La biblioteca che vive

Giulia and Orsetto loved the old library. The room smelled of paper and warm glue. Giulia ran on soft carpet and touched tall books. Orsetto sat on her arm, his fur soft and brown. The clock said it was night time. Giulia felt curious and a bit shy. She asked, "Do books wake up?" Orsetto's button eyes looked bright. He seemed to nod and smile. The lights were low and warm. A small wind moved the pages like a song. A book cover closed slow and then opened. Giulia felt her heart beat fast. She stepped close and put her hand near a page. A little book rose up from the shelf. It had small stars on the cover. The book moved and turned a page. Giulia gasped and said softly, "Hello, book." Orsetto tapped her hand with his paw. The book's words shone like tiny lights. A dragon drew near from one picture. It was not scary, it looked friendly and calm. The dragon yawned and blew a warm puff of page-dust. A map fluttered out and flew like a bird. Giulia felt excited and scared, but brave. She held Orsetto tight and smiled a little. The map pointed to a far shelf with a closed blue book. Giulia wanted to help and find it. She walked with Orsetto, her shoes soft on the floor. The library seemed to hum like a quiet song. They reached the blue book at the top shelf. It was high and hard to reach. Giulia climbed a small step stool and Orsetto sat on her shoulder. The stool shook but held strong. Giulia stretched and grabbed the blue book. It was warm and heavy. The cover opened with a gentle creak. Inside was a tiny paper door and a key. The door had a small moon painted on it. The map fluttered and landed on Giulia's lap. It showed a secret room under the big reading table. Giulia whispered, "We must go down there." Orsetto blinked and looked proud. They slid under the table and found a tiny door in the wood. The key fit smooth and turned with a small click. The door opened to a bright hall of tiny lights. They smelled tea and honey. Tiny book people bowed and held up cups. Giulia felt amazed and kind. A small book friend offered them a warm blanket. Orsetto leaned close and listened. The little hall asked for a story to stay awake. Giulia looked at Orsetto and then at the books. She took a breath and began to read. Giulia read with a soft voice and bright heart. The words lifted like bubbles and floated through the hall. The tiny book people clapped with their soft pages. The dragon from the picture tapped his tail and hummed a happy tune. Outside the tiny door, a cold wind tried to come in. The lamp dimmed and a heavy page shadow fell. Giulia felt a spark of worry. The shadow wanted the books to sleep forever. Orsetto stood tall and brave on the table. He pointed his paw like a knight. Giulia read faster and louder but calm. The words made warm light that grew and grew. The dragon blew a big puff of warm page-dust that pushed the shadow back. The tiny book people joined hands and kept the light bright. The shadow shrank and then went away. Giulia felt proud and safe. Orsetto smiled big with button eyes. The library sang a low happy song. The books all thanked Giulia and Orsetto. They gave Giulia a small paper crown and Orsetto a tiny red scarf. The crown was soft like felt. The scarf fitted Orsetto just right. Giulia felt warm and loved. The map bowed and showed them the path back to their shelf. The tiny book people closed their small doors and yawned like kids. The dragon curled up inside a thick picture book. Giulia hugged Orsetto and said, "We did help tonight." Orsetto pressed close and seemed very proud. The library lights turned a soft gold. Giulia put the blue book back on the shelf. She patted its cover and said good night. The other books settled and the room grew calm. The clock ticked slow and steady. Giulia climbed into her small bed near the reading lamp. Orsetto lay on her pillow, his fur warm on her cheek. The room smelled of honey and warm paper. Outside the window the moon looked like the tiny door moon. Giulia felt sleepy and happy. She held Orsetto tight and closed her eyes. The books sang a soft slow tune for them both. Giulia dreamed of maps and friendly dragons. Orsetto dreamed of red scarves and tea cups. The night was calm and safe. In the morning they would tell a new friend the story. For now they slept, and the library kept watch. The moon shone gentle on the shelf, and all pages lay quiet. Good night, little books and brave friends.