The Balloon That Came Back

The Balloon That Came Back

Author
authorBuilders Community

Leo sends a thank-you letter on a red balloon, but it returns with a mysterious map. This map guides him to neighbors in need, teaching him the joy of giving and the true meaning of gratitude.

age4 - 8 years old
emotional intelligence
Story Details

Leo gripped his red balloon. He tied his thank-you letter to it. Zoom! The balloon shot into the frosty air.

Leo watched it tiny. It sailed toward the swirly clouds. An hour later, tap-tap-tap! The balloon bumped his window.

How did it get back? Leo snatched it. The letter inside was not his. It was a map! His street was on the map.

Little gold stars twinkled on houses. One star glittered on Mrs. Gable’s house. She always looked sad.

Another star shimmered on Mr. Henderson’s porch. He had a broken mailbox. Leo’s heart thumped. His thank-you changed! He had to help.

First, he grabbed his brightest crayons. He drew a big, sunny picture. He tiptoed to Mrs. Gable’s door.

He left the picture. A small giggle escaped him. Next, he found his strongest tape. He marched to Mr. Henderson’s porch.

He fixed the wobbly mailbox. He felt a warm tingle. Then, he spotted another star. It was on the old library window.

The window was dusty. Leo fetched a pail of soapy water. He scrubbed and scrubbed.

Soon, the glass sparkled. Leo beamed. Giving kindness felt better than asking for toys.

The best thank-you was right here, all around him.

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