Carter Builds the North Road — Every day, Carter sanded smooth boards beside the meadow lane and painted arrows for travelers. Read the full story →
Every day, Carter sanded smooth boards beside the meadow lane and painted arrows for travelers. He wanted one sign made all by himself, with straight posts, neat edges, and a tiny north star that would shine in the sun.
Until one day, a silver compass beetle landed in his paint cup with a tink-tink. “Not north,” it whispered. Because of that, Carter watched the beetle march across the wet wood, leaving glittery tracks. Because of that, he carved a new star where the tracks crossed and hitched his small wagon to carry it to the bend.
At last, the sign pointed not just north, but homeward, hillward, and wonderward. Carter ran his thumb over the smooth letters, proud of every sawdusty bit. Next time you see his wagon by the lane, can you spot the tiny star he made all by himself?
