A Day at the Beach (IP)

The sand crab scurried up the Popsicle stick drawbridge and made himself at home in the sand castle’s courtyard. Seeing this, little Julia covered the creature with her translucent sand pail and made it her prisoner.

“We have an invader!” she yelled. “Call out the guards!”

And out they came.

The first guard to be planted in the sand was Barbie, clad in a pink polka dot bikini, her long blond hair pulled back in a pony tail. Next came Ken, looking spiffy in Speedos and a crew-cut.

Then there was Batman. He was part of the arsenal that belonged to her big brother. After that, one more was added to the rank of guard: The Joker.

“What’s his crime, citizen,” said Batman.

“He bit me,” said Julia. “Now I have a boo boo that hurts.”

“Oh, suck it up, sister!” said the Joker.

“Hey,” said Ken. “You can’t talk to her that way.”

“Oh, yeah!" said the Joker. “What are you gonna do about it, string bean?”

“Now boys,” said Barbie, “settle down.”

“I’d love to settle down," said the Joker. “On your face! How about it, sweet cakes? Why don’t you get rid of twinkle toes and I’ll show you how it’s done.”

”Hey!” said Ken. ”How would you like a sock in the nose?”

”Sock?" said the Joker. ”How would you like my shoe up your--”

“Ease up there, Joker!” said Batman. “I’ll handle this.”

“Who made you the sheriff?” said the Joker.

“No need to get all huffy,” he said. “We’re all in this together.”

“And just what are we supposed to be doing?” said Ken.

“Guarding the prisoner until his trial,” said Julia. “But first I’ll need to find a witness. I’ll be back as soon as I can”

“You know something?" said the Joker. “I’m getting pretty hungry and that crab is looking mighty good."

“Don’t even think about it!" said Batman. “You’d be tampering with justice!"

“Hey!" said Barbie. “Why are my feet getting all wet?"

When Julia returned the tide had already licked away the castle walls and the prisoner, leaving the guards buried up to their necks in sand.

Julia dropped her Elmo doll - he was to be her star witness - and pulled them out of danger.

She washed each one with care , and set them on her blanket to dry.

“We’ll re-build,” said Julia. “Now get some rest. You’ll need it. Tomorrow I’m getting bit by my cat.”