There once was a little bunny that was always daydreaming. She thought of the many adventures she’d love to go on and all the wonderful animals, people, places and things she would encounter. Little did she know as she daydreamed she fell asleep.

As Barina slowly awoke from her slumber, or so she thought, she opened her eyes to a magical and spectacular world! She rubbed her eyes and saw such beautiful things. “Oh my! This is the beginning of a wonderful adventure! I just know it!” and off she went to explore.

She walked down a beautiful lush green path and spotted a sleepy little flower. “Well hello there!” she said. “ Ahhhh, hello! I was just taking a little nap,” remarked the pretty little flower seedling. “I am the official welcome flower to the wonderful World of Imaginorium! I hope you enjoy your visit here and find everything your imagination can dream up!”

“Oh my! I am so happy to be here! Thank you for the warm welcome. I have always wanted to explore the world. Off I go! Enjoy the rest of your day, Little Flower Seedling!” and with that Barina waved and walked into the sunlit path to explore.

This magical world was even more fantastic than she could ever have imagined. There were rainbows, and stars, and sweet smells, and music? Did I just hear music?

Barina turned in the direction the music was coming from. She approached a festive looking village. There she saw the happiest villagers. She saw an interesting cubed fellow with a spiral eye sitting up on a shelf tapping his foot to the music, and on the dance floor there was a beautiful cat. She approached the cat and said, “Hello! My name is Barina. What’s your name?”

“My name is Fiesta Cat and I am the fair maiden Kitty of the Dance Village!” Barina responded, “I simply adore your lovely dress! What is this village?” Fiesta Cat swung around in her lovely dress and said, “Here we celebrate dancing and Cinco De Mayo! My friend Dizzycube sits up on the shelf keeping the beat for me and I dance the days away!”

And with that Fiesta Cat took Barina’s paw and they danced a traditional dance. Barina could not remember ever feeling so happy! After the dance Barina bid everyone adieu in the village. “I am on my way to continue exploring. Thank you for the lovely dance!” She turned and continued on the sunlit path.

It wasn’t long before she heard what sounded like the alphabet being sung. “A,B,C,….” was the chant in delightful little voices. Barina saw a little Toadstool home and went over to take a look. Inside were little monkeys and their mama’s, a little puzzle piece looking girl and a lonely Mama elephant. She decided she needed to go inside and say hello. She cautiously knocked on the window she had been peering though. A teacher, who was shaped as a pencil, turned to address Barina. “Hello there! Are you a new student?” The crayon, who was seated in the front seat waved at Barina. “Oh no. My name is Barina and I am just exploring the World of Imaginorium.” “Well welcome! Here we have our Imaginorium school. We teach laughter, acceptance, tolerance, and most of all love. Please join us.”
Barina sat down next to the Mama elephant. She was wondering why she was so sad.

“Why are you so sad?” she asked. “I recently had a baby elephant but she now has wings. I am very sad because I cannot hold her physically anymore.” Barina reached over and hugged the Mama Elephant. “I am sorry that you cannot hold your little one physically but I know he will forever be held in your heart. A mama’s love is eternal. I have a gift for you.” Barina pulled out a cabbage leaf blanket with a little inchworm on it. She did not know where it had come from but she knew it had been made for this Mama with love. “Please take this blanket with little inchworm and snuggle it tight. It will remind you of your dear little one and the little inch worm will keep you company.” The Mama elephant smiled and said, ”Thank you. My little one will always be with me.”

Barina then heard the Teacher point to the chalkboard, which said ‘Thanks’ on it, and said, ”Let’s go over some lovely ways to say Thank you.” The class began reciting, “Thank you, Danke sehr, Obrigada, Gracias, Arigato, Merci…” As she tried to join along she noticed a little puzzle piece playing with an apple with a secret compartment and not joining along. Barina asked the Mama monkey who that was. “Oh that’s Alex. She has autism.” “Autism? What’s autism?” Barina inquired. She had never heard of autism. Was it catchy? Should she never go near her? She was frightened. Seeing the look of fear the Mama monkey spoke, ”Autism is a neurological disease that makes talking, interacting and seeing the world as other see it very hard. It’s not catching but 1 in 50 are affected by it, but those with autism are amazing and wonderful creatures. Here in Imaginorium, we teach tolerance, love and interactions with all creatures big and tall, large and small, special and unique. We all have things to offer and we want everyone to feel included.” Alex turned to Barina and smiled. Barina could see how happy she was although she could not form the words. She was indeed unique and amazing. She was amazed at how much she had already learned just by opening her eyes, ears, and heart. Imaginorium was such a lovely place! She decided that it was time to continue on her journey. She said good bye to her new friends, who gave her an adorable cup with cute little cozies of school paper, an owl and apples. She would have a loving memento of her time at school.

Barina started off on the next part of her adventure. She walked along the sunlit path that was now getting a little less lit. She was starting to feel a little chilly. Just then a bee and butterfly flitted by. “ You look like you could use something to keep you warm,” buzzed the bee. Barina thought about it and yes she could use something to keep her warm. How did they know? “We have been holding these for a special someone. I think you are her!” Barina saw the cutest little dress, dandelion wish necklace, and bow tie all of which fit her perfectly. “Oh thank you so much I feel so much better.” “You are welcome,” said the bee and butterfly in unison. “Here take this lovely basket to carry your cup and finish your journey.” “Thank you once again. I can’t wait to see what else I find.”

Barina turned and walked onto the path again. Not long into her walk she realized she was very tired. “ I think I will sit for a moment and rest. Afterwards, I can continue on my journey.” Before she knew it, Barina had drifted off to sleep in Imaginorium. A while later Barina awoke. She was looking for her basket. Where was it? Wait, where was the sunlit path? That’s when she realized she was in her comfy burrow hole and it had been only a dream.

The patterns will be delivered electronically, so therefore there will be NO REFUNDS

eBook published in April 2018 by In the Round Amigurumi & Craft Magazine