By Brenda Warren Illustrated by Roberto Lauciello
V LE E L
smart
readers
31
Winnie is small and very thin. She is quiet and shy and can never make clever comments like her friends. They laugh and call her “Skinny Winnie�.
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When they want some crisps or chocolate, they say to Winnie, “Winnie, can you get us some snacks?� They know she never says no.
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In June there is a sports day at school. Everybody is taking part. “I’m doing long jump.” says lanky Laura. She has very long legs and always wins at long jump.
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“I’m doing high jump.” says high-rise Harry. He can bounce like a kangaroo and always wins at high jump.
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“I’m throwing the javelin.” says jaunty Jack. His arms are very strong and he always wins at javelin throwing.
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“I’m running the 100 metres race.” says superfast Fred. He can run like a rocket and always wins the 100 metres sprint. 7
“I’m organising everybody.” says bossy Bessie. She thinks she knows everything and always bosses people about. “Now Winnie,” says Bessie, “What are you going to do?” 8
Winnie says in a small voice, “I want to do the pole vault!” They all laugh. “You can’t do the pole vault! You’re too skinny, Winnie!” they say.
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Winnie doesn’t listen to them. She wants to do the pole vault, even if she doesn’t win. She thinks, “Taking part is more important than winning.”
Every afternoon she practises. She runs with a pole and jumps. She is thin and she is light. She floats over the bar like a feather.
11
Now it is Sports Day. Bessie is organising everybody. “This way!” she shouts, or “Wait over there!” or “Stand in a straight line!” or “No dogs allowed!” She really is very bossy.
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First is the long jump. Lanky Laura counts to three, runs and jumps. As usual, she wins. 14
Next is the high jump. Harry bounces like a kangaroo over the bar. As usual, he wins.
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Next is the javelin throwing. Jack holds up the javelin and throws it across the field. It lands a long way off. As usual, he wins.
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