The Big Big Slide

Starring Ella, Blizzard Ben

Mimi Puff and Blizzard Ben stand at the foot of the tallest slide in the snowy village park, their hearts thumping with excitement and worry. When the climb gets windy and the top seems too high, they combine Mimi’s calming pocket-song with Ben’s brave helmet-tapping ritual to find courage together. Sliding down as a team, they discover that sharing their special tricks makes them both braver than they ever were alone.

Ben pointed up. "That is the Big Big Slide!" Mimi touched the tiny bear face on her pink vest pocket. Ben tapped his blue helmet twice. "Tap-tap," he whispered.

The ladder went up, up, up. Clank! The wind shook the rails. Mimi jumped. She hummed her pocket-song, soft like a butterfly.

At the top, the world looked tiny. Ben's shiny goggles mirrored the clouds. "It is high," he said. His fingers tapped his helmet. Tap-tap. Mimi peeked over the edge and smiled at a ladybug.

FWOOOSH! Another slider zipped past. The steps shook. Ben's gray scarf flapped. "Maybe we climb down?" he asked. Mimi clutched her vest. The bear face looked brave.

"Ben," said Mimi, "you tap-tap, and I hum. Together?" Ben smiled behind his goggles. "Together." He tapped tap-tap. She hummed hmm-hmm.

Push! Whoosh! The wind sang in their ears. Ben's goggles caught the sun. "Sparkles!" he shouted. Mimi's ponytail flew. "Wheee!"

Bump! They landed in soft snow. Ben's scarf puffed up. Mimi giggled. "We did it!" Ben tapped his helmet. "Tap. For victory."

They walked to the swings, holding hands. Ben spotted a shiny path. Mimi hummed. "Again?" asked Ben. "Again," smiled Mimi. The slide waited behind them, tall and friendly.