Poppy’s Gift

Age range 3+

Oswin, the cricket, likes singing. When a poppy appears on his dry sand hill he falls in love and offers to sing for her. But Poppy rejects Oswin's offer as she prefers the more colourful visitors. However they soon disappear and Poppy realises that they were only interested in her flower.

Poppy begins to appreciate Oswin's company. He never sings for her yet continues to affirm his love long after her beautiful flower has changed into a seed pod. As Poppy's life comes to an end she thanks Oswin for his friendship and begs him to sing for her. He cannot fulfill Poppy's last wish, he can only declare his love once again and make a little hill for her. Then he goes into hiding for a long time.

Eventually the rains turn Poppy's hill into a green island and Oswin returns. Overjoyed to see the hill in flower, he finds his voice again and begins to sing. Oswin sings for the little poppies the whole day through until the sun goes down.