Hi there and welcome.
I like writing stories about a village of animal friends who each have a special strength.
Something that not only makes them special but also very happy.
As you listen to today's story see if you can spot Carlotta's strength.
Carlotta and the box.
Carlotta had always been a little different.
When she was just a little lamb she insisted on coloring in the sun purple and the flowers black.
She also insisted on choosing out her own clothes to wear and sometimes looked quite odd.
At preschool the teacher used to sigh oh Carlotta the sun is yellow and flowers should be bright.
But Carlotta liked to do things differently and her mum and dad said that was just fine.
When Carlotta was five years old her parents signed her up for art classes with Mrs Moo.
Mrs Moo was a kind elderly cow with bright blue makeup around her eyes,
Shocking pink lipstick on her lips and flowers on her head.
In her very first art lesson Mrs Moo asked the children to draw and then paint a box.
Just that?
Asked Percy the little pup.
Just draw and paint a picture of a box?
Really?
Mrs Moo smiled kindly.
Yes,
She said,
Draw and paint a box.
All the children set to work on what seemed to be a very simple task.
Zippy the zebra worked quickly and painted his box yellow.
Little Henry Lion Cub worked hard to draw a nice square box and painted his blue.
Pat the kitten was in a happy mood and enjoyed painting her block in rainbow colors.
Sally Sloth finished first and started to giggle.
Mrs Moo went over to have a look at Sally's box.
Is that a box?
Mrs Moo asked uncertainly.
Yes,
Answered Sally,
Pointing at the straight line she had drawn.
But it's flat because somebody sat on it.
Mrs Moo burst out laughing and soon many of the children joined in.
Well,
Chuckled Mrs Moo,
Sally you are certainly a silly sloth.
That is a very funny picture.
Mrs Moo turned to the class.
Are you all done with your boxes?
Everyone nodded except one.
Carlotta was still hard at work and focused on her painting.
Mrs Moo and the other children went to see Carlotta's box.
Wow,
They all said,
Looking at the Christmas tree and presents she had painted.
But Carlotta was far from done.
Woo,
Said the class,
Seeing the rest of the picture take shape.
But still Carlotta was not done.
Amazing,
They gasped,
Looking at the fireplace,
The cozy setting she had painted.
Carlotta was almost done.
Holy moly,
The children whispered.
Mrs Moo looked at Carlotta as she finally put the paintbrush down.
Could you please tell us about your picture Carlotta?
Carlotta nodded shyly.
I hope it's alright Mrs Moo,
She said,
But you didn't tell us what the box should look like or where the box should be.
Mrs Moo smiled again.
That's fine my dear.
I painted gift boxes under the Christmas tree at my granny's house.
Excellent work,
Exclaimed Mrs Moo and all the children clapped and told Carlotta what great work she had done.
Before Carlotta left art class that day,
Mrs Moo gave her a letter for her and her parents to read.
It said,
To Carlotta and family.
When she got home,
Carlotta told everyone about her day and together they read Mrs Moo's letter.
Carlotta is a truly gifted artist.
She's also very creative.
She really knows how to think outside of the box.
Regards,
Mrs Margaret Moo.
