Simon’s Kite Parade

Simon and Felix arrive at the park for a kite festival with Mum. Simon carries a paper kite he decorated with a large orange sun. He hopes the people beside the flying field will notice his picture high in the sky.

At the entrance, a helper checks their kite and finds a split along its thin wooden frame. The helper explains that it needs a proper repair before it can fly. Simon lowers his eyes, disappointed after all his careful painting.

Mum suggests watching the other kites while they decide what to do. Felix notices a craft table where children are making decorations for a walking parade around the viewing area. Their pictures will be carried, rather than flown on strings.

Simon asks the helper whether his sun picture could join the parade. Together they remove the string and damaged frame at the craft table, keeping the painted paper flat. The helper places the broken wood safely out of the way.

They attach the sun picture to a light card backing and a short handle. Felix makes a blue cloud beside it. Simon lifts his new banner gently and discovers that everyone nearby can see the sun without looking up into the sky.

When the parade begins, Mum walks beside them along the marked grass route. They stay away from the kite strings and give the other children room. Simon carries his sun while Felix holds the cloud just behind it.

A little child points to the bright picture and smiles. Simon waves his free hand. He still wants to repair his kite another day, but he is enjoying the parade he had not expected to join.

Afterwards, they stand beside the low wooden stand near the craft table. “My sun had a different journey,” Simon says. Mum takes a photograph of the two friends, pleased that they found another way to share their work.