THE GLASSMAKER
A Picture Book Excerpt
THE GLASSMAKER
By T. B. Charles
Once upon a time there was a glassmaker named Stefano. His shop was in a tiny village called Bezentia in the Kingdom of Alpupla.
Stefano made beautiful glass bowls and vases. He also made magnificent mirrors, especially magic mirrors.
Many years ago, he made a magic mirror for his wife, Jenessa. It was the most beautiful mirror he ever made.
When Jenessa would gaze into it, the mirror would tell her how lovely she was.
“I made that mirror so it would only tell the truth,” said Stefano.
And from that day forward, the mirror would always tell Jenessa that her beauty was unmatched in all of Alpulpa.
Soon, Stefano and Jenessa had a baby girl.
But Jenessa fell ill one day. She asked Stefano if she could look in the mirror one last time.
The mirror told her she was still the loveliest in all of Alpupla.
Stefano kissed her on the cheek. He lifted the mirror from her arms. He vowed it would be the last magic mirror he ever made.
He wrapped it in a canvas and stuck it in his closet. He broke the other magic mirrors into pieces and scattered them about his garden.
And soon, those broken pieces took root.
Queen Gazama ruled Apulpa. She lived in a large castle with 100 servants, whose job it was to say, “Yes, My Queen.” They said “Yes, My Queen,” all day and
night.
One day, she summoned the Royal Glassmaker.
“I want you to make me a magic mirror,” she said.
The Royal Glassmaker said “Yes, my Queen,” even though he didn’t know how to make a magic mirror.
While he could not make a magic mirror, he had heard stories about a such a man.
The Royal Glassmaker made his way to Bezentia.
He entered Stefano’s shop. “I am here on behalf of the Queen. She wants a magic mirror.”
“I no longer make magic mirrors,” said Stefano.
“You will be put in the dungeon if you do not do as the Queen desires,” said the Royal Glassmaker.
“Then I shall go to the dungeon,” said Stefano.
“No, father!” pleaded his young daughter. “Please do not take him, good sir.”
“The choice is his,” answered the Royal Glassmaker.
“I will no longer put these hands to work on a magic mirror!”