Justin Swings Big

Starring Justin

Justin, the self-proclaimed Champion of Chill Challenges, spots a cricket bat and ball in the backyard and decides to invent his very own batting game. His first big swing sends the ball soaring straight into the garden sprinkler, soaking everyone and everything nearby. After thinking it over, Justin shifts his grip and his stance, and discovers a hit so powerful it launches the ball clear over the fence. The story celebrates trying again after a soggy mistake and finding your own style.

Justin found a cricket bat leaning against the garden fence. He picked it up, gave it a swoosh, and nodded. "New challenge," he said to no one in particular. "Biggest backyard hit ever."

He set the ball on a little dirt mound. He adjusted his aviator sunglasses. He took a big, slow breath and waggled the bat like he had seen players do on TV.

He swung as hard as he could. CRACK! The ball shot sideways, not forward. It smacked straight into the garden sprinkler. WHOOOOSH! Cold water sprayed everywhere.

Justin stood there dripping. His sneakers went squish squish. He had been so sure that swing was going to work. It did not work at all.

He picked up the bat again and looked at his hands. "Maybe it is the grip," he muttered. He moved his fingers lower and tried a slower, smoother practice swing.

He set up the ball again. This time he held his breath, kept his eyes on the ball, and swung smooth and low. THWACK! The ball sailed up, up, up.

The ball cleared the fence with a soft thud on the other side. Justin lowered the bat and let out a long, slow whistle. That was a very big hit.

He pushed his sunglasses back up his nose, patted the fence, and went to find the ball. Already he was thinking about tomorrow's challenge.