Tiny Ship, Big Wind

Jack found a pirate ship in the puddle by the gate. It was no bigger than his shoe. It had a black flag, three little sails and a tiny wooden wheel.

"Hello, ship," said Jack.

The ship bobbed. Its flag went flap-flap.

Jack knew just what he wanted. He wanted to sail it all the way across the pond to the old log on the other side. Pirates always had a place to sail to.

He carried the ship to the edge of the pond and set it on the water. Then he blew. Puff, puff, puff.

The ship wobbled and spun round. It did not go anywhere.

"Come on," said Jack. "Go first. Go on."

But the ship only sat there, shy, like a duck that will not jump in.

Jack tried again. He blew harder. His cheeks puffed out like two buns. The ship tipped over and a sail got wet.

"Oh dear," said Jack.

He sat down on the grass and looked at the ship. He looked at the flag. It was not flapping now. It was drooping, quite still.

Then Jack noticed something. The reeds by the pond were all leaning one way. Towards the log.

"The wind is going that way," he said. "I don't need to blow. I need to wait."

He picked up the ship and dried its sail with his sleeve. He put it back on the water, at the edge where the reeds were leaning. Then he sat very still.

The flag lifted. Flap-flap. The sails filled up, fat and white.

And the tiny ship slid away from the bank. It went across the pond, quietly, all by itself, with a little ripple behind it.

Jack held his breath.

The ship bumped gently against the old log. Bonk.

Jack grinned. He lay down on his tummy in the warm grass and watched the black flag wave, flap-flap, flap-flap, until the wind went soft and the water was smooth.