1. Version 1 – Adapted for use in the classroom

3. Walter stopped at the bakery on his way home from school
Walter stopped at the bakery on his way home from school. He bought one large jelly doughnut. He ate the doughnut and threw the empty bag at a fire hydrant.

4. At home Walter saw Rose, the little girl next door, watering a tree
At home Walter saw Rose, the little girl next door, watering a tree. “It’s my birthday present,” she said. Walter couldn't understand why anyone would want a tree for a present. “I’m not getting some dumb plant for my birthday,” he told Rose.

5. After dinner Walter took out the trash
After dinner Walter took out the trash. Walter dumped everything into one can. He was too busy to sort through garbage. There was something on television he wanted to watch.

6. The show that Walter watched was about a boy who lived in the future
The show that Walter watched was about a boy who lived in the future. The boy flew around in a tiny airplane. He had a robot and small machine that could make any kind of food.

7. Walter wished that he lived in the future
Walter wished that he lived in the future. He couldn’t wait to have his own tiny plane, a robot to take out the trash, and a machine that could make jelly doughnuts. He fell asleep and his wish came true. That night Walter’s bed took him to . . .

8. the future.

9. Walter woke up in the middle of a huge dump
Walter woke up in the middle of a huge dump. A bulldozer was pushing trash bags towards him. “Stop!” he yelled.
The man driving the bulldozer said “Oh, I didn't see you.”
Walter looked at the mountains of trash and saw half-buried houses. “Do people live here?” he asked.
“Not anymore,” answered the man.
Walter saw an old street sign that read FLORAL AVENUE. “Oh no,” gasped Walter. He lived in Floral Avenue.
Walter pulled the covers over his head. I’m sure it’s just a dream. He went back to sleep.

10. But not for long . . .