones to large skyscrapers, all styles and sizes were displayed. Even with futuristic versions of homes in Maynard's mind, he knew that he would have one great report to share with the class photos and all.

This internet sure saves time better than those old-time encyclopedias mom and dad grew up with.

After viewing a series of young architects and ancient ones, they all had one thing in common, passion and creativity, two of his strongest attributes. Maynard thought to himself, this is an “A” paper. Maynard had the report all typed and ready to go until he experienced a problem with his printer.

“Oh my god, what could be wrong now,” Maynard exclaimed. He quickly opened the printer to conclude that the ink cartridge was out. “Hey, mom!” Maynard yelled!

“Yes, son?”

“Can you call Dad and have him pick up a printer cartridge?”

“I will send him a message.”

“Thanks, mom. I will print it out in the morning before I leave for school.”

“Ok, Maynard get some rest. It is getting late.”

“Ok, mom.”

Maynard slipped into his black and white cowboy pajamas, slid into his bed, and was fast asleep. Somewhere between 11:30 pm and 12:00 midnight, Maynard felt the kiss of his father Lester on his forehead. Maynard rolled over groggy and noticed that it was his father standing next to him.

“Hey, Dad!”

“Maynard, don't get up. I wanted you to know that I brought the ink cartridge. Sleep tight. I will see you for breakfast in the morning.” He said while he exited his bedroom, Maynard fell back to sleep.

Maynard dreamt of how special his homes and buildings would be when he became an architect. He saw the designs of his first skyscraper made of dark purple and blue glass in the formation of ice cream lanes. People ranted and raved at all of his architectural accomplishments. He was nominated as the Architect of the Year. Anywhere you looked, there were newspaper articles and magazines with him plastered all over the cover. He was on every radio and television station giving interviews. Maynards were larger than life.

Maynard’s dream was interrupted by the aroma of piping hot chocolate covered with marshmallows flowing into his bedroom. Then he felt the tiny hands of his brother Jared shaking him. Letting him know that it was time for breakfast.

“Maynard, Maynard, wake up. Mom has breakfast ready.”

Rubbing Jared on the head, Maynard responded, “Ok little buddy, I will be right down.”

Maynard hopped off of the bed, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and descended the stairs for breakfast.

“Good morning, son.”

“Good morning, dad. Thank you for setting the ink cartridge.”

“No problem, son. Anything that helps my son excel in school.”

“I will always do my part. Thank you.”

“Maynard, have a seat. Your mother is preparing pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs.”

“That sounds great, Dad.”

“By the way, did you print your report?”

“Not yet. I will do it right after breakfast.”

“What does it concern, son?”

“Well, Dad Professor Jerkins wanted everyone in the class to report on their career or profession.”

“What did you decide on?”

“Well Dad, I like what you do as a builder and what Uncle Charlie does as a carpenter, but I was thinking of a job that works with both builders and carpenters.”

“What did you come up with, son?”

“Dad, I want to be an architect.”

“Wow, Maynard that’s an incredible job to aspire to be. I would never have planned that for you, but I am delighted to know that I had a little help in choosing your career.”

“Yeah, Dad, you are my hero.”

“Thank you, son. Here comes your mother.”

“Jared, how many pancakes do you want?”

“Mom, I will take 2.”

“Maynard, how many?”

“I will take 3, Mom.”

“And Lester, I have 5 large ones for you, the big strong man of the house.”

“Oh honey, stop,” replies Lester.

“I will be right back with the bacon and eggs.”

“Dad, can you pass the butter?”

“Coming right up, son.”

“Can I get some too, Maynard?”

“No problem Jared.”

“Jared?”

“Yes, Mom?”

“Move your fork, so you have room for your eggs and bacon.”

“Baby, that turkey bacon smells incredible.”

“Thank you, Lester.”

“Why don’t you sit down and join us, honey?”

“You know I will in a minute. I have to make sure my men are full and ready for their day.”

Lucinda grabs her plate and joins the family at the table.

“Maynard?”

“Yes, mom?”

“Did you print the report out yet?”

“No Mom, I am going to finish the last of these eggs. I will hit print on the computer, jump into the shower, and get dressed. By the time I am lacing up my new Jordans, it should be ready to go.”

“Sounds like you have gotten it figured out.”

“Thanks, mom.”

“Jared, don’t you have piano lessons this evening after school?”

“I do Mom. Will you still be picking me up from school?”

“Yes Jared, you better finish up eating so that you do not miss your bus.”

Jared gobbles down the eggs and bacon and runs to his room to get dressed.

“I better get going too honey, we have a new developer coming in with some ideas about a new mall, and they are considering our firm to do the building. Do you need me to pick up anything before I come home?”

“Nothing I can think of, Lester. If something comes up between now and then, I will send you a text message.”

Lester grabs his suit jacket from the chair, kisses Lucinda, and heads for the door.

“Goodbye boys, have a great day.”

Maynard shouts,– “You too dad! May I be excused, mom?”

“Sure, Maynard.”

Back in Maynard’s bedroom, you could hear the printer running while Maynard was in the shower. Just like clockwork, Maynard stepped back into his bedroom with his sweatshirt and jeans on and as he slipped his second foot inside his Jordans. The printer announced, “Job complete.” Maynard placed the report in a binder, slipped it in his backpack, and headed downstairs to leave.

“Mom, I am going,” Maynard announced as he left the house through the side door. He jumped on his bike and was headed to join Lance on their ride to school. Approaching Lance’s house Maynard whistled and Lance pulled out the driveway to his home.

“Good morning Lance.”

“Good morning Maynard.”

“Are you ready for your report today, Lance?”

“Of course Maynard, you know I have always wanted to be an engineer like my pops.”

“That’s good Lance.”

“What did you decide on Maynard?”

“Lance I will surprise you, we are almost at school.”

“That's cool. I like surprises.”

“Will Professor Jenkins be surprised, Maynard?”

“You know Lance he is kind of hard to figure out. But my name comes after you alphabetically, so we will see what he thinks after you give your report.”

The bell to the school sounds just as Lance and Maynard arrive, signaling that class is about to resume.

“Good morning class!”

“Good morning, Professor Jenkins.” the class replies.

“Class today is a very important day. Not to say that yesterday was not important, but today you all put into practice what type of career you want when you head off to college. You students must get focused now, for it will stay with you well into adulthood and make you just that more suited for what life has in store. With that being said, let's start with our first report, Mr. Lance.”

Lance rises up from his chair and approaches the front of the class as Maynard looks on in anticipation that he will be going next in the rotation to say the reports.