Jess and the Glimmerberry Bush

Jess loved trying new things more than anything. Her favorite place to find them was the Enchanted Forest, where the path wiggled like a giggle and giant mushrooms bounced when she touched them. The air always smelled like cinnamon-spiced mud pies, and Jess spent her days hopping over streams that sang bubbly songs, always looking for a new sight to see or a new game to play.

One sunny afternoon, tucked behind a waterfall that shimmered like a rainbow, Jess found it: a Glimmerberry Bush! The berries twinkled, changing from ruby red to sparkly blue. She popped one in her mouth—it tasted like strawberry sunshine! The next tasted like chocolate raindrops. “All for me!” she whispered, starting to fill her little basket. Just then, a small, shy squirrel with a twitchy nose, whose name was Squeaky, peeked out from behind a tree, his eyes wide with hunger.

Jess hugged her basket tight. Trying to keep something this special all to herself was a new feeling, and she wanted to see what it was like. She turned her back to Squeaky and chose the most sparkly berry. But when she took a bite, it tasted like… grumpy gray clouds. The sparkle vanished. *Poof!* Another berry tasted like a dusty cobweb. Her tummy even felt funny, making a little sound like, 'Rumble, grumble, sad.' This new thing wasn't fun at all.

Jess looked at the dull berries, and then at Squeaky's sad little face. She remembered her grandma always said, 'An adventure is best when you share it.' Suddenly, Jess knew what new thing she really wanted to try. She spun around with a big smile. “Want to try a Glimmerberry?” she asked, holding out her basket. Squeaky nodded, took a berry, and nibbled. Instantly, the whole bush lit up, brighter than before! Jess tried one too, and it tasted of pure, fizzy happiness!

Sitting side-by-side, Jess and her new friend Squeaky shared the rest of the Glimmerberries, laughing as they guessed each magical flavor. The bush glowed with a warm, happy light, and the whole forest seemed to hum a joyful tune. Jess learned that day that sharing an amazing discovery was the very best new thing to try, because it made her heart feel as sparkly and full as a basket of Glimmerberries.