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Text & illustrations Š Laura Popa 2014 Translation from Swedish: Laura Popa Cover & layout: Laura Popa Originally published in Swedish, 2013 ISBN: 978-91-981601-0-9

The Sunflower’s dream · 4

The conceited Apple tree · 10

The secret of the weeping willows · 16

The suns’ journey · 24

The musical garden · 30

The magical balloons · 38

The conceited Apple tree

– Nobody loves me! the Apple tree complained.

All garden trees glittered in the sun in their beautiful green costumes. Butterflies danced in the warm air and bumblebees’ buzz could be heard from all directions. Birds chirped and sang new songs. The Bird festival was approaching and all birds were eager to present their new compositions. No one had the time to comfort the Apple tree.

The Apple tree fell to the ground. He pulled up his bare arms and sighed. He felt no enthusiasm for the spring. He was not interested in turning green or blooming.

– I will only turn green when nature and people show that they appreciate me, the Apple tree said firmly.

Everyone liked the Apple tree: the sun, the birds, the clouds, the wind, the butterflies and all neighbour trees. But the Apple tree did not notice.

Eliane played the piano in the room that faced the garden.

The balcony door was open and she heard the Apple tree whimper. She felt sad when she heard that he did not want to turn green. The girl went to the balcony and said to the Apple tree: – It is not true that no one likes you. I like you very much.

Your flowers are beautiful and smell good. Your fruits are sweet and juicy. You are a brave tree. You never let the storms

get you down. The sun likes you. It warms up your branches after the long and cold winter. Without the sun’s warmth your leaves would never grow. Your apples would not ripen without the sun’s love. The birds are singing beautiful songs for you all spring. The oaks and maples say that you are the most beautiful tree in the garden. All children love you, Apple tree!

The Apple tree went silent for a while. He seemed to think about the girl’s words.

– That might be true, the Apple tree mumbled. I have been blind and did not notice everyone’s kindness. I have been too vain to see that.

The Apple tree felt ashamed. But after a few minutes he lifted his arms and felt the sun’s warming beams again. The Apple tree remembered all the praise he got for his sweet and juicy apples. He now heard that the birds actually sang for him.

– Thank you for being so kind and caring. Without your words I would be standing here naked and miserable the whole spring. Like a fool.

– Never mind, Eliane said. Everyone needs a little comfort sometimes. I will play some joyful songs for you together with my friend, Agnes. You will certainly be in a better mood then.

– Really? I would love that! the Apple tree exclaimed.

From the garden came a murmur.

– We would be happy to help and move the piano to the garden, whispered a few old oaks.

Maples and birches nodded in agreement. The trees overheard when the Apple tree spoke to Eliane and were happy to notice that the Apple tree was in a better mood. The Apple tree was their friend. Besides, all trees loved piano music.

The Apple tree felt overjoyed. He bowed and thanked all trees for their kindness.

Eliane and Agnes dressed in long, beautiful gowns. They prepared the music scores and they called upon the trees.

The large oaks and lindens lifted the piano through the balcony door. The piano flew like a balloon before it landed softly on the grass in front of the Apple tree. The birches helped the girls to find a good spot in the Apple tree trunk. Some finches flew around arranging their nice dresses. Everyone thought it was exciting with a piano concert for the Apple tree. – I will be the spotlight tonight, the sun said.

At once the sun sent the most beautiful yellow and orange rays towards the garden. Every now and then he hid behind the clouds to get a nice shadow effect during the concert.

Eliane and Agnes began playing the piano together. They started with some joyful dances. The trees swung and clapped rhythmically with their branches. The willow warblers sang the refrain. The blackbirds tried to memorize some melodies for the coming Bird festival.

The girls continued with sonatas and fantasies. The fingers danced over the keyboard while the piano strings vibrated joyfully. The wind stood still and listened. – Today is the happiest day of my life, the Apple tree whispered. I have so many friends!

The Apple tree’s buds opened and small green leaves began sprouting, growing quickly and eagerly. A few songs later the Apple tree blossomed in a cascade of white and pink flowers.

Dear reader, if you ever see apple trees that have not bloomed during the spring you should know that they expect you to play music or sing for them. They will be even happier if you hug them. The happier the apple trees are, the faster they bloom.