The Muddily-Puddily Show

Fun Work

The next day, the WellieWishers all meet in the playhouse to talk about their show. Ashlyn spins around in a circle singing the “Autumn Leaves Are Falling Down” song. Her tiara glistens in the light. Emerson praises her performance. But, she says, there’s more to a show than just singing and dancing. There’s planning and preparing and working first. Emerson explains that she made up different jobs for each of them to do, based on what they like to do best.

Emerson hands Ashlyn poster paper, pens and markers, paint and paintbrushes, glitter glue, and foil stars. Ashlyn’s job will be to make the poster to invite people to the show, because she always makes such beautiful party invitations. Ashlyn is pleased.

Emerson knows Camille likes dress-up, so she thinks costumes will be the perfect job for Camille. Camille gushes “Costumes!” She immediately dives into Aunt Miranda’s trunk and begins flipping through shawls and shoes, caps and capes, robes and raincoats, and gowns and galoshes.

Emerson tells Kendall that she likes to build things, so maybe she’d like to build the set. Kendall smiles, and flips open a notepad and gets drawing.

Lastly, Emerson turns to Willa. “Will you collect all the props we need, like fallen leaves, acorns, and pinecones?” Emerson holds out a basket. “Yes!” Willa exclaims, sprinting out the door.

Emerson stands back to inspect everybody doing their jobs. Then Kendall realizes, “You gave all of us great jobs, but what about you, Emerson? I’m afraid you didn’t save any fun work for yourself.”

Emerson says her job will be to make up more fun songs and dances and teach them to the rest of them. She even already thought of a new song: the Muddily-Puddily song. She says she’s thinking of them dressing up as ducks and waddling around. To the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat,” she sings:

There’s a moment of silence, and then all the other girls break out into laughter and exclamations. Emerson has done it again. “Hooray for Emerson!”