The Little Marsh Talent Awards

Every spring, the village of Little Marsh holds its Talent Awards, and tonight the old hall is full. There is a stage at the front, there are bright lights, and there are nervous people waiting behind a red curtain. This is the biggest night of the year.

The first prize goes to Mr. Bell, the baker. He is playing the spoons. He is hitting two metal spoons on his knee, very fast, and the crowd loves it. He wins the prize for the most musical act, and he is very proud.

The next act is the funniest of the night. Old Mrs. Page is teaching her dog to dance. The dog is not dancing. The dog is sitting down and looking at the door. Mrs. Page is dancing alone, and everyone is laughing. She wins the prize for the bravest act.

Then comes the strangest act. A young boy is showing the crowd how long he can stand on one leg. He stands. And he stands. And he stands. Five minutes later, he is still standing. He wins the prize for the most patient act.

At the end, the village gives one last award. It is the biggest prize of all, a golden cup, and it goes to the best act of the night. Who wins? Everyone wins. In Little Marsh, the cup is shared, because here the best talent is having fun together.