Dreamkids: Lottie and Ollie in London

It was a stormy Friday night and Lottie snuggled into bed with her English teddy, Ollie, as her mother read Lottie’s favorite book- Mary Poppins. She adored hearing about Mary’s adventures through London and all of the magic that Mary experienced in the city. When Lottie’s mom finished the book she whispered, "Let your dreams take you away, darling Lottie." There was one thing Lottie especially enjoyed about bedtime: dreaming. She loved the way her dreams took her to foreign places. She could be whoever she wanted and go wherever her heart desired. As she closed her eyes she wondered where her dreams would take her next. Lottie held tight to her trusty, raggedy, fluffy bear, Ollie, and thought of the book her mother had just read to her: Mary Poppins. She was fascinated by the enchanting city of London. She shut her eyes tight and wished with all her might… Lottie and Ollie landed with a thump and a womp. Lottie looked up and saw a massive red bus whoosh past her. Her mouth dropped wide open. She had only been on her yellow school bus that took her to and from kindergarten. She was amazed at how tall and skinny the buses here were. She had to know what the inside of the bus looked like. She grabbed Ollie's hand and they set off towards the big, bright red bus. "Good morning, little lady," said the bus driver." Who's your friend there?" "Hello, sir. This is Ollie and we would like to ride your big red bus." Lottie said with enthusiasm. "Well, of course you can, luv. Best view is on top! And here is a map so you can see where you would like to travel to today!" The driver handed Ollie a paper map of London. That settled it. Lottie trudged up the stairs to the top, her face rosy, her eyes bright, and her ponytail awry. She could see all of London from here! She placed Ollie on her lap so they could watch the Londoners pass and take in the fast-paced city. They chuckled and giggled as they watched the action below them, hardly believing where they were. What a thrilling way to start their day in London! Lottie looked down at Ollie’s map and decided that their first stop would be at Westminster to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. She heard a chiming noise and then through the speakers "Next stop: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament." "Oooh, Big Ben! This is one of the stops on our adventure. Let's get off!" She put Ollie in her baby blue book bag with his head sticking out so he could see all of the sights and she wouldn't lose him in the hustle and bustle of the busy London streets.