Benny's Bumpity Blueberry Walk

Benny Bear packed a basket with blueberries for a picnic. On its tag, the heading read “Blueberry Picnic.” Below a picture of the full basket, a caption said, “Carry with care.” Benny grinned. “Benny Bear's bouncing blueberry basket!” he said.

He hurried down the rocky lane. His basket bobbed beside his knee. “Bumpity, bumpity, bounce!” Benny sang. Three berries hopped onto the ground.

Benny picked up the berries and hurried again. “Bumpity, bumpity, bounce!” This time, five berries scattered across the path. “My snack is taking a walk without me!” he cried.

His friend Mina Mouse came around the bend. “Your words sound as bouncy as your basket,” she said. “Try a slower song.” Benny gathered the fallen berries into a separate cup to wash later.

Mina tapped four steady beats on a flat stone. Then she sang, “Step, step, soft and slow. Step, step, here we go.” Benny tapped along. Soon his feet matched the gentle beat.

He held the basket in both paws with a firm grip. He walked instead of rushing. “Step, step, soft and slow. Step, step, here we go.” The basket swayed a little, but no berries jumped out.

At the picnic blanket, Benny set down his full basket. Mina brought water to wash the berries from the cup. “Your slow song saved our snack,” Benny said.

Then he tried his twisty words again. “Benny Bear's bouncing blueberry basket!” His tongue tangled, and both friends giggled. “Bouncy words are fun to say,” Benny added, “but berries like a slower ride.”