cover
In the sunlit kitchen, Lily stands on tiptoes beside the counter, pointing eagerly at a glass cookie jar. Mom smiles gently across from her, hands resting on the countertop.
Lily wanted a cookie from the jar. She pointed and said, "Cookie now!" Her mom smiled softly. "What are the magic words, sweetie?" Lily thought hard. She remembered and said, "Please, may I have a cookie?"
Under midday park sunlight, Lily tugs the wooden swing toward herself while Ben, still seated, looks sadly downward. Sand scatters around their shoes and leafy trees frame the playground.
At the park, Lily saw Ben on the swing. "My turn!" she shouted and pulled the swing. Ben looked sad and let go. Lily felt bad in her tummy. "I'm sorry, Ben. May I have a turn, please?" Ben smiled brightly.
Beside the metal monkey bars in the afternoon playground, Ben steadies Lily by the waist and lifts her toward the first rung. Lily grins wide, arms stretching upward against the bright blue sky.
Ben helped Lily reach the monkey bars. Lily grinned and said, "Thank you, Ben!" Ben's face lit up with joy. "You're welcome, Lily!" he replied happily. They played together all afternoon. The magic words made everything better.
On the sunny playground grass, Lily and Ben stand side-by-side atop a low slide platform, singing with open mouths and clasped hands. A circle of smiling other kids watches them, mimicking the words.
Lily and Ben taught other kids the magic words. "Please, thank you, and you're welcome," they sang together. Everyone started using the kind words. The playground became a happier place. The whisper of kindness spread everywhere. Magic words really were magical!