Issuu

The Imaginary Friend Factory

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Aoife Muller The Imaginary Friend Factory 3

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

5 is a highly personalized, radically The Creative Youth Collective

collaborative creative writing and photography mentorship experience. We guide curious, creative t(w)eens through the entire creative process, from idea generation to publishing their own stories. The Imaginary Friend Factory by Aoife Muller is the 16th book in the Creative Youth Collective library. Check out all of our stories at www.cccproject.space.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Chapter One GET ME MY SQUID

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

7 “Good morning, Madame Ray!” Mrs. Opus called, waving her tentacles around. “There’s a letter on your desk. I think it needs to go into the impolite bin.”

“Octie, I am perfectly capable of ﬁnding it," she replied. "It is my job to decide who is impolite as the Imaginary Friend Factory's o cial mail deliverer. Besides, how many times have I told you to call me Manta?” “Last time I counted, which was three seconds ago, four hundred and seventy-three,” Octie answered innocently while repositioning her gigantic glasses. Hiding an eye roll, Manta turned around and ripped open the letter.

Dear Imaginary Friend Factory HQ, My name is Jim. I need a extremely loyal squd before

tuesday

because

it’s

dog's

birthingday. I want to use my squid as a pillow. GET ME MY SQUID -JIMMY P.s. Bonus points for great singing voice

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

8 P.P.s I don’t give the bonus points.

P.p.p.s So haha, loser

“Really, it’s like he has no manners. Does he not know about motto number seven? Be Polite, and We Just Might Get It Right. Better give him a shock,” Manta decided before tossing the letter down the chute that was marked with a huge S. “Octie, see that ‘Jimmy’ gets a very pleasant surprise.” “Of course, ma'am,” Octie said before retreating out of the room and into the hallways. After swimming for exactly three minutes and fourteen seconds, she reached out her tentacle and opened the cloud door. When Octie had bowed to Barrier Reef, who took up the whole front of the room, she took her seat. “Hello, members of the Imaginary Friend Factory,” The Barrier Reef said. “As your boss, I am pleased to see that none of you are missing. Good job. Now, let’s get on with our business. Octie, would you please present the daily report?” “Of course, after all, you are The Great Barrier Reef,” Octie AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

9 told me that our progress is on smiled. “My calculations have track. In the past month, only one person has returned their imaginary friend. We do have four and a half complaints about the delivery time. The half is from a dog who happened to be holding a pen. My estimations show that our dolphins are distributing imaginary friends at more than eighty miles per hour, which is ten times faster than when we ﬁrst started ﬁfty years ago.”

“Thank you, Octie,” Barrier Reef frowned. “I don’t think that the humans have anything to complain about. Let’s keep our production line up and running. You are all dismissed.”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Chapter10Two The Department of Surprises and Peculiarities

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

11 Her eight legs dashed down three Octie raced out of the room. ﬂights of stairs, and just in the nick of time, she turned right to board the Blue Whale Express. After exactly seven seconds, a blue whale appeared, running on his tiptoes. Octie jumped on his back and was soon deposited at a door marked, ‘Department of Surprises and Peculiarities.’

Cautiously, Octie opened the door. Inside the department were millions of clownﬁsh, all drafting a variety of unusual designs for the imaginary squid friend that Jimmy had requested. “I assure you, Bob,” said Joe, “that kid asked for a pillow. Why are you making a pill?” “Well, Joe,” the clownﬁsh responded, “you know that since I was just a wee little fry, I haven’t been able to distinguish my o’s from my w’s all that well. I’m still working on it.” “Would both of you shut it?” a voice called from the back of the o ce. It was Sam, the department “manager,” although in all honesty no one understood why he was hired for the position. He really needed to work on his leadership skills. “We need to get this squid up and swimming.” “Hold on a second, Sam, did you say Squid?” Joe asked. “Who said anything about a squid?”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

12 we were talking about a pill!” “Yeah!” Bob agreed. “I thought

“Were we?” Sam asked. He skimmed Jimmy’s letter dubiously. “Everyone, please just get it together! You have orders to make a squid friend who doubles as a pillow! The dolphin delivery team will be here in 2 hours. Now go!” “And please make this squid pillow extra special,” Octie called. The clownfish rushed o in a flurry of orange and white, their fins flailing madly. “Say, Bob!” Joe shouted. “Want to make this squid pillow a knitting expert?” “Say, Joe!” Bob replied. “Of course! You know I love to knit! And come to think of it, a squid would be a knitting natural. Why haven’t we done this before?” “Hey, Bob!” Joe shouted again. “We just passed the knitting powder. Come on, let’s go back and get it.” “Hey, Joe!” Bob yelled back. “Can we get some of that chatterbox juice while we’re at it?” “Of course, Bob!” Joe said. “And hey, grab that I’m-betterthan-you slime too.”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

13 “Jimmy’s gonna love this squid “Of course, Joe!” Bob smiled. pillow!”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Chapter Three 14 Dolphin Delivery and Co.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

15 feeling very inspired. The next day, Jimmy woke up

“My imaginary friend will come today,” he decided. Not a moment later, a dolphin knocked on his door. “Hello! Open up! It’s us, Dolphin Delivery and Co. We gotta box here for... uh...someone by the name of... Jimmy?” The dolphin said from behind the front door as the box in his arm began vibrating. He set it down on the porch, where Jimmy was now standing in his pajamas. “We promise fast, reliable, and ecofriendly service for the small price of a fish.” “Or two!” said the dolphin next to him. “Gratuity isn’t included.” The two dolphins high-fived each other with their fins, which doubled, sadly, as airplane wings. The result was the ear-piercing shriek of metal slamming against metal. “Anyway, here’s your imaginary friend, fresh from the factory,” said the first dolphin nudging the box toward Jimmy. “Come on, Terry, I don’t think this kid’s got any fish for us. Let’s get out of here.”

“You’re right, of course, Jerry,” Terry smiled. “We’ve got orders to ﬁll. As motto number 14 states, “Do your work, then you smirk at the aquatic creatures who haven’t done it yet.”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

The dolphins revved their 16jetpacks and flew away, leaving Jimmy alone with the box. “Alright,” he said. “Perfect timing. Mary Puppins’s birthday is tonight. Let’s get this squid out of here.” He opened the box, which was now shaking violently. Inside was a rather large, flu y, blue and white checkered pillow with tentacles. “HEY!” he shrieked. “JERRY, TERRY, YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW! THIS IS NOT MY IMAGINARY FRIEND!” “Too bad!” Jerry shouted back. “Yeah, sorry! There’s a strict NO RETURN policy. Didn’t you read the fine print before placing your order?” Terry added. Jimmy sighed and then jumped back. Somehow, in the short time he spent talking to Terry and Jerry, his new pillow had managed to crawl out of his box. The squid pillow propped himself up on the railing and sat staring eye to eye with Jimmy. “Hi! My name is Bart; well, actually it’s Bartholomew, but I go by Bart for short,” the pillow said. “What’s your name?”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

17 Bart didn’t wait for an answer.

“What’s this?” he asked, pointing at Jimmy’s ﬂannel pajama shirt. “What’s that?” he asked, pointing at Mary Puppins. But Jimmy couldn’t get a word in. The pillow just kept talking. “Who are you? Wow, you have a nice house! Of course, mine is better, but it’s a start! Have you seen my house? Here, hold on, I have 12 million photos of it on my phone.” The pillow managed to rummage in his pocket for a second and pulled out a Samsung Galaxy X smartphone. “Here, take a look. Where can I put my stu ? Do you like to knit? If you don’t, we’re gonna have a hard time being friends. Anyway, oh look! There’s a photo of my cat! Oh, and your hair will be perfect to knit with!” The pillow yanked Jimmy closer and began rapidly knitting a sock out of his chocolate brown hair.

”TEHEHE! I just love saying TEHEHE! Don’t you just love saying TEHEHE? It’s very satisfying! TEHEHE! Also, can I give you my autograph? I’ve been practicing it for a few seconds now. See, check it out,” Bart began scribbling in black Sharpie all over Jimmy’s arm.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

18 Jimmy yelled. “Hey, I never said you could!”

“Sorry,” Bart replied sheepishly. “I didn’t mean to. I just wanted to be your friend. You know, you and I are going to be the best of friends, aren’t we?” “Hold on,” Jimmy said, not answering Bart’s question. “This is absurd. You’re a pillow. You aren’t supposed to be able to talk, or knit, or even move, for that matter.” “Oh, well,” Bart smiled. “I guess I’m just special that way. You got a heck of a deal, right? Now, if you would please carry me into the house, I’m worried I’ll get dirty on this atrocious front porch. I come from the sky, remember? It’s naturally cleaner up there.” “Hey!” Jimmy cried. “My mom just polished this railing yesterday.” "Well, then maybe you could tell her to polish it again today,” Bart demanded. “Best friends don’t like getting dirty.” “No way!” Jimmy said. “I am not carrying you. N-O. NO.” “Well, I’m glad you know how to spell,” the pillow said, crossly. “How about this? C-A-double r-Y-space-M-E-space-I-N-T-Ospace-Y-O-U-R-space-U-G-L-Y-space-H-O-U-S-E-spaceAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

19 N-O-W-space P-L-E-A-S-E-comma-A-L-S-O-space-Ispace-S-T-I-Double-L-spaceH-O-P-E-space-Y-O-Uspace-L-I-K-E-space-T-O-space-K-N-I-T+period.”

“How about this? N-O!” Jimmy shouted before slamming the door in Bart’s face.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

20 Chapter 4 iPhone Four Million

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

21 “Well, that was heartwarming,” Bart grumbled. “I am an imaginary friend, after all. It is my duty to stay by my person’s side. One way or another, I’ll fulﬁll my duties.”.

Bart quickly slid o the railing, landed on the porch, and took a deep breath before tiptoeing on his eight legs around the house. Spotting an open window, he used the bricks as rock climbing walls and pulled himself in. After executing a perfect landing in the bathtub, Bart drew himself a bath. He allowed himself two minutes of luxury before he tiptoed out of the room. “Okay, Jimmy, why is there a giant delivery box on the porch?” Jimmy’s mother asked. “I got a delivery,” Jimmy explained. “But it was just some junk. I threw it away. Don’t worry about it.” Just then Bart ran through the open kitchen door and jumped on top of Jimmy’s head. “What are you doing here?” Jimmy mouthed, shaking the squid o his head and depositing him onto the kitchen ﬂoor. He glanced at his mother, who was busy making breakfast. “Quickly! Get into my room!” The pair raced to Jimmy’s bedroom and shut the door.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

22 “I’m an imaginary friend,” Bart explained. “I have to stay with you, whether you like it or not.”

“Nope. No way. You’re not staying here. How do I return you?” Jimmy asked. “You can’t,” Bart answered. “The Imaginary Friend Factory has a strict ten-day trial period before you can even ﬁle a return slip. It then takes the company about a month to process your request; they’ll set up a suitable home for me to live in while we’re in negotiations, and usually that’s when we discuss a way of brainwashing you.” “Brainwashing?” Jimmy shrieked. “I don’t want to be brainwashed!” “Well, it’s only partial brainwashing,” Bart said. “We just give you a formula so that you don’t remember me all that well.” “Grrr,” Jimmy growled as his dog, Mary Puppins, strolled into the room. “That’s right. Today’s Mary Puppins’ birthday. Come on, MP, we’ve got to go celebrate. Bart, you stay here and be quiet.” “Why should I?” Bart asked. “I’ll keep you for eleven days instead of ten,” Jimmy answered.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

“Fine,” Bart smiled. “But 23 why are we even celebrating that mangy beast’s birthday?” “Because I always get a present on her birthday,” Jimmy explained. “And I like presents.” “It’s not like they’ll even see me,” Bart grumbled. “I’m imaginary after all. You might as well take me with you.” “Fine,” Jimmy groaned. The trio marched into the living room where his parents were waiting and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Mary Puppins. “Jimmy!” His mother smiled. “You ﬁnally got better at singing!” “I did?” Jimmy asked. “Yes!” his mother replied. “All these years I’ve been asking you to work on your singing voice, and you actually listened! I’m so impressed. Now I know for sure that you deserve the gift that your father and I picked out for you!” “You owe me one,” Bart whispered. “Did I mention I am a professional opera singer?”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

24 “Here you go, Jimmy!” his father said, handing him the newest iPhone 4 million. “Your very own iPhone, four million! I even installed Perfect Pets, which is a new video game that’s supposed to be the best. We know you’ve always wanted an imaginary friend, so here’s our solution.”

“Wow, thanks, Mom and Dad!” Jimmy smiled. “I’m gonna name my imaginary squid friend Squiderella! We’re gonna be the best of friends.” “Hey, what about me?” Bart hu ed. “Didn’t you make a special request for me to be custom made? I’m supposed to be your best imaginary friend!” But Jimmy ignored him. He was already too busy playing virtual fetch with Squiderella.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

25 Chapter 5 Perfect Pets

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

26 “Hey, boss!” called Tam, turning her head 180 degrees so she was facing him. “We’ve got a new customer. His name is Jimmy.”

“Tam, how many times do I have to tell you not to do that?” Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle grumbled. “I never should have hired an owl as my secretary slash overseer. Anyway, good job, Tam. Let me introduce you to Kam; she’s the newest member of our company. I’ve been looking for a new visual artist for weeks, and Kam is a perfect fit for the job.” “Nice to meet you,” Kam said. “You’re an owl, right? I’m a Keel Billed Toucan. I understand we’re going to be coworkers, so let’s just try not to have you eat me. Is that okay?” “Of course,” Tam smiled, licking her beak. “Now, Kam,” Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle cut in, flapping his feathers over his bald head. “Let me show you the ropes here at Perfect Pets. Basically, we give people virtual imaginary pets that need to be fed, bathed, put to sleep, played with, given water, and taken on walks. If the owner fails to take care of their pet, they will die. They then must pay the five-dollar revival fee, and we revive their pets within 24 hours.” “Wonderful!” Kam replied. “You mentioned some recent changes though; care to explain?”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

“Well, the five-dollar revival27fee is not very profitable for us,” Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle continued. “So recently we’ve started killing pets on purpose. Obviously, this is making the little kids pay more money than ever. And, to increase our revenue even more, we now o er a 100-dollar insurance policy, which covers the pet revival fee up to twenty-five times.” “Isn’t that a scam?” Kam’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Obviously!” Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle replied. “That’s why I only hire people whose name rhymes with 'scam.’ Isn’t it brilliant? Bald Eagles aren’t really known for their brilliance, but I guess I’m an exception to the rule!” “I suppose so,” Kam said dubiously. “How much do I get paid?” “As you probably have noted, there are only seven employees here. In addition to me, the boss, we have Tam, the overseer slash secretary; Lamb, the ostrich cook; Jam, the Satin Bowerbird custodian; Ma’am, the parrot servant; and, of course, Pam, the Wilson's Bird-Of-Paradise tech bird. Your job, as the Perfect Pets visual artist, will be to draw the pets in all stages of the day. Hungry, sad, tired, dead, etc. Your salary will be around one hundred dollars a week.” “Isn’t that a bit overly generous?” Kam asked. “I mean, AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

28 actually, that sounds great!”

“Perfect! Just ring that little bell whenever you need something, and Ma’am will come at once,” Mr. Frinkle-WinkleDinkle smiled. “Also, if you’re ever hungry, ring that bell, and Lamb will come. If anything spills, just ring that, okay?” “Got it,” Kam answered, picking up her pencil and getting to work.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

29 Chapter 6 “Just buy it already, Dad!”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

“Jimmy,” Mrs. Kracker said 30 sternly. “No phones at the table.” “But dad’s on his phone,” Jimmy protested. “Plus, this is the third time that Squiderella’s died today. Every time I leave her for even a moment, she just dies. What am I doing wrong?” “Maybe you’re just a bad pet parent,” Bart whispered. “I can personally attest to that. Isn’t it nice that I can take care of myself?” Jimmy tried to ignore him but yelled in pain as his hair began knitting itself into a sock. “Jimmy Cameron Emmanuel Ezekiel Ferdinand Finnegan Theodore Archibald Augustus Kracker!” Mrs. Kracker yelled. “How many times do I have to tell you? Stop knitting your hair! Put down your phone! Eat your dinner! Be a good boy! NOW!” “Sheesh, Mom,” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “It’s not even me. It’s Bart.” “Who’s Bart?” Mrs. Kracker asked suspiciously. “Nobody,” Jimmy said nervously.

“JIMMY!” Mrs. Kracker yelled. “We got you a phone so you wouldn’t have all of these silly ‘imaginary friend’ excuses. They AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

are very unbecoming.”

"Oh, for goodness’s sake! Squiderella’s died again!” Jimmy grumble, while clicking the ‘revive’ button. “Every time you hit that button, that’s another ﬁve dollars out of my wallet,” Mrs. Kracker exploded. “Do you know how much Squiderella has cost us this month in revival fees alone?” “Look! There’s a new o er on the app,” Mr. Kracker said, joining in on the conversation for the ﬁrst time. “You can pay one hundred dollars to give your pets life insurance.” “Why does that stupid imaginary squid need life insurance?” Mrs. Kracker asked. “To stop him from dying!” Jimmy screamed. “Just buy it already, Dad.” “I really do think this is a scam,” Mrs. Kracker said dubiously. From the top of Jimmy’s head, Bart gasped in horror before rushing out of the room. He ran up to the roof, and looking up at the sky, he screamed.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

32 covered with imaginary friends. “The sky,” he mumbled, “is That could be me one day. Jimmy hates me! As soon as my month is over, I might be sent back.”

He clicked the red “emergency call” button that the Dolphin Delivery team installed on one of the roof shingles. “Hello? This is Octie Opus, Secretary at the Imaginary Friend Factory. How can I help you today?” said the person on the other end of the line. “This is Bartholomew, Jimmy’s imaginary friend. How many returns have you had in the past week? Is the IFF failing?” “You could say that,” Octie sighed. “Too many people are becoming addicted to their phones. You know that stupid game, Perfect Pets? It’s taking over the world. Without exaggerating, we’ve had ten return slips submitted in the last ﬁve minutes. And our request letter box has been empty for weeks! We really need to ﬁgure out how to expose the scammers that they are. It’s our only solution. None of us are brave enough to face the birds. We might get eaten!” “I’ll do it.” Bart decided in an instant. “I will not let you down, Octie! I promise!” “Wait, Bart, I was hoping to enlist someone who was a little AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

33 know, scary,” Octie began. more threatening and... I don’t

“I’m on it, Octie! Gotta go!” Bart smiled before hanging up. “Oh, what have I gotten myself into now?!”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

34 Chapter 7 Total Proﬁt: -$42,266.49

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

35 told Jimmy. “Do not expect to “I am going on a quest.” Bart see me for a million years.”

“A MILLION YEARS?” Jimmy asked. “Isn’t that a bit much?” “Nope,” Bart replied, opening the front door. “Now good day.” Bart smiled and began flapping his tentacles, propelling himself upward. He quickly checked his built-in GPS and memorized the path. After flying for exactly three hours, he dove into the ocean. Ten minutes later, he landed on top of a glass dome. Bart used his knitting needles to poke a small hole into the dome. Inside, he could hear two birds talking. “Hey, Tam,” a Toucan said. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I was wondering... Do you think I should quit?” “Quit?” Tam asked. “Kam, why on earth would you want to do that?” “Well, it’s just because I don’t believe in scamming people,” Kam responded. “How was I supposed to know that Perfect Pets kills their pets on purpose?” “Any company this big is only profitable because of scams,” Tam smiled. “And anyway, you’re already here, so you might as well make some money.“

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

36 this anymore,” Kam frowned. “I “I don’t want to be a part of always try to do what’s right.”

“Listen,” Tam said, “I’m busy. If you don’t have anything worth my time, then just go away.” “Tam!” Kam shouted as Tam ﬂew through the revolving door. “Psst! Kam, over here,” Bart whispered from the roof. “I need your help.” “My help?” Kam asked. “I’m just an artist.” “Yes, but you work for Perfect Pets,” Bart smiled. “I need your help to overthrow them.” “I’ve never overthrown anything thoughtfully. “But I could try.”

before,”

Kam

said

“Great,” Bart replied. “You see that desk over there? The one with the ugly yellow bird feeder?” “Of course,” Kam laughed. “That’s Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle’s desk.” “Bring me that big pile of papers that’s labeled ‘TOP SECRET,’” Bart demanded.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

37 “Isn’t that stealing?” Kam asked.

“It doesn’t matter!” Bart screamed. “Listen, I’m trying to help you out here. You want to quit, right? Well, you might be wondering why I’m even trying to do this. I work at this place called the Imaginary Friend Factory. I’m one of the imaginary friends. My human, Jimmy, hates me. If we don’t stop Perfect Pets, I might be sent back to the company like all the others.” “I’ll help you,” Kam decided, handing Bart the file. “It’s time to figure out what’s happening with all this money he’s making,” Bart said gravely. He flipped open the first page.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

38 Chapter 8 Perfect Pets’ Perfect Scam

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

39 “Octie?” Bart whispered, opening the heavy cloud door. “Are you here?”

“Get out!” Octie whisper-shouted. “If Barrier Reef ﬁnds you here, he’ll kill you.” “Bu-but where’s everyone else?” Bart asked. “They’re all being sent back to the ocean. We simply don’t have the popularity to continue this business anymore,” Octie explained. “We don’t have any requests. Only returns, and, well, those aren’t very helpful, if you know what I mean.” “Octie, I’ve discovered something. Something really important,” Bart smiled, pulling out the sheet of paper he had stashed away. “Apparently, most of the company’s proﬁts are immediately spent paying money to a casino. Amazingly, Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle is dumb enough to write down the fact that he is scamming people. It really is incredible how stupid he is.” “But this is perfect!” Octie smiled. “All we have to do is show Barrier Reef, and then he’ll make sure tha-” “I’ll make sure that what?” a voice asked. “Oh, Mr. Reef! You are so great!” Octie said, bowing.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

40 after all, the great Barrier Reef. “Well, duh,” he replied. “I am, Now tell me what you were talking about.”

“I went on a quest,” Bart began. “I assure you, I did not order it!” Octie cut in. “I traveled all the way to the Perfect Pet’s Headquarters-” “Which is approximately three hours away from Jimmy’s house.” “Once I was there, I simply befriended one of the birds and had them steal Mr. Frinkle-Winkle-Dinkle’s secret file-” “May I add that this plan was my idea?” “Inside I found this.” Bart finished, handing Barrier the file. “Mr. Reef, I have already made sure that the file is kidfriendly,” Octie bowed again. “I’m not a kid,” Barrier grumbled. “But thanks anyway. Now, Bart, I need a favor. Bring this slip of paper to the news o ce.” “Consider it done,” Bart smiled, leaving the room.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

42 Chapter 9 Ta y Sparkles was the Best Unicorn I Could Have Ever Dreamed Of

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

43 “Hey, Jimmy! I’m home!” Bart shouted as he walked through the front door, passing Mrs. Kracker, who was bringing in the mail.

“Hi, mom!” Jimmy smiled. “Hi, Bart!” Jimmy whispered. He picked up Bart and carried him into his room. “I’m so glad you’re back. I have something to tell you. You’ll never guess, but Perfect Pets was a scam! It was all over the news!” “Really?” Bart asked, pretending to be surprised. “I never would have thought of that.” “I know, it’s crazy, right?” Jimmy said, enthusiastically. “So all those times Squiderella died, it wasn’t my fault! It was actually the Perfect Pets team. They were killing all the pets on purpose, just to make money. Can you believe that? Anyway, how was your quest? What was it about?” “Oh, um, you know, it’s kinda, um, classified,” Bart mumbled. “Really? Classified, huh! That sounds interesting. Can’t you tell me anything about it?” Jimmy asked. “Ohh! Did you notice that it’s finally sunny again? There was this huge storm, and nobody could see the sky at all. I know it was full of imaginary friends, though. I guess grownups are pretty blind.” “Wow, you suddenly got talkative,” Bart smiled.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

44 “No, I didn’t,” Jimmy grumbled. “I’m just happy you’re back. Anyway, I better get to school... I’ll see you afterwards, though, right? No more “classiﬁed” quests on the agenda, I hope?”

“Of course!” Bart responded. “Alright class, who can answer this question?” Mrs. Dark asked. The class stared back at her gloomily. “Come on, anybody? Oh, yes, Jimmy.” “The answer is four million,” Jimmy said brightly. “Wonderful!” Mrs. Dark sighed, glad that one of her students was still paying attention. Ever since Perfect Pets had been exposed, they had all been acting extremely sad. Just then, the bell rang. “Well, have a nice break, class,” Mrs. Dark smiled, waving the students out of the room. “It’s just not fair,” Marty said the moment they were outside. “My pet spider was one of my best friends. I can’t believe that he’s gone.” “Exactly,” Alice agreed. “Ta y Sparkles was the best unicorn I could have ever dreamed of. I would have been willing to pay a million dollars just for her.” “Well, we can’t dwell on the past,” Jimmy responded AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

philosophically.

“What does that mean?” Sarah asked. “I have no idea,” Jimmy shrugged. “I’ve just heard my dad say it before.” “Okay,” Jason said, “but you can’t seriously believe that, right? I mean, my horse isn’t coming back anytime soon.” “Have you guys ever heard of the IFF?” Jimmy asked. All of them shook their heads. “Let me tell you about the Imaginary Friend Factory…”

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Chapter 10 Dear IFF Sta

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Dear IFF Staff, My name

Sarah

and

really

chipmunks. Do you think you could give me a chipmunk friend? I would like it if he was very kind, and also that he could talk. I also like stuff that can fly. Do you think the chipmunk could have wings? My friend Jimmy is taking knitting lessons from his pet. I would like to learn how to knit. Do you think the chipmunk could knit? Your best friend forever, Sarah Dear IFF Staff, I’m Jason, and I was hoping you could supply me with an imaginary friend. A few things about me. I love horses, my favorite color is teal with orange stripes, and I read Pride and Prejudice when I was in second grade. With warm regards, Jason

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Dear IFF Staff,

My name is Alice, and I used to have a pet unicorn. I

would really like a new one, named Taffy Sparkles. It would also be good if she was pink, because pink is my favorite color. I hope

that I am not asking for too much. Your unicorn loving friend, Alice

Dear IFF Staff, I’m Marty! I really love spiders but I really really want a big one that I can ride. Can you make him very smart and good and fun? I really love all of those things. -Marty

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

49 Dear Jam, Pam, Lamb, Tam, Kam, and Ma’am,

Thank you for helping to expose Perfect Pets. Enclosed in this letter you will find the forms you must fill out to become a full-time staff member at the Imaginary Friend Factory. Sincerely, Octie Opus Secretary and Assistant Manager at The Imaginary Friend Factory

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Chapter 11 The BFF Times

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Epilogue

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

Dear IFF,

My name is Bartholomew, and I am writing to request an Imaginary Friend. Please make my friend kind and wonderful and a good friend. I would like my imaginary friend to be able to play with me and Jimmy. I would really enjoy a bird companion, as Kam has proven that they are indeed a very nobel species. I would really like a Keel-Billed Toucan, if it’s possible. I understand that KeelBilled Toucans can’t knit, but as knitting is one of my

favorite

hobbies,

would

greatly

appreciated if this particular Toucan could. Your dutiful worker, Bart the Imaginary Squid

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu

55 Youth Activism Through the Creative Process

The Creative Youth Collective empowers young writers and photographers to transform their creativity into activism. Founded in 2022, we provide personalized, collaborative mentorship to youth ages 10-18, guiding them through the entire creative process, from idea generation to publishing their own books. We’ve published 16 youth-authored books so far, and we have alot more on the way. When our young authors earn royalties from book sales, we help them donate to causes they care about, allowing them to see firsthand how their creativity can create positive change in the world. It’s a powerful, transformative experience. Learn more about our commitment to youth empowerment through storytelling at www.cccproject.space.

Proof Copy: Not optimized for high quality printing or digital distribu