A Tiny Umbrella for Two

Pip the mouse woke to the sound of rain tapping on his windowsill. He peeked outside and saw puddles shining along the garden path. It was the perfect morning to stay warm inside.

Then he remembered his friend Clover.

Clover the rabbit had invited Pip to a picnic under the apple tree. Pip had packed a basket with strawberry slices, two oat biscuits, and a little blue napkin. He had even picked a yellow flower for the middle of their picnic blanket.

Pip looked at the rain. “Clover might think I forgot,” he said.

He found his red umbrella by the door. It was just the right size for a mouse. Pip tucked the flower behind his ear, lifted the basket, and set off.

At first, the umbrella kept him dry. But when he reached the stepping-stones, a gust of wind turned it inside out. Pip held on tight as the umbrella bobbed above him like a red flower with its petals pointing the wrong way.

“Oh, crumbs,” he squeaked.

He set down the basket and tried to fold the umbrella back into shape. One of its thin spokes had slipped loose. Pip pushed and tugged, but the spoke sprang out again.