Lights flashed and music played as Charlie Hummingbird was escorted to his seat on the "Do You Want to Be a Millionaire?" show.

 The audience were already seated and a whole row of penguins were almost hidden in the dark blue light. Only their white front glowed through the piercing light.

 Charlie sat on the seat next to Marvin Dog and Harold Crow. Within the next few minutes, it would be decided who would go up to answer the questions that could change their life forever.

 Hopper Rabbit, the host, was very dapper in his tux. He bowed from the waist to the audience that clapped and cheered. His white shirt sported a white tie and Charlie knew that was Hopper's trademark. Whatever colour his shirt was, his tie would match.

 Soon Hopper was introducing the fast-finger contest and asked to put the following movies in order with the earliest first: a. "Digimon" b. "Flubber" c. "Sailor Moon" and d. "ET." Quickly the fingers flew over the keyboard to put the movies in order.

 "Time's up!" said Hopper and he proceeded to read the movies in the correct order: a. "ET" b. "Flubber" c. "Sailor Moon" and d. "Digimon." "Who has the fastest time?"

 Suddenly the screen showed that Charlie Hummingbird was the fastest and Charlie quickly jumped up to join Hopper at the large console.

 "Is this your first time in New York?" asked Hopper.

 "Yes, it is,'" answered Charlie. "I went to visit the Statue of Liberty today and went up to the very top."

 "That is wonderful," said Hopper. "Let's get started with the $100 question. What does 'don't lose your head' mean? a. calm down b. let's get out of here c. let's run or d. go to a magic show?"

 "That would be 'calm down,'" said Charlie, and the crowd cheered as he won $l00.

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 The second question and third were easy too and then Hopper talked with Charlie again.

 "You are from Canada. Let's hear 'O Canada,' as it says that you sing at weddings and in variety shows," urged Hopper.

 Charlie proceeded to sing "O Canada" and the audience clapped. Then Hopper continued with the questions and each became harder and harder. Within minutes Charlie had to use the eliminate two answers lifeline and after that he used the audience.

 When it came time to call a friend, Charlie called Aunt Mavis in Nova Scotia and Aunt Mavis knew the right answer. By the time that half an hour was up, Charlie had won $500,000 and was going for the big question. He was out of lifelines and decided to walk with the money.

 Charlie would never forget his time on "Do You Want to Be a Millionaire?" and the $500,000 would come in handy with the large family Charlie had at home. Who knows, but his singing might even get him some jobs at home. Charlie Hummingbird was a very happy boy indeed.

 Question about the story: What lifeline did Charlie use first?

 Winners: Aston and Molly were part of a pizza party and received a newly released book for their library at Hebb-ville Academy.

 Send answers to Storytime, c/o Verna Dunlop, RR#1 Moser River, NS or e-mail the answer to vernadunlop@yahoo.com. Names will be drawn for prizes.

posted on 10/07/08