FOREST CARNIVAL

Bella the little puppy wants to surprise her Grandma for her birthday this year. She is trying to think of something really special to give to her Grandma. “What could be the best gift for Grandma?” she wonders.

“Flowers would be perfect!” Daddy suggests. “I know your Grandma loves roses!”

“OK, but are they the best gift for her?” Bella wonders.

“Why don’t you make her a nice cup of chamomile tea?” Mom tells Bella. “Everyone likes a hot drink to make them comfy and cozy. I can even help you make it.”

“Hmmm, that sounds good, but is it the best gift for Grandma?” Bella wonders.

“I know!” says Bella’s brother, George. “Let’s paint a picture for her together!” His tail wags excitedly in the air. “Purple is her favorite color! We can start with purple!”

“Wow, that’s a great idea! But is it the best gift for her?” Bella asks again.

When Bella asks Grandpa, he gives a big laugh. “Why not try ALL of them!” he says.

Bella frowns. “But how can I give her ALL of them?” she wonders.

Grandpa comes close and whispers to Bella, “Make a special birthday card!” He patiently explains to her. “You can put all her favorite things in a card! I’m sure she’ll like it!”

“Right!” Bella’s eyes shine. “I can put our photo on a purple card, like George said! The rose petals from our garden are perfect for this, just like Daddy suggested! And I can draw the chamomile tea Mom told me about! And...” Bella laughs and plans.

When Bella’s Grandma saw the adorable card on her birthday, the brightest smile spread across her face. “Thank you soooo much,” Grandma said and leaned down to give Bella a kiss on her forehead.

Bella threw her arms around her. “And many many hugs every day!” she added, gripping her Grandma tight. Her Grandma’s smile got even bigger.

“Now THIS is the BEST gift I’ve ever got!”

Deep in the woods there lived a bear family. Tommy the bear was the youngest member of the family.

Staring at the sky every night, he always wondered if he could someday catch the moon.

One night, Tommy decided to try.

First, he ran up to the top of the mountain to get closer to the moon. He leaped as high as he could go, pushing himself off the ground, but his fingers clasped only the thin, empty air.

So he climb up a tree and tried to catch the moon again... But the moon sailed away even as he climbed higher. Further and further away did it stray... Tommy’s plan did not work. Tommy was upset. He sat on a branch and started talking with Oliver the night owl who was perched on a higher branch.

Coral the unicorn walked by, heard voices up in the trees, and looked up to see Tommy and Oliver high up in the branches.

“What are you doing up there, Tommy?” asked Coral.

“I thought I could reach the moon by climbing up high,” explained Tommy.

“The moon is so, so, SO much further than you imagined, kid,” Coral laughed, “I can’t reach it even though I can fly. That’s why your mom says she loves you to the moon and back!”

“Oh... is there any way I can get closer to it?” Tommy asked. “Could you tell me more about the moon and the sky?” Tommy would not give up.

“Do you want to hear my stories? Or would you like to see for yourself?” asked Coral, looking up at him.

“Really? Can I really see the sky myself?!” asked Tommy. “I really want to get a bit closer to the moon! Could you please take me with you up into the sky for once?” Tommy pleaded with all his heart.

“Of course, I’d love to, my dear little friend. Would you like to go right now?” answered Coral with a smile.

“Yes, yes, yes!!” shouted Tommy, jumping up and down, shaking the trees with his excitement.

And so, with Tommy on her back, Coral flew off up into the air, climbing higher and higher, with Tommy squealing in delight. He held on tightly to Coral. Looking up, the bright moon and the twinkling stars seemed a little bit closer, though they were still impossible to reach. But looking down at the ground that seemed so very far away, Tommy was amazed by what he saw. The houses and trees looked like his building toys. The river looked like a blue line drawn on one of his coloring books. Birds flew past him chirping a friendly greeting and he waved at them in return.

Soon it was time to return to the ground. “Thank you so much, dear Coral!” Said Tommy when he landed and hugged Coral tightly. Tommy went back home and fell asleep satisfied, staring at the moon as usual. That night, he had the sweetest dream ever.