When Neil Floated Away
Neil floats skyward, meets a mole, and learns gravity will always bring him home.
- Recommended age
- 3-6 years
- Theme
- Science
- Length
- 17 story pages
Page 1
Neil jumps so high he drifts into the sky and meets a clever mole who explains gravity. Join the adventure and learn how an invisible pull keeps everyone safe on Earth and guides Neil back home.
Page 2
Neil loved big dreams. He wished he could fly like a bird. Without wings or a jetpack, he believed a mighty jump might lift him clear off the ground.
Page 3
He wore Grandma Lou's bright red cape, a helmet sprinkled with silver stars, and shiny golden shoes. Each night he leaped from his bed and imagined zooming into outer space.
Page 4
In dreamland Neil zipped past birds, looped the moon, slid on Saturn's rings, sipped comet tea, and played tag with glittering shooting stars.
Page 5
One windy Wednesday after dinner, Neil hurried outside. He bent his knees, counted, 'One, two, three!' and sprang upward with every bit of strength he had.
Page 6
This time he didn't drop back down. He floated! First above the mailbox, then the roof, waving at a shocked treetop cat as he drifted higher and higher.
Page 7
Neil flipped through clouds and laughed, but soon worry grew. Tiny houses below reminded him of home. 'Why won't I land?' he cried. 'I miss the ground!'
Page 8
With a pop of smoke appeared a mole in a lab coat eating a jelly roll. 'Hello,' the mole said kindly. 'Looks like you forgot about gravity.'
Page 9
'Gravity?' Neil asked. The mole smiled. 'It's an unseen rope that gently pulls everything toward Earth, keeping us from drifting away.'
Page 10
'Think of it as a magic lasso,' the mole added. 'It tugs apples from trees and keeps your shoes on the sidewalk so you don't fly off like a balloon.'
Page 11
'Raindrops, oceans, even mountains stay put because of gravity,' the mole said. Neil gasped, 'Without it we'd bob around like bubbles!'
Page 12
'Exactly!' laughed the mole. 'Your cereal would swim from the bowl and socks would stick to the ceiling. What a silly, messy morning that would be!'
Page 13
'Gravity works all day, even when you can't see it,' the mole said. 'But your excited jump pushed you past its gentle tug for a moment.'
Page 14
'How do I get back?' Neil asked. The mole winked. 'Believe in gravity and ask politely. Respect helps its pull grow stronger.'
Page 15
Neil shut his eyes. 'Gravity, please guide me home.' Slowly he drifted down past birds and roofs, landing softly beside his dog in the garden.
Page 16
After that day Neil still dreamed of flight, yet he thanked gravity. It lets him jump, run, and land with sure feet.
Page 17
Flying is grand, but landing feels even better. Each hop now ends with a grin, knowing gravity is Neil's quiet, helpful friend.