19 Rocket’s Treat

Rocket's Treat written by Pam Holden illustrated by Kelvin Hawley

For many weeks, Builder Ted worked hard building a new barn where Farmer Jim could store his fresh hay. At last, the new barn was finished and Farmer Jim was very pleased to pay Builder Ted lots of money for his clever work. Farmer Jim was so pleased that he gave Builder Ted four of the fresh hay bales he'd just made, for Ted to give to his horse, Rocket. "That's so kind of you, Jim," said Ted happily. "I know Rocket will enjoy such a nice fresh treat." He put the hay onto the back of his little truck and tied the bales on carefully so they wouldn't fall off. "You're welcome! Come back whenever you need more," replied Farmer Jim.

On the way home, Ted drove past all kinds of farms. He liked to see the different kinds of animals and the different kinds of crops growing. At one farm, someone careless had left a gate wide open. Eight hungry cows were out on the road, looking for something fresh to eat.

Ted had to stop quickly. Soon the cows were all around him and they started to pull and tug at the hay. Poor Ted didn't know what was happening as his little truck shook. He didn't remember about the nice, fresh hay Farmer Jim had sent for Rocket. He didn't know that the eight, hungry cows were bumping against his truck and eating Rocket's hay!

Ted wondered what was making his truck shake. Suddenly the rope broke, making the hay fall off the back of the truck and onto the road, As the hungry cows moved over to eat the hay, Ted was finally able to drive away.

As Ted drove along, past lots more farms, he wondered why the cows had blocked the road and bumped against his truck. Now he would be late getting home. Poor Rocket will be extra hungry, he thought. Thinking of his horse reminded him of the kind treat he was bringing from Farmer Jim.