The Cup in the Forest: A Story of Mystery and Fear

Introduction

The Cup in the Forest is a short and exciting book written by Anne Collins. It is part of the Penguin Readers series at the Easystarts level. This means the book is easy to read and perfect for people learning English. The story is about two young people, Per and Nina, who find an old cup in a forest. But the cup is not just a normal cup. It has a strange history, and it brings danger.

Per and Nina’s Holiday

Per and Nina are on holiday in the Norwegian countryside. They enjoy their trip and love walking in the forest. One day, Per sees something interesting on the ground. It is a beautiful old cup with strange words on it. Per is curious, but when he looks up, he sees a man in the trees. Nina cannot see this man. This is very strange.

A Night in the Hotel

Per and Nina take the cup and drive to a small town. They stay in a hotel for the night. Per cannot sleep. He looks out of the window and sees a strange man standing in the garden. Again, Nina does not see him. Per feels afraid. Who is this man? Why is he following them?

The Museum Visit

The next day, Per and Nina visit a local museum. They show the cup to the curator, a man who knows a lot about history. The curator is very serious. He tells them that the cup is very old. It belongs to a Viking called Hakon. The curator warns them. They must take the cup back to the forest immediately. It is not safe to keep it.

Danger and Fear

Per is afraid and wants to listen to the curator. But Nina has a different idea. She wants to sell the cup in Oslo to make money. When Per is not looking, Nina takes the cup and drives away alone. She does not believe in ghosts or danger. She just wants to get rich.

A Terrible Accident

As Nina drives through the forest, she suddenly sees a strange man on the road. She is very afraid. She loses control of the car. The car hits a tree and falls into the river. Per follows her in the curator’s car, but when he arrives, it is too late. Nina is dead.

Per looks around. He sees Hakon walking away with his cup. The Viking has taken back what belongs to him.

Conclusion

The Cup in the Forest is a story about mystery, fear, and history. It teaches us that some things from the past should stay in the past. The story is easy to read but very exciting. It is a great book for people who love ghost stories and adventure. If you like short and interesting books, you will enjoy The Cup in the Forest.

Anne Collins author of children's books and young adult books 

Anne Collins: A Life of Adventure and Storytelling in ELT Publishing

Early Life and Inspirations

Anne Collins was born on June 25, 1952, in Harrogate, a historic town in the northeast of England. However, her childhood was far from ordinary. Her father worked in the financial department of the Air Ministry, an organization responsible for the Royal Air Force, which meant frequent relocations for the family. Living in Egypt, Cyprus, and Aden during her early years, Anne was exposed to different cultures, languages, and ways of life. This international upbringing fostered a love for travel, foreign cultures, and storytelling that would later shape her career as a writer and educator.

Upon returning to England, Anne attended a girls' school in Guildford before enrolling at London University to study English Literature. This academic foundation strengthened her passion for books and language, paving the way for a career that would blend education, travel, and publishing.

A Journey into Teaching and Travel

Anne’s professional journey began in 1973 when she took a teaching position at a private Greek language school, known as a ‘frontistirio,’ on the island of Kos. At that time, very few foreigners lived in Greece, making her experience truly unique. She lived with a kind Greek family, learning their language while teaching English. This immersion in Greek culture deepened her appreciation for language learning and international communication.

A year later, Anne moved to Athens, where she worked as a tour guide for a British tourist company. Leading visitors through ancient historical sites such as Mycenae, Delphi, and Knossos in Crete, she gained an intimate understanding of Greek history and mythology. While this was an exciting and fulfilling job, Anne soon realized that her true calling lay in education. After two years, she returned to England to pursue a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at London University, equipping herself with formal teaching qualifications.

Teaching in Saudi Arabia and Scotland

With her new teaching credentials, Anne secured a position as a Lecturer in English at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Spending three years in Saudi Arabia, she witnessed the country’s rapid development and worked closely with educated Saudi women, who lived largely private lives. This experience gave her a deep appreciation of cultural diversity and the transformative power of education.

Following her time in Saudi Arabia, Anne returned to the UK and played a crucial role in establishing the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Department at Glasgow University. During this time, she also wrote her first Graded Reader for Heinemann Educational Books, marking the beginning of her career as an author.

Exploring the Publishing World in Turkiye

Anne’s career took another exciting turn when she attended a university conference and met a representative from Longman Group Publishing. They were looking for a marketing manager to develop their Turkish division, and Anne, with her extensive international experience, was the perfect candidate.

She moved to Istanbul, where she spent four years traveling across Turkiye, visiting schools and universities to understand their educational needs. She worked closely with Turkish teachers, delivering seminars and presentations on ELT materials. During this time, she also collaborated with well-known ELT authors such as Donn Byrne, Ingrid Freebairn, and Jeremy Harmer, arranging their visits to Turkiye.

Her time in Turkiye was both professionally and personally rewarding, allowing her to experience the rich cultural heritage of the country while playing a significant role in shaping ELT education there.

A Career in Writing and the Birth of ‘Island for Sale’

After returning to the UK, Anne transitioned into freelance writing. Her first original story, Island for Sale, was inspired by a real-life event. While vacationing on the Scottish island of Gigha, she learned that the island was for sale, and one of the potential buyers was none other than Mick Jagger from The Rolling Stones. This fascinating premise led to the creation of a delightful graded reader about a pop star looking to buy a Scottish island.

As her writing career flourished, Anne continued to take short-term teaching contracts at universities such as Stirling and Edinburgh while also working abroad for Stafford House School of English.

A New Adventure in China

Never one to shy away from new experiences, Anne accepted a teaching position in China, a country known for its rapid modernization and deep cultural traditions. She first moved to Chengdu, home to the famous Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre, and later relocated to Ningbo, near Shanghai. There, she worked on a project at the University of Nottingham, helping to provide British university degrees to Chinese students.

Anne found China’s dynamic blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology fascinating. The fast-paced changes in the country provided endless inspiration for her teaching and writing.

A Prolific Career in Graded Readers

Since she began writing in 1981, Anne has authored nearly forty Graded Readers, adapting a wide range of literary works for learners of English. Her adaptations span from classic Shakespearean plays to modern authors like Ian Fleming (James Bond series) and Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries).

Through her work, Anne has made literature accessible to thousands of language learners worldwide. Her ability to simplify complex narratives while preserving their essence has cemented her reputation as a leading writer in ELT publishing.

A Lasting Legacy in Education and Writing

Despite her success, Anne remains dedicated to her craft and continues to write as long as there is a demand for Graded Readers. She has often considered writing an original novel but finds joy in adapting existing stories to reach new audiences.

Anne Collins’ life has been defined by adventure, cultural exchange, and a deep love for storytelling. From teaching in Greece, Saudi Arabia, and China to shaping ELT publishing in Turkiye and the UK, her contributions to education and literature have left a lasting impact.

Her journey serves as an inspiration for educators and writers alike, proving that a passion for language and learning can lead to a truly remarkable career.