Pippa’s Stem-Slide Surprise — Under the bright tin roof of the rain-gutter arcade, Pippa the cherry counted the bumps on the long brown stem. Read the full story →
Under the bright tin roof of the rain-gutter arcade, Pippa the cherry counted the bumps on the long brown stem. She wanted to whoosh from the high leaf bend to the low cherry dip with everyone shouting, “Zip-zip-zoom!” The air smelled like wet leaves and sweet juice, and the bunch swung faster each time a breeze tapped the gutter: ping, ping, ping.
Pippa scooted past two leaves, three shiny cheeks, and one tiny flower cap. Then the cap on her head gave a soft peep. Not a squeak. A whistle! Every blossom cap had one tucked inside, and the whole bunch played a racing tune as they slid together. The stem became a music ride, the leaves clapped in the rain, and Pippa laughed, “Again!” Next time you see those little caps, can you guess which one will peep first on the bright tin roof?
