Poppy’s Garden Fair

The neighbourhood fair is nearly ready. People are bringing books, plants and picnic food to the community garden. Poppy arrives with Aunt Rose and a basket of paper flowers.

“Where can we help?” asks Poppy. One neighbour is setting out young plants. Another is arranging books for a swap. Aunt Rose asks what jobs still need doing.

“We need a place for people to sit,” says a neighbour. The adults carry a table into the shade. Poppy carries a light cloth with Aunt Rose and smooths it over the top.

Then she puts her paper flowers in an empty jug. The jug wobbles on a fold in the cloth. Poppy moves the fold, and Aunt Rose checks the table is steady.

Soon people arrive. A neighbour chooses a book and leaves another one to share. A child looks at the plants with his grandad. Poppy notices how many people have helped.

At the picnic table, someone asks about the paper flowers. “I made them,” says Poppy. “And lots of people helped make this fair.” She points to the different stalls.

When the fair ends, everyone has a job again. Adults carry the heavy tables. Poppy gathers her paper flowers. Aunt Rose checks for anything left on the grass.

The garden is quiet and tidy. Poppy waves goodbye to the neighbours. “Our jobs were different,” she says, “but they all helped.” Aunt Rose takes her hand as they walk home.