Drums and Fireworks

In the sky, the clouds are having a party. They’re all wearing big, puffy clothing in many shades of white and gray. Carefully, they lay down a layer of dark mist so that nobody on Earth can see what they're doing.

The clouds arrange for a heavy rain to fall so that no one on Earth knows about all the fun they are having. People won’t notice the party noise with all the loud rain.

The clouds love to march around to the beat of the bass drums; they blast their trumpets, and crash their cymbals.

Down on Earth, far below, Peter is frightened. He peeks through the living room curtains and sees the rain pouring down. Every few minutes, he hears a huge crash of thunder that makes him jump.

Peals of thunder roll over the house. The pitter-patter of the rain becomes a pounding on the roof. Peter’s mother comes into the room to join him.

Just then, a huge streak of lightning flashes across the sky. Peter hides his face in his mother’s shirt. She reminds him that they are safe inside, and they decide to watch and listen to the storm together.

Back up in the sky, the party announcer tells the clouds that the fireworks are starting. Listen for the big drum roll, and then you’ll see them flash--in brilliant whites and yellows that light up the whole sky.

Back on Earth, Peter notices that the lightning looks like fireworks. He loves fireworks. They light up the sky just like lightning. Peter and his mother decide to have a party of their own.

They march around the living room, clapping and enjoying the sound of the rain and thunder and the firework flashes of lightning.

Way up in the sky, the clouds march around too enjoying the big bass drum, the cymbals, and the beautiful yellow and white fireworks.