Author: Weaam Ahmed

Illustrator:Hanan El-Krargy

The original work of this book was made possible through the generous support of the All Children Reading: A Grand Challenge for Development (ACR GCD) Partners (the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), World Vision, and the Australian Government). It was prepared by Asafeer Education Technologies FZ LLC and does not necessarily reflect the views of the ACR GCD Partners. Any adaptation or translation of this work should not be considered an official ACR GCD translation and ACR GCD shall not be liable for any content or error in this translation.

The days on Saturn were short but slow. One day after breakfast, King Zilon didn’t know what to do or where to go. So Zilon, the king, counted Saturn’s rings. He then counted his toes, saying, “I have seventeen, I suppose.” And after awhile, the king moaned and groaned. He started shouting and roaring “It’s boring here … It’s very, very boring!”

King Zilon called for his adviser,

who was older and wiser.

He gazed at him and said,

“There’s nothing to be done.

I need to have some fun.”

And before he finished talking,

a strong flashing light blinded their sight. Then with a cling and a clang and a terrible bang,

the king said, “Such a shattering shake! Is Saturn at stake?”

“Was that a quake?”

“Did Saturn’s rings break?”

“No,” answered his loyal adviser,

who was older and wiser.

“It seems to be a huge spaceship

arriving from Earth after a long trip.”

They were interrupted by the guards that came in and said, “We found this creature in Saturn’s space. He has two eyes and a nose on his face.”

“A creature with legs, hands, and a head?

How funny! How strange!” King Zilon said.

Then the king asked “Are you from the human race?”

“Yes, I’m an astronaut,” replied the creature, as he reached into his suitcase.

King Zilon’s face shone as he said, “Oh dear Saturn,

I feel that lots of fun is about to happen.

And what’s this that you’ve got?

Would you please tell me, Mr. Astronaut?”

Before Mr. Astronaut could answer, King Zilon said, “I think it’s a mini UFO!”

But Mr. Astronaut replied,

“Oh no, your majesty! No, no, no.

It’s my favorite dish, a platter of chips and fish.”

Zilon the King said “Let me taste. Oh, Mr. Astronaut, this tastes great!”

The whole palace grew silent until the king declared,

“Saturn will host a solar feast!

All planets are invited for a potluck party,

and each shall bring one dish at least.”

King Zilon ordered, “Send invitations to

everyone to Saturn’s Feast 1.1.”

The king’s men gazed at him. So, King Zilon asked,

“What are you waiting for?

Send the invitations right now!” They replied,

“Yes, dear king, but how?”

Everyone stood still, until…

A ringing, dinging sound interrupted the silence.

“It’s my mother,” said Mr. Astronaut as he clicked on his device

with a shining face.

“I’m fine, Mom. Yes, I already washed my socks and tied my shoelace.”

“My eye brows are perfect,

And no, I didn’t trim my moustache yet.

I promise, to do this today. Goodbye, Mom.”

King Zilon was so surprised and asked,

“Mr. Astronaut, how did this happen?

King Zilon thought and thought, then he said: “I know what to do. We’ll simply copy you.” But his loyal ad- viser, who was older and wiser, made some quick calculations and explained the situation.“Well your majesty, we’ll need to have 7.5 billion calls done to invite everyone.” “Oh no!” sighed the king “What a difficult thing!”

Suddenly; the king saw a light flashing on Mr. Astronaut’s head!

It was his helmet, flashing in red.

King Zilon exclaimed,

“Your head is flashing, Mr. Astronaut.”

“Oh!” said Mr. Astronaut. “Time for the news. I nearly forgot.”

Everyone started listening to the news.

A new red storm hits Jupiter.

Science teachers demand Pluto’s return to the solar system after its exile as a dwarf planet.

Finally, What’s on the other side of the moon? What is it hiding from Earth?

“Nothing new,” said Mr. Astronaut, switching off the flashing light from his head.

King Zilon’s eyes sparkled as he asked, “What is this wonderful invention?!”

“You mean transmission through radio waves?” said

Mr. Astronaut. “Well yes, it’s great. Waves transmit

information throughout the solar system as long as the other end has a receiver.”

“That’s it!” cheered King Zilon. “Spread the news through

radio waves. Invite everyone, to the great feast of Saturn!”

Saturn’s scientists built transmission stations,

While the king’s loyal adviser,

who was older and wiser, prepared the invitations.

Finally, King Zilon clicked “Send.’” And waited for the other end...

The invitations were delivered to everyone. And Saturn prepared for a day of fun. Oh! Space now smells incredibly nice, with lots of ginger, pepper and spice!

King Zilon received his guests from Mercury, Venus and Mars,

and Mr. Astronaut returned from Earth with soup and granola bars.

Then Zilon the King welcomed visitors from Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune.

The big feast will begin very soon.

King Zilon’s face shone as he said, “I’m so happy indeed. It’s Saturn’s first feast.”

THE END