Percival’s Leaf Race

After the rain, Percival finds a puddle on the patio. He and Sidney choose fallen leaves for a little boat race.

Percival picks a broad green leaf, and Sidney picks a narrow brown one. Mum marks a finish line beside the puddle.

They set their leaves on the water and blow gently. The green leaf moves, but the brown leaf sticks at the edge.

“Mine has touched the dry stones,” says Sidney. He lifts it carefully and puts it nearer the middle.

They start again from the same place. Both leaves float forward when the boys blow across the water.

A breeze turns the green leaf towards the side. Percival waits while Sidney’s brown leaf reaches the finish first.

“Let us swap leaves for the next race,” says Percival. They discover that each leaf moves in a different way.

When the puddle gets too small, they collect the leaves. They put them under the hedge and go inside to dry their shoes.