Children’s story by Lesley Crook, set in Brighton. Ai-assisted.
For over two years my long suffering husband Steve has listened to me ponder on publishing a children’s story called, Joy of Stick. I never thought it would happen as the cost of a graphic designer would be expensive and timely. However, with AI assistance my unique theme is now a reality and I hope others find it fun to read, with or without dogs and easy to access from any device.
This is dedicated to Pets As Therapy Charity, and the well-behaved kids at Elm Grove, and St. Joseph’s Primary School’s in East Sussex who gave me feedback during Read2Dog visits.
“Reading a story aloud to a PAT Dog, a great non-judgemental listener, helps young people to enjoy the reading experience. We also have Cat | Pets As Therapy.” Pets As Therapy.
Once Upon a Time …
Grand Adventure. A big old oak tree stands in Stanmer Park. Along comes Luna, a Golden Retriever, with her family. She found a fantastic big stick and wagging her tail with excitement barks “Let’s play!” She runs through the field with her family chasing her and laughing loudly. Another little dog called Jamie tries to join in the fun too!
Tug-of-War. Eddie, a Sheep Dog finds a stick in his garden in Stanmer Village. He tugs at it with his friend Max, giggling and barking happily until the sun goes down, and time for dinner.
Friendly Fetch. Fifi, a Labrador meets her friend, Harry, a sausage dog. They take turns fetching a stick, swimming and zooming in out of the fresh water.
Beach Day. Another stick is found at Brighton Marina, where there is soft sand instead of hard stones. This is where Margo, a Spaniel, finds a great long stick. She carries it to her family, and they play in the waves on a bright sunny day. The fun continues with another Labrador friend, called Obi.
Woodland Walkies. In the woods, Smudge the Beagle sniffs out a stick. He takes it back to his friends, a big group of cute puppies! They chase each other and find lots more fantastic little sticks.
Garden Gathering. Percy the Poodle shares a stick with a friendly pussycat, called Toffee. Together they chase it round the garden. This unusual friendship makes the local friends laugh. Rocco, an elderly little dog watches whilst sitting on his owners comfortable and safe lap. His name is Charlie. He is with his friends Kari, Charlotte and Emma.
PATnic Picnic. Arthur, a Jack Russell is at a fun picnic with Sam, Kathryn and some friends. They use a little stick to draw pictures in the sand.
New Beginnings. A small piece of stick is on the ground near a big old oak tree. Over time, the stick vanishes into the soil. Years later a tiny sapling grows into a magnificent Oak tree. This is biodiversity, growth, and happiness shared in the heart of East Sussex. In time there will be more joy with sticks.
Joyful Dreams. This was all a lovely dream by Izzy, a Spaniel. The Pets As Therapy volunteer – Read to Dogs scheme. Izzy visits the well behaved kids at Elm Grove, and St. Joseph’s Primary School’s in East Sussex.
This is her best friend, Ted, a cute Jack-Russell. Their dreams are a nice reminder of the joy sticks bring to dogs, humans, and the adventures you can have in the big outdoors.
Note: All pets and humans in the story are real – but do not look like their AI images (;o)x
The joy of sticks
Hard at work
Me, Izzy and a school touch screen
Editorial guidance: Elm Grove Primary School – Elina, Evellyn, Hanula, Amelia, Violet, Clara, Emily, Cassie, Runa, Harry | St. Josephs Primary School: Freddie, Brandon, Maisie, Evie and Amelia x 2.
Other Pets As Therapy insights by Lesley Crook, AI Adoption Consultant.
Sensai~teacher of AI 
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