The Smallest Player on the Team
The Smallest Player on the Team — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Hurry, Milo!" Pip squeaked, his tiny voice barely audible above the cheering crowd. Milo, despite his small stature, clutched the worn leather of his football, his heart pounding against his ribs. The Oakwood Squirrels were down by one point, and only seconds remained in the championship game. It was Milo's turn to shine, or so everyone hoped.
Page 2
Coach Hoot, a wise old owl, ruffled Milo's fur. "Remember what we practiced, son. Aim for the tallest branch of the old oak. It's our only chance." Pip, Milo's best friend, tugged on his jersey, his whiskers twitching nervously. "But Milo," he stammered, "you barely reach my knees!" Hidden deep in the pocket of Milo's jersey, he felt the smooth, round acorn he always carried for luck.
Page 3
Milo hesitated. "I don't know, Pip. I'm just...so small." Pip shook his head. "Don't listen to those worries, Milo!" He remembered something his grandfather always said. "'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' as the great philosopher Lao Tzu taught us. You can do this, one branch at a time!" Milo took a deep breath, clutching the acorn tighter. He had a team to believe in, and a championship to win.
Page 4
The whistle blew, its shrill sound cutting through the air. Milo sprinted onto the field, dodging larger players with surprising agility. He weaved through a badger's clumsy attempt to block him, then leaped over a startled hedgehog. "Pass it to Milo!" Pip shrieked from the sidelines. It was easier said than done.
Page 5
Suddenly, a burly bear linebacker lumbered into his path. It was Boris, the biggest, meanest player in the league. Boris sneered, his teeth glinting menacingly. "Nowhere to go, runt!" Milo spotted a tiny, almost invisible, tunnel under Boris's enormous feet – a gopher hole, barely big enough for him to squeeze through. Could he do it?
Page 6
Milo remembered something he'd overheard the gophers discussing: they kept the tunnel entrances small to keep out bigger animals. He took a chance. With a burst of speed, he tucked into a tiny ball and dove headfirst into the hole. Boris roared in frustration as Milo vanished beneath him. But now he was in complete darkness.
Page 7
Pip hopped frantically at the edge of the field. "Milo! Milo, are you okay?" A muffled voice echoed from below. "I'm fine, Pip! But it's pitch black down here!" Coach Hoot called out, "Use your acorn, Milo! Remember, acorns can sometimes glow faintly in the dark!"
Page 8
Milo pulled out his lucky acorn. He rubbed it with his paw, and to his surprise, it began to glow with a faint, ethereal light! He could see! He scurried through the tunnel, following its winding path. He burst out of the other side, right behind the opposing team's goalpost! "Touchdown!" Milo cried. "We won!"
Page 9
The crowd roared. Pip leaped into Milo's arms. "You did it, Milo! You really did it!" Even Boris the bear lumbered over, a sheepish look on his face. "Guess I underestimated you, little guy. Good game."
Page 10
As the sun set, casting long shadows across the field, Milo and Pip walked home together. "You know, Milo," Pip said thoughtfully, "it doesn't matter how small you are. What matters is how big your heart is." Milo smiled, clutching his lucky acorn. "You're right, Pip. And sometimes, the smallest player can make the biggest difference."
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Read Wonder Books on your phone
Wonder Books is available on Android and iPhone and iPad. Get Wonder Books on Google Play · Get Wonder Books on the App Store.