Tillo and the Winds Gentle Challenge

Tillo and the Wind's Gentle Challenge One bright morning, Tillo the story-sore went for a walk with his friends. Toby the tortoise carried a little picnic basket. Hoppy the hare bounced along beside him, and Pip the mouse rode comfortably on Tillo's shoulder. Above them, fluffy clouds floated across the blue sky. Where shall we have our picnic? asked Hoppy. By the old oak tree, said Toby. I'll get there in my own time. We'll walk with you, said Tillo. The golden star on his left cheek sparkled in the sunshine. Just then, a breeze danced through the grass. Whoosh! Hoppy's ears fluttered. Pip held on to Tillo's scarf. Good morning, called the wind. Did you see that? I can make the whole meadow move! High above, the sun smiled. You certainly can, she said. I can shake branches, chase clouds, and send leaves spinning, the wind continued. I must be the strongest thing in the sky! The sun shone quietly. Perhaps, she said, but strength can work in different ways. Before the wind could answer, a traveller appeared on the winding path. He wore a long coat and carried a small bag. Good morning, he called to the friends. Good morning, they replied. The traveller continued towards the hill. The wind had an idea. Let's have a challenge! Whoever can get that traveller to take off his coat wins! Tillo looked up. Taking off his coat should be his choice, he said. Of course, replied the sun. We'll see whether he feels comfortable enough to do it. I'll go first, cried the wind. He took a great big breath. Then, whoosh! The grass bent low. The bushes shook. A shower of leaves rushed across the path. The traveller stopped. What a chilly wind! He pulled his coat tightly around him. The wind frowned. That wasn't enough. I'll blow harder! Whoosh! Hoppy crouched behind the picnic basket. Pip slipped into Tillo's scarf. Toby tucked his head a little closer to his shell. The traveller fastened every button on his coat. Then, he held the collar firmly beneath his chin. The harder you blow, the tighter he holds it, Pip squeaked. But I'm very strong, said the wind. He blew one last tremendous gust. The traveller leaned forward and hurried towards a sheltered wall. His coat stayed firmly on. At last, the wind ran out of puff. Oh, he said. The meadow grew quiet again. A leaf drifted gently onto Toby's shell. Hoppy picked it off. Your turn, sun, he called. The sun peeped out from behind a cloud. She did not flash or flare. She simply spread a little gentle warmth across the path. The traveller lifted his head. That's better. He stepped away from the wall and continued walking. The sun warmed the grass. She warmed the trees. She warmed the traveller's cold hands. After a little while, he loosened his collar. Then, he unfastened a button. And another. What a lovely morning this has become, he said. Soon, the traveller reached the old oak tree. He took off his coat, folded it over his arm, and sat down in the shade. The wind stared. You did it! The traveller did it, said Tillo. He took it off when he felt ready. The sun smiled. I helped him feel comfortable. The wind looked down at the meadow. I thought that if something didn't work, I should push harder. Sometimes we need a different idea, said Toby. And sometimes we need to be gentler, added Pip. The friends settled beneath the oak tree. Toby opened the picnic basket. Inside were sandwiches, apple slices, and four little cups. Pip spotted the smallest cup. That one's just right for me! Nearby, the traveller reached into his bag. Oh dear, he murmured. His water bottle was empty. Tillo walked over. Would you like some of our water? That would be very kind, said the traveller. Tillo poured him a cup. Poppy offered him an apple slice. Toby moved the basket to make more room. The traveller smiled. I've been walking for a long time. A little rest and a friendly welcome are exactly what I needed. Up above, the wind listened carefully. Then he whispered through the branches. A soft breeze cooled the traveller's foreh