8/8/2019 Elbertl's Bad Word Readers Theater

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Readers Theater of

Elberts Bad Word a Childrens Book by

Audrey Wood; Illustrated by Audrey and Don Wood

Adapted by Debra Harber

Narrator: It all started one beautiful afternoon at an elegant garden party given by Elberts parents for their

friends and family. Everyone who was anyone was invited to attend the elegant event from Sir Hilary to

Madame Friatta and no one suspected the that there would be a gate-crasher.

The garden party began on time and everyone was eating and drinking. Elbert was strolling through the party

and observing everyone at the party.

Elbert: Everyone who is anyone is here! I see my aunts and uncles. O there is Sir Hilary talking to Chives our

butler.

Narrator: As Elbert strolled through the party; he was listening to what everyone was saying. When suddenly a

word floated by like a small storm cloud; it was ugly and covered with dark, bristly hairs. With a swift flick of

his wrist, Elbert snatched the word from the air and stuffed it into his back pocket.

Elbert: O my, what was that? What did I hear? I have never heard anything like that before. I will take that

small word that is the size of a gnat and put it in my pocket for later.

Narrator: Elbert forgot about the word and continued on his way. But the word waited patiently.

Aunt Isabella (singing opera): "Ah, love me a little, just a very little, as you would love a baby; tis all that I ask

for. I come of a people accustomed to little; grateful for love thats silent, light as a blossom, and yet everlastingas the sky, as the fathomless ocean."

Narrator: As Elbert listened to Aunt Isabella shriek, the word made itself small and flew into Elberts mouth like

a little gnat.

Thats when the trouble began. Chives the Butler tried to balance too many trays of deviled eggs.

Chives the Butler: Excuse, please. Please, let me through. O no! O my Goodness!

Narrator: He dropped them all onto Madame Friattas gown. Madame Friatta spilled her spriter on Sir Hilarys

bald head. Sir Hilary threw his croquet mallet up into the air.

Then, with a terrible thud, the mallet landed on Elberts great toe. Elbert opened his mouth to scream, but the

bad word sprang out, bigger and uglier than before!

Everyone at the party was shocked. They couldnt believe their ears.

Elberts Mother: Come with me, young man!

8/8/2019 Elbertl's Bad Word Readers Theater

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