A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant

What the cast said

Welcome back to StoryBeam, the daily podcast where imagination shines bright.

I'm Kat.

I'm Allison. Happy Saturday Splash!

It is time for our Saturday Splash where we jump into a brand new weekend adventure.

Today our StoryBeam is shining a light on a clever woodland bird who wants to help her forest friends cross the busy road safely.

We are reading A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant by Briony May Smith.

Philippa becomes the first crossing guard of the forest.

She really does.

Philippa notices that the cars go by way too fast for her animal friends.

So with a little creativity and a very bright practical present, she finds a brilliant way to keep everyone safe.

Let's join Philippa on her grand woodland mission.

Let's get our ears on.

I've got mine.

Ready?

Three, two, one, let's read.

Here the cast reads A Practical Present for Philippa Pheasant by Briony May Smith. The book's own words stay with its author and publisher, so that part of the recording is not written out. Press play to hear it.

It's because she only used her feet and the mayor doesn't understand what the writing said.

I don't know how to read Pheasant, do you?

I don't know, if I looked at that, I would just think it was silly little marks.

The book reading continues in the recording. Listen along, then rejoin the conversation below.

What a wonderful story about noticing a problem and using your head to make things safe for everybody.

Philippa is truly a hero of the forest.

Co-host, if you could design a special sign or outfit for a forest crossing guard, what would it look like?

It would be bright pink and it would have light blue roses and it would have some gems at the front and at the back there would be a big, big blue ribbon.

Ooh, that would definitely get every driver's attention in the woods.

No one could miss you.

Grown-ups, if today's sweet woodland adventurer had your kids smiling, our StoryBeam suggestion for your library trip is Margaret's Unicorn, also written and illustrated by Briony May Smith.

It is a breathtakingly gorgeous, cozy tale about friendship and magic in the countryside.

Check our show notes for the title.

Send us your favorite book requests.

That's right.

Send us your favorite book requests in the comments or send us an email.

Keep your friends safe today.

That's right.

Always look out for one another.

Have a fantastic Saturday, families, and we will see you tomorrow for our cozy Sunday Sparkle to wrap up the week.

And don't forget...

Keep on reading!

Bye!