Introduction

Stella’s cheerful summer fun and anticipation of becoming a first grader are disturbed by a surprising turn of events. Grandpa falls over on his bicycle and is confined to a hospital bed for days. Their shared days at the quarry would have to wait.

Stella is not as nervous about visiting Grandpa at the big hospital building now that she has become acquainted with a girl of her age who sits in a wheelchair.

Stella is anxious to find a magic stone in her quarry with which she could wake Grandpa up. Whether it is thanks to the power of the stone or the affection of a small child that finally makes Grandpa open his eyes remains a mystery.

Stella and the Magic Stone

Stella’s summer had been fun so far. The preschooler was about to become a little schoolgirl. Anticipation of it sent butterflies fluttering in her tummy. Summer days were filled with fun and games. Stella had already learnt how to put a worm on a hook all by herself. Her absolute favourite, however, was the quarry that she had built together with Grandpa. They had spent many days there examining rocks together.

But something really bad had happened a week ago. Stella’s Grandpa had keeled over on his bike to a ditch and hit his head. He got a bump on his forehead and his eyebrow was swollen and purple. Now he was lying in a hospital bed under a light blue blanket. Stella felt a little bit angry towards Grandpa. Why wouldn’t he just open his eyes or at least squeeze her hand?