Lulu Bell and the Arabian Nights

by Belinda Murrell

  About the Book

  Lulu Bell is about to make a new friend!

  It’s Harmony Day at Shelley Beach School, and Lulu’s class is going to star in the school play. What will be the special theme this year?

  Lulu is sure that the new girl in her class will have good ideas. How can she make Amira feel welcome? The answer is a happy surprise for everyone!

  Contents

  Cover

  About the Book

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Chapter 1: Sword Fights

  Chapter 2: Feathered Friends

  Chapter 3: The New Girl

  Chapter 4: Performance Preparations

  Chapter 5: Bird Rescue

  Chapter 6: Arabian Nights

  Chapter 7: Taj

  Chapter 8: Ali Baba

  Chapter 9: Morgiana

  Chapter 10: The Feast

  Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey

  Read all the Lulu Bell books

  About the Author

  About the Illustrator

  Copyright Notice

  Loved the book?

  To the many gorgeous parents who’ve helped cook up Harmony Day feasts for our kids, especially Millie, Barb, Mel, Sarah and Kyles – thanks for being my pals.

  Chapter 1

  Sword Fights

  It was a drizzly kind of day. It was after school on a Monday and a perfect afternoon for making play swords. Lulu and Rosie Bell were working with their grandfather down in the garage. Gumpa had on a pair of protective goggles. He was using an electric saw to shape a piece of wood. Dust flew up from the whirring saw as it chewed through the timber.

  Gumpa had cut out two flat wooden blades. They were slightly curved like Arabian scimitars. He shaped the bottom end of the blade into a rounded handle, the hilt. The top end was shaped into a blunt point.

  Lulu hammered a nail to fasten a bar across the blade to make the guard. Rosie was using sandpaper to smooth the wood on one sword. Gumpa kept an eye on their progress.

  It was hard work. Sawdust drifted from the bench to the floor. Lulu had to concentrate to make sure she hit the nail straight.

  ‘Good work, girls,’ said Gumpa. He tested the guard to make sure it was firmly attached. ‘They’re just about finished.’

  Lulu used the sandpaper to smooth the hilt of her sword. Gumpa ran his finger along the blade to make sure it was blunt. He held the sword up in front of his face in a salute.

  ‘Here you go,’ said Gumpa. ‘What do you think?’

  ‘Great! Thanks, Gumpa,’ said Lulu. ‘They’re just what we needed for our game.’

  Gumpa handed her the sword. Lulu weighed it in her hand. It felt strong. Lulu used both hands to swing the sword. She swung it over her head, around, down and up again to make a perfect figure-eight shape in the air.

  Lulu grinned at Rosie. Both of the girls were wearing green velvet cloaks. ‘A perfect sword for battling ghouls.’

  ‘And evil wizards,’ added Rosie.

  ‘And at least forty bandits,’ said Lulu.

  Mum had been reading them a collection of Persian folktales called One Thousand and One Nights. Most people knew the stories as The Arabian Nights.

  Lulu, Rosie and their little brother Gus had been playing games based on some of the old stories. They especially liked ‘Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves’, ‘Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp’ and ‘The Ebony Horse’.

  ‘Well, I hope we don’t have too many ghouls around here,’ joked Gumpa. ‘I don’t need any frights.’

  ‘Let’s go and show Gus,’ said Rosie. She hurtled out the door.

  Gumpa started to sweep up the sawdust.

  ‘I’ll help you pack up,’ said Lulu. She hung the hammer back on the wall and put the sandpaper in the toolbox.

  ‘That’s okay, Lulu,’ said Gumpa. ‘I’ll finish tidying up. You go and practise with that sword.’

  Lulu raced out into the garden. The rain had stopped and Rosie and Gus were zooming around in circles. The two dogs ran with them.

  Gus was wearing the new knight costume that Mum had made him for Christmas. The tunic was made of shiny silver material. A lion rearing up on its hind legs was drawn on the front. Underneath he wore grey leggings and a long-sleeved T-shirt. He had a red sash tied around his waist. On his head was a helmet made from an ice-cream container covered in silver foil.

  The three children had been playing sword fights since the summer holidays. At first they had made flimsy swords from bamboo. Then Gumpa had promised to make them some proper wooden play swords. Lulu loved her new toy.

  Gus already had a sword from Gumpa. He waved it in the air. ‘On guard!’ yelled Gus.

  Lulu ran to meet the challenge. Her cloak swirled around her shoulders. Loud clangs rang though the air as Lulu and Gus fought with their swords. Lulu danced back and forth. Every few minutes she would spring into a cartwheel then lunge back to hit Gus’s sword.

  ‘Got you,’ cried Lulu, as her sword clashed against Gus’s. Gus tumbled into a forward roll.

  ‘My turn,’ called Rosie. Gus wheeled away. Rosie swooped in to take his place, with a loud, ‘Take that!’

  The two dogs sat and watched. They knew not to get in the way. Jessie smiled her big doggy smile.

  Rosie spun around in a circle then dashed forward to attack. Lulu sprang into another cartwheel to escape. Rosie darted in, swinging her sword. ‘You’re down,’ she yelled.

  Lulu pretended to fall. She dropped to the ground and rolled over. Both dogs came to lick her back to life.

  Mum came to the back door. She smiled as she watched them play. ‘Careful, you little warriors.’

  Mum waved a piece of paper in the air. ‘Lulu, can you please tell Gumpa that the tea is ready? And I’ve just checked the note from your teacher. It looks like we have a huge week coming up.’

  Chapter 2

  Feathered Friends

  Everyone came up into the house. Nanna was already sitting at the kitchen table. The table was set with teacups and a milk jug. Mum had made a pot of tea for the adults. There was a fruit platter for the kids.

  ‘Check your weapons at the door, honey buns,’ joked Mum. ‘No sword fights in the kitchen.’

  Lulu, Rosie and Gus propped up their swords in the corner. Mum poured out the tea for Nanna and Gumpa. Everyone sat around the table.

  ‘So what did the note say?’ asked Lulu. ‘What exciting things are happening at school?’

  Mum picked up her teacup and took a sip. ‘It’s Harmony Day next week,’ said Mum. She turned to Nanna and Gumpa. ‘I’m the class parent for year four. So it’s my job to organise the food stall and the decorations.’

  ‘Oooh,’ said Rosie. ‘I love Harmony Day.’

  ‘It sounds like fun,’ said Nanna, ‘but what is Harmony Day?’

  ‘Everyone dresses up in national costumes,’ said Lulu. ‘At lunchtime there’s lots of yummy food from different countries. One of the classes is chosen to do a special performance.’

  Mum put her teacup down in her saucer. ‘It’s a celebration of the many countries around the world where different families come from,’ said Mum. ‘Every class is allocated a culture based on the background of one of the kids in the class.’

  ‘It’s one of the best days of the year,’ said Rosie. ‘I think my class is celebrating India.’

  ‘So will you wear a sari to school?’ asked Nanna.

  Rosie shook her head. ‘The food and decorations will be Indian – and I could wear a sari – but most kids wear a costume that shows where their family came from,’ she said.

  ‘For our family that would be Scottish, Irish, Welsh, English, French and Spanish,’ said Mum.

  Gumpa la
ughed. ‘Lots to choose from there. What country is your class celebrating, Lulu?’

  ‘We don’t know yet,’ said Lulu. ‘It won’t be Holland because we did that last year.’

  Last year, Jo and Olivia’s dad had cooked poffertjes. These were puffy Dutch pancakes, served with sugar and butter. The year before it had been Sri Lanka and Lauren’s dad had made egg hoppers and roti.

  ‘It might be Vietnam this year,’ said Mum. ‘Tien could help us make lots of rice paper rolls.’

  Gus nodded happily as he crunched his pear. ‘Dulishus. Gussie loves Tien rolls.’

  Lulu’s best friend Molly lived next door. Her mum Tien had originally come from Vietnam and she made the most wonderful Vietnamese food.

  Suddenly there was a loud noise from outside. It was a cawing, squawking sound. Lulu jumped up and looked out the window.

  ‘The cockies are here,’ said Lulu. She ran to the pantry, grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds from a container, and slipped them into her pocket.

  Outside were three sulphur-crested cockatoos perched on the branches of a tree. They raised their yellow crests and screamed in greeting.

  Lulu stood out on the deck. She put a sunflower seed flat on the palm of her hand. Then she stretched her arm out wide.

  ‘Cocky,’ called Lulu. One of the cockatoos hopped from foot to foot. Then he spread his wings and flew towards Lulu. He landed on Lulu’s arm. Gently he took the seed in his curved beak and crunched it.

  Another cockatoo flew over and landed on Lulu’s shoulder. He had a scarred foot with a missing toe. Lulu fed him a seed.

  The rest of Lulu’s family came to the door to watch. Mum closed the back door so the dogs wouldn’t scare away the birds.

  ‘Wow,’ said Nanna. ‘Lulu, you are amazing. You have wild cockatoos eating out of your hand!’

  Lulu took the rest of the seeds and held them in the palm of her hand.

  The third cockatoo joined the party. He perched on the heel of Lulu’s hand, his head on one side, begging for a seed. Lulu held her arms still so they could peck up the rest of the seeds.

  ‘They come to visit us most afternoons,’ said Lulu. ‘They love eating sunflower seeds or nuts. We’ve given them all names. Let me introduce Rocky, Cocky and Locky.’

  Nanna laughed. ‘And can you tell them apart?’

  Lulu nodded. ‘Yes. Rocky is the oldest so he’s looking a bit scarred. Cocky is the boldest and Locky is the handsomest.’

  ‘Hello, Cocky,’ yelled Gus. He stretched his arms wide and rushed forward. The cockatoos flew into the air with a screech. They wheeled up in the grey sky and flew away.

  ‘Gus,’ scolded Lulu with one hand on her hip. ‘How many times have I told you not to frighten the birds?’

  Chapter 3

  The New Girl

  On Tuesday morning, Lulu was at Shelly Beach School. Her new year four teacher Mr Newbold was sitting at his desk marking the roll.

  There was a knock at the door. Mrs Poole from the office came in. Beside her was a girl with very long, straight, dark hair. Lulu thought she looked scared.

  ‘Good morning, 4N,’ said Mrs Poole. ‘We have a student new to Shelly Beach School. Her name is Amira. I hope you all make her feel welcome.’

  Mr Newbold stood up and smiled at her. Amira looked down at her toes.

  ‘Welcome to 4N, Amira,’ said Mr Newbold.

  He turned to the class. ‘Molly, would you mind moving to sit near Lauren?’ he said. ‘Amira, you can sit next to Lulu. She’ll look after you and help you settle in.’

  Molly gathered up her pencils and books. She moved to sit beside Lauren. Amira sat down beside Lulu.

  ‘Hi, Amira,’ said Lulu. ‘My name is Lulu Bell.’

  Amira whispered something as she unpacked her pencil case but Lulu didn’t quite hear.

  Mr Newbold walked back to his desk. ‘As you all know, next Tuesday is Harmony Day.

  ‘Today we find out what country our class will celebrate. And the principal has asked me if our class can do the special performance this year.’

  A buzz of excitement rippled around the classroom.

  ‘So we need to come up with a fantastic idea for the show,’ said Mr Newbold. ‘But first we need to do some work.’

  ‘Oooh,’ groaned the class.

  The morning sped by as the class did reading in groups and then maths. Lulu loved maths. It was one of her favourite subjects.

  After maths it was recess. Lulu and her friends went out to where their bags were hanging on hooks. Everyone was laughing and chatting as they found their hats and food. Amira looked around at the commotion.

  Lulu took her apple out of her backpack. She turned to Amira and smiled.

  ‘We usually play handball at recess,’ said Lulu. ‘Would you like to join us?’

  ‘I need something from the office,’ whispered Amira.

  ‘Would you like me to take you?’ asked Lulu.

  Amira shook her head. ‘I know where it is.’

  ‘Come and find us afterwards,’ said Lulu. ‘We play on the handball courts near the front gate.’

  Amira nodded.

  Handball was the most popular playground game at Shelly Beach School. A big group of Lulu’s friends played handball every day. There was Lulu, Molly, Lauren, Olivia, Jo, Max, Daniel, Zac and Flynn. There were several handball courts painted on the playground.

  Lulu made it to king position before getting out. She laughed and skipped off the court. Lauren and Molly were practising next to the court, waiting their turn.

  ‘Have you seen Amira?’ asked Lulu. ‘She doesn’t know anyone. I hope she’s not feeling left out.’

  Lauren shook her head.

  ‘I think I’ll have a quick look for her,’ said Lulu. ‘She might be lost.’

  Molly went with her. The girls searched the playground. They checked the office and the sick bay. Amira was nowhere to be found.

  ‘Perhaps she’s in the library?’ suggested Molly.

  The girls went inside. At first glance it seemed to be empty, but Lulu thought she heard a slight sound.

  ‘Amira?’ Lulu called softly. There was no reply. Lulu searched between the bookshelves. Amira was sitting on the floor with her arms wrapped around her knees. She looked utterly miserable.

  ‘Are you all right, Amira?’ asked Lulu.

  Amira looked down at her school shoes. ‘I’m okay,’ she said.

  ‘Why don’t you come and play handball?’ asked Molly.

  Amira gave a watery smile. ‘Thanks, but I don’t really feel like it,’ she said.

  ‘Has someone upset you?’ asked Lulu.

  Amira shook her head. ‘I’m just feeling a bit sad. It’s all so strange being at a new school. I miss my old friends and my old house. And –’

  Amira rubbed her eyes. Lulu held out her hand.

  ‘Come on, Amira,’ said Lulu. ‘We need to think of ideas for Harmony Day next week. Why don’t you come and help us?’

  Chapter 4

  Performance Preparations

  The bell rang and everyone hurried into class. Mr Newbold looked around. ‘Now we’ll have some fun getting ready for Harmony Day. I know you’re all wondering what culture we’ll be celebrating.’

  Mr Newbold made a loud drumroll noise, banging his palms on the desk. ‘The country for 4N this year will be …Amira’s homeland, Iran.’

  Everyone turned to look at Amira. She flushed bright red and looked down at her hands in her lap.

  ‘That’s great, Amira,’ whispered Lulu.

  Amira nodded.

  ‘Iran is a country in the Middle East that was once part of the vast Persian empire,’ explained Mr Newbold. ‘Most people in Iran speak Persian and much of their culture comes from its ancient traditions. It’s a fascinating culture – so let’s see what we can discover.’

  The class was split up into five groups to research Persian food, music, dress, dance and history. Lulu was in a group with Amira, Molly, Max and Daniel.

  After lunc
h, the students discussed ideas for the performance. They looked up photos and information on the class computers.

  ‘It says here that wrestling and martial arts are traditional Iranian sports,’ said Max. ‘We could have a giant wrestling match.’

  Max began tussling with Daniel. Daniel fell off his chair.

  ‘Did you know the Persians invented polo?’ added Daniel. He wiggled his eyebrows. ‘Maybe we could play polo?’

  Lulu giggled. ‘You need to ride horses to play polo,’ she said.

  ‘It would be cool if we could ride camels,’ said Max. ‘Did you ride camels when you lived in Iran, Amira?’

  Amira shook her head. ‘I lived in a big city called Tehran. There were definitely no camels there.’

  Daniel shrugged. ‘That’s a shame. We could have dressed up as camels.’

  Lulu laughed and shook her head. The ideas seemed to be going from bad to worse. ‘No camels! Our performance has to be something really special. All the parents are coming to watch it.’

  Molly frowned. ‘This is really hard.’

  Just then the final bell rang. Lulu raced out into the playground. Mum was there, chatting to some of the other parents. Gus was climbing on the monkey bars with his friends. Lulu gave Mum a hug.

  ‘So do we know the theme for our food stall yet?’ asked Mum.

  ‘Yes,’ said Lulu. ‘It’s Iranian. We have a new girl in our class called Amira, and she’s from Iran. She’s over there.’

  Lulu pointed. Amira was talking to her mother. The two of them were standing alone near the fence.

  ‘Come on, honey bun,’ said Mum. ‘I think we should introduce ourselves. I need to talk to Amira’s mother about some ideas for our feast.’