Chelsea the Congratulations Fairy Read online

  Title Page

  Dedication

  Map

  Poem

  First-Pitch Fears

  A Surprising Snack

  Batter Up!

  The Not-So-Lucky Winner

  Gotcha, Goblin!

  Magically Brave

  Much Ado at the Zoo

  Animal Adventure

  Safari Magic

  Something Fishy

  Up in the Air

  Balloon Bust

  Graduation Celebration

  Graduation Gone Bad

  Diploma Dilemma

  Eye on the Prize

  Diploma Dodge

  A Frosty Finish

  Teaser

  Copyright

  I’m sick and tired of sweet celebrations

  For milestones, achievements, and graduations.

  I’m putting a stop to all this fun—

  Thanks to me, Jack Frost, it’s finally done!

  The magic tulip, balloon, and diploma, too,

  Are mine, pesky fairies! And there’s nothing you can do.

  I’ll hide them away, far out of sight.

  Congrats to me—now things are just right!

  Find the hidden letters in the balloons throughout this book. Unscramble all 8 letters to spell a special congratulations word!

  “I’m so excited to go to a real professional baseball game, Kirsty!” Rachel Walker said, squeezing her best friend’s hand. Together, they stepped off the city bus outside the stadium.

  “Me, too!” Kirsty Tate said with a little skip. “Thanks so much for inviting me along this weekend. Cove City is the best!”

  Rachel grinned. Kirsty was right—Cove City was one of her very favorite places to visit. Luckily, her cousin Ivy’s family lived in the city, so Rachel and her parents came to see them often. But this weekend, they were here for a very special occasion: Ivy’s high school graduation! There were lots of activities planned, and the girls couldn’t wait to see and do as much as possible during their trip. They always had magical adventures when they were together!

  Kirsty and Rachel stopped to look around inside the stadium’s enormous entryway. Everything was decorated in blue and white, the colors of the Cove City Gulls baseball team. There were food carts, gift shops, trophy cases, and banners celebrating the team as far as the eye could see.

  “Come on, you two!” Ivy called from up ahead, with the rest of her cousins close behind. “The field is this way!”

  The girls ran to catch up to the group. “It’s so cool that we get to come early to watch batting practice and meet the players,” Kirsty said breathlessly.

  Ivy’s eyes sparkled. “I’m a huge Gulls fan,” she said, “so this is the perfect way to celebrate this special weekend—here, with all of you!” She gave Rachel’s and Kirsty’s shoulders a squeeze.

  Ivy led the group down a long hallway. As they stepped out into the sunshine, rows of seats and the wide, green baseball field stretched out before them. Rachel and Kirsty had never seen anything like it!

  “I had no idea the field was so big!” Rachel exclaimed.

  Kirsty nodded in wonder. “It’s hard to tell when you’re watching the game on TV.”

  The girls followed Ivy and the rest of Rachel’s cousins down to a row of blue and white seats right behind home plate.

  “Settle in, everyone!” Ivy said with a big smile. “First, the team takes batting practice, and then we’ll get a chance to go onto the field.”

  Rachel shivered with excitement at the thought of it.

  Someone dressed as Sully, the team’s seagull mascot, came around to hand out popcorn, peanuts, and boxes of Cracker Jack. The group cheered wildly as the Gulls took the field. Their starting pitcher, Jim Fay, warmed up in the bullpen while other players stepped up to the plate to practice hitting.

  “This is already such a great day—and it’s barely even started,” Rachel said to Kirsty, pulling open the top of her Cracker Jack box.

  Before Kirsty could reply, the girls were hit with a rush of air and a puff of twinkling dust.

  “What was that?” Kirsty cried.

  Rachel looked down at her snack. “I think it came from my Cracker Jack box,” she said in surprise. Then she lowered her voice, looking around to make sure none of her cousins overheard. “Kirsty, do you think that could have been … fairy dust?”

  Kirsty’s eyes grew wide. Both girls held their breath as Rachel pulled back the flap of the box again.

  Sure enough, nestled inside among the popcorn and peanuts was a tiny, sparkling fairy!

  “I’m so happy I found you!” the little fairy cried. Her dark hair was pulled into a side bun, and her purple dress stood out inside the Cracker Jack box. The girls had to lean in close to hear her. “I’m Chelsea the Congratulations Fairy—and I need your help!”

  Rachel looked around to make sure none of her cousins were paying attention. They were all too busy watching batting practice to notice this magical turn of events! “It’s nice to meet you, Chelsea,” she whispered with a smile.

  “We’re happy to help you,” Kirsty added, using her pinkie finger to shake the little fairy’s hand. “Let me guess—is Jack Frost up to his old tricks again?”

  Chelsea’s sweet face turned sour at the mention of Jack Frost’s name. “You’d think he’d get tired of being such a horrible troublemaker!” she huffed.

  “What did he do this time?” Rachel asked.

  Chelsea sighed, sinking back onto a piece of popcorn. “He stole my three magic objects right out from under my nose! When I woke up this morning, they were missing. He must have snuck into my toadstool house while I was sleeping!” Her eyes narrowed. “If I’d been awake, there’s no way he would have gotten away with it.”

  The girls frowned. This really was a new low for Jack Frost!

  “I searched all over Fairyland, but I think he had his goblins hide the objects in your world,” Chelsea continued. “I don’t even know where to start looking for them!”

  Kirsty popped a piece of Cracker Jack in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “What do your objects look like, Chelsea?”

  “They’re a yellow tulip, a red balloon, and a diploma,” Chelsea replied. Her face fell. “Together, they help people everywhere achieve accomplishments and take important steps from one thing to the next. My tulip controls courage, helping people be brave and try new things—even if they’re scary. My balloon controls confidence, helping people believe in themselves and know that they can meet their goals. And my diploma controls persistence, helping people stick with things and see them through to the end.”

  “Those sound really important,” Rachel commented.

  Chelsea flopped over dramatically. “Exactly! Without them, all sorts of accomplishments and milestones are going to turn into disasters—including graduations!”

  Rachel and Kirsty both gasped. Oh, no! Ivy’s graduation was tomorrow. They couldn’t let it be ruined!

  “Jack Frost won’t get away with this!” Kirsty said, determined.

  “Thank you, girls!” Chelsea cried, twirling up out of the box to give them each a peck on the cheek. She fluttered down into Kirsty’s shirt pocket. “I’ll stay here, out of sight, and do whatever I can to help.”

  Just then, Ivy clapped her hands. “Okay, everyone—batting practice is over, which means it’s our turn to go take the field!” Her eyes glimmered as she led the group onto the field.

  “Ivy is so excited about this weekend,” Rachel whispered to Kirsty and Chelsea. “I don’t want anything to spoil that.”

  As the girls stepped onto the huge field, they looked around in awe. This was amazing! Before they knew it, several of the Gulls players had come up to
shake their hands. They split the group in half, and one side played the field while the other took turns at bat.

  For a little while, Rachel and Kirsty forgot all about Chelsea’s magic objects. They were having too much fun! Ivy got a huge hit, and Rachel’s cousin Sam made a few incredible catches in the outfield. Rachel and Kirsty both got hits, too. But running around the bases was exhausting—whew!

  Rachel flopped down behind home plate to take a break, and Kirsty sat next to her, cross-legged. They cheered and clapped as others stepped up to bat.

  After a few minutes, Kirsty nudged Rachel. “Look at that group of bat boys over there,” she said, nodding toward the dugout. “Are they supposed to be goofing around like that?”

  Rachel turned her gaze to where Kirsty was looking. She was surprised she hadn’t noticed the boys before, since they were making so much noise.

  “Hmm,” Rachel muttered. Something about the boys seemed strange. “Chelsea, have you seen these boys before?” she whispered.

  Chelsea peeked out of Kirsty’s pocket, and the three friends watched the bat boys shoving, poking one another with bats, and tumbling in the dirt.

  Suddenly, Rachel gasped. “Kirsty, I don’t think those are bat boys,” she said slowly, peering at their giant feet. “They’re goblins!”

  Kirsty’s eyes grew wide. “You’re right!” she cried. She could see the goblins’ long green noses peeking out from under their baseball caps.

  “We have to keep an eye on those goblins, girls,” Chelsea said urgently, biting her lip. “I’m sure they’ll lead us to one of my magic objects!”

  Before Rachel and Kirsty could come up with a plan, the Gulls’ star pitcher, Jim Fay, whistled for everyone to join him on the pitcher’s mound.

  “Great job, everyone!” he said as they gathered around. “Thanks for joining us today—and a very special congratulations to Ivy on her graduation tomorrow!” He gave Ivy a high five while everyone cheered.

  “Before you head back to your seats,” Jim continued, “I have a special surprise.” He pulled off his baseball cap and held it out in front of him. “Anyone who wants to can write their name down and put it in my hat. I’ll choose a name at random, and that person will get to throw the first pitch of the game today!”

  The group buzzed with excitement. Rachel and Kirsty looked at each other in surprise. Wow!

  Everyone wrote their names on little scraps of paper and tossed them into Jim’s hat. The girls held their breath as he fished around in the hat and pulled out a name. Chelsea looked up out of Kirsty’s pocket and grinned, crossing her fingers for good luck.

  “And the lucky winner is … Kirsty!” Jim announced.

  Kirsty clapped a hand over her mouth. She couldn’t believe it!

  The group cheered, and Rachel and Ivy both gave her a big hug. When no one was looking, Chelsea even flashed a thumbs-up and shot a burst of sparkly, celebratory balloons from her wand.

  “Kirsty, you and a friend can stay here, near home plate, until game time,” Jim told her as the rest of the group headed up to their seats. “I’ll be back soon for your big moment!” He winked and headed down the tunnel toward the locker room.

  “This is so exciting!” Rachel squealed, squeezing Kirsty’s hand.

  Kirsty smiled, but didn’t say anything. She had been thrilled just a minute ago … but now she suddenly had butterflies in her stomach!

  Rachel looked at her closely. “Kirsty, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m scared!” Kirsty admitted with a shrug. “Thousands of people will be watching. What if I do it wrong?”

  Chelsea fluttered up out of Kirsty’s pocket and settled on her shoulder. She tugged Kirsty’s braid gently. “I think I know what’s wrong. This is all because my magic tulip is missing!” She stomped her foot. “I wish I could give Jack Frost a piece of my mind right now.”

  Rachel leaned over so that she was eye level with the little fairy. “Your tulip controls courage, right?” she asked.

  “Exactly,” Chelsea said with a nod. “Without it, Kirsty, you aren’t feeling very brave at all!”

  Kirsty let out a big sigh. Chelsea was right about one thing—she was feeling less brave by the minute!

  “We have to find the tulip before the game,” Rachel said. She turned toward the dugout, where the rascally goblins were still goofing around, and raised an eyebrow. “Luckily, I know just where to start …”

  Rachel, Kirsty, and Chelsea watched the goblins closely. They were climbing on top of the dugout and daring one another to jump onto the field.

  “That looks dangerous,” Kirsty whispered. “It’s a long way down!”

  Most of the goblins chickened out at the last minute and decided not to jump. But one goblin leaped without hesitating for a second. He even did a flip in the air before landing firmly on his feet! The rest of the goblins whooped and cheered.

  Chelsea drew in her breath slowly. “He’s acting awfully brave … He must have my yellow tulip!”

  The three friends peered at the brave goblin. Suddenly, Rachel nudged Kirsty and gasped.

  “Look! In the buttonhole of his baseball jersey!” she said.

  A bright yellow tulip was tucked in the goblin’s buttonhole—and it was sparkling with fairy magic!

  Chelsea zoomed into the air, flew a series of excited loops, and dove back into Kirsty’s pocket before anyone could spot her. “That’s it!” she cried in her tiny fairy voice.

  Kirsty twirled her hair thoughtfully. “But how are we going to get it from him? It’s right under his nose.”

  “I have an idea …” Rachel said with a grin. She leaned in to whisper the plan to her friends.

  “Let’s give it a try,” Chelsea said, fluttering her wings anxiously inside Kirsty’s pocket.

  Kirsty giggled. “That tickles!”

  Without a moment to waste, Rachel grabbed a baseball and Kirsty picked up a nearby bat.

  “Ready?” Rachel called loudly, winding up to pitch. “Swing, batter batter batter!”

  Kirsty swung wildly at the ball, but missed by a mile. She sighed dramatically. “Go again! I’ll get it this time.”

  But each time Rachel pitched the ball, Kirsty swung and missed.

  “Strike!” Rachel called, turn after turn.

  Kirsty pretended to get frustrated. “Ugh!” she cried, kicking the dirt next to home plate. “I just can’t seem to hit the ball. I wish someone could show me what I’m doing wrong …”

  As if on cue, the goblin with the yellow tulip dashed over from the dugout. “You’re in luck!” he bragged. “I’m an amazing baseball player. I’ll show you how it’s done!”

  With that, the goblin took Kirsty’s bat and hit three pitches in a row. He really was a good player! Chelsea peeked up at Kirsty from inside her pocket, looking impressed.

  “Wow,” Kirsty said to the goblin. “You’re the best baseball player I’ve ever met! Can you help me take a swing? I just know that I’ll be able to do it if you’re helping me.”

  The goblin smiled proudly, strutting around home plate and twirling the bat. “Of course, of course. I’m always happy to share my unbelievable talents.”

  Kirsty glanced down to see Chelsea roll her eyes. On the pitcher’s mound, Rachel was trying to stifle a giggle. This goblin was awfully full of himself!

  Kirsty made sure to stay on the goblin’s good side. It was all part of the plan!

  “Oh, thank you!” she said as the goblin stood behind her and helped her choke up on the bat.

  “You see,” the goblin began, “you just need to put your hands like this, and then when you see the ball coming, make sure you—”

  But the goblin didn’t have a chance to finish before Kirsty turned, plucked the magic tulip from his jersey, and quickly handed it to Chelsea. Immediately, the tulip shrunk to fairy-size! Chelsea fluttered high up into the air, out of reach, with a happy cheer.

  The goblin froze, looking first at the trail of sparkling fairy dust in the air, and then down at his jers
ey. As he realized what had happened, his mouth fell open.

  “Horrible girls! Pesky fairy! You stole my tulip!” he cried indignantly, throwing the bat in anger.

  Chelsea flew down to face him, her hands on her hips. “Jack Frost stole this tulip from me,” she said firmly. “You all really need to learn not to take things that don’t belong to you.”

  Before the goblin could stammer a response, Chelsea blew each of the girls a kiss, winked, and disappeared back to Fairyland in the twinkling of an eye.

  The goblin stomped his feet and howled, “Get back here, you tricky fairy!”

  But Chelsea was long gone.

  From the dugout, the other goblins jeered at their friend.

  “You let them take the tulip from right under your giant nose!” one cried.

  “Jack Frost is going to be so mad at us!” called another.

  The poor goblin looked like he didn’t know what to say.

  “Sorry about that,” Kirsty said. “You are a great baseball player, though.”

  His green face lit up. “Really?” he asked hopefully.

  “Absolutely,” said Rachel, walking up to join them. “Maybe you could be on the Gulls one day!”

  The goblin clapped his hands merrily at the thought.

  Just then, the Gulls’ manager called the bat boys away to get ready for the game. The goblin skipped off to join his friends.

  The girls couldn’t help laughing.

  “Looks like it’s almost game time,” Rachel said, watching the stands fill with fans. “How are you feeling, Kirsty?”

  Kirsty thought for a minute, then threw an arm around Rachel’s shoulders. “Thanks to Chelsea and her magic tulip, I’m feeling braver than ever!”