Storytime: Hendrick, Anslo & the Little Pumpkin

With some help from a friendly fairy, one determined little boy’s dream comes true

A helpful fairy brings joy to one deserving little boy.

Once upon a time, there was a seven-yearold boy named Hendrick Anderson, who lived with his parents and four older brothers on a pumpkin farm.

One year in the spring, Hendrick decided to grow his own pumpkin and, if it grew large enough, enter it in the fall fair.

All summer, Hendrick watered, tended and fertilized his pumpkin. But by harvest time, his pumpkin was the smallest in the garden. Hendrick sat down beside his little pumpkin, buried his head in his arms and began to weep. Nearby, on the branch of an old oak tree, sat Anslo—the smallest of the garden fairies. Anslo had watched Hendrick care for his pumpkin all summer. He felt sorry for the little boy crying beneath him on the ground. Anslo stood up, clenched his fists, closed his eyes and concentrated with all his might. He opened one eye, nothing was happening. He took a deep breath and concentrated till his head hurt. Suddenly, there was a groaning, ripping, stretching sound. Hendrick opened his eyes to see that his little pumpkin had grown into a giant pumpkin! Afraid his pumpkin might explode, Hendrick shouted, “Stop, stop, you’re now the largest pumpkin in the garden!” Anslo opened his eyes and smiled as he watched Hendrick dance around his huge pumpkin. Anslo’s face beamed with satisfaction as he flew up into the air above Hendrick and the now giant pumpkin. The best joys are shared joys, Anslo thought with a smile.