Chapter 1: The Big Kick
Joe liked to pretend he was a sea captain. “Ahoy, Mateys!” he would shout to his dog, Sandy. They were playing soccer in the backyard. Joe had a new, bright blue ball. He gave the ball a very, very big kick.
Chapter 2: Over the Fence
WOOSH! The blue ball flew high into the air. It went over the hedge. It went over the fence. It landed with a soft thump in Mrs. Smith’s garden next door. Joe felt a little bit naughty.
Chapter 3: A Gentle Knock
Joe knew he had to get his ball back. He walked to the side gate. He took a deep breath. KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK! He waited. The door opened, and a kind lady with white hair smiled at him. It was Mrs. Smith.
Chapter 4: The Discovery
“Hello, Joe,” said Mrs. Smith. “Are you looking for this?” She held up the bright blue ball. “Thank you!” said Joe. He saw that Mrs. Smith was planting small pink flowers in a pot.
Chapter 5: Captain Joe is Kind
“That’s a nice boat you are making, Captain,” said Mrs. Smith, pointing to a pile of sticks Joe had stacked up. “Can I help you plant those flowers?” asked Joe. Mrs. Smith smiled. “That would be very kind, Matey!”
Exercise: What Happens Next?
Draw a picture of Joe helping Mrs. Smith in her garden.