7 The Long, Long Ride

The Long, Long Ride written by Pam Holden illustrated by Jim Storey

One rainy morning, bad gave all the children a ride in his new car. He had important work to do at his office, so he didn't want to be late. First he stopped near Paul's school to let him get out. "Goodbye, Paul. Have a nice day," said bad.

Next Dad drove to the kindergarten and stopped by the gate to let Rachel get out. "Goodbye, Rachel," he said. "Have fun playing with your friends." They waved to each other as he drove away. Dad looked at his watch because he didn't want to be late for work.

Then Dad drove along the street where Grandma lived, but he didn't stop to let Sarah get out. He drove right past Grandma's house, whistling happily to himself. He had forgotten all about Sarah! Sarah called out to him, "Dad, what about me? Stop! There's Grandma's house!" But he was whistling too loudly to hear her little voice.

Sarah called out again, "Dad, I need to go to Grandma's house today. Please take me back!" But a fire truck zoomed past with its siren screaming, "Oooo-ah! Oooo-ah!" Sarah tried again. "Dad! I can't go to work with you," she shouted from the back seat. But Dad had turned on the radio to listen to some music. He couldn't hear Sarah's quiet voice, so he drove on to get to work.

An ambulance followed the fire truck, making more noise with its siren. "Oooo-ah! Ooooh-ah!" Sarah yelled loudly, "Dad, you've forgotten about me! Grandma will be waiting for me." Dad was singing with the radio music, so he couldn't hear anything else. He just kept driving through the rain to get to work.