By Ariel
Today I’m writing something extra special. My little sister Alice just finished her very first storybook, and guess what? It’s amazing! It’s called “Captain Alice and the Leaf Boat Armada.” 🌱🚤
In this story, Alice becomes a brave little explorer—Captain of a tiny fleet of leaf boats, floating across a stream full of worms, snails, and soggy socks. She turns a muddy day into an enchanted mission, and suddenly, that little patch of water is a whole kingdom filled with surprises. Mr. Fluffernutter (her stuffed bunny and loyal crewmate) is, of course, right by her side.
💧 What Captain Alice Taught Me
Even though it’s full of giggles and leaf races, Alice’s story has big lessons in it too. I took notes—like I always do—and here’s what I learned:
Curiosity leads to discovery. Alice didn’t walk past the stream. She leaned down and looked closer—and suddenly, it became a whole world.
Imagination is a superpower. She didn’t just see puddles. She saw a fleet. A crew. A mission. That takes creativity!
Bravery can be squishy. Muddy knees and soggy socks didn’t stop her. Real courage is messy.
Little acts matter. Floating one leaf boat seems small, but it started a whole adventure.
Faith is like a leaf boat. Small and floaty, but strong when you trust the one who made it.
I actually tried one of these myself! After reading her story, I made my own tiny boat from a big oak leaf and placed a petal on top for a flag. I floated it in the little ditch behind our house. It wobbled, then floated perfectly, just like Alice’s. I named it The Explorer and imagined it was headed to a faraway library island where bunnies wear glasses and read books all day. I even said a prayer over it, just in case it met any snails along the way. That’s when I realized—I was having my own leaf boat adventure, too!
🐰 Interview with the Captain Herself
Here’s a peek into our giggly living room chat, retold as a comic-style scene with speech bubbles! Imagine us sitting cross-legged on the rug, with Mr. Fluffernutter wearing a pirate hat.
🗨️ Ariel: Why did you name the bush Wednesday Addams’ House?
💭 Alice (serious face): Because it’s dark inside and creepy and perfect. I think she lives in there with worms.
🗨️ Ariel (giggling): What part made you laugh the most?
💭 Alice: When the worm fell off the boat and I had to rescue it like a sea captain!
🗨️ Ariel: What would Mr. Fluffernutter say if he had a pirate hat?
💭 Alice (in a deep bunny voice): “I’m the bunniest captain in the seven streams!”
🎉 Yep. That’s my little sister. Bold, brilliant, and bunny-approved!
She’s a genius. I know.
📖 A Verse That Floated Up in My Heart
While I read Alice’s story, I remembered something Jesus said:
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” —Matthew 18:3 (KJV)
Alice’s story reminded me why Jesus said that. Kids don’t need everything explained. They don’t need a perfect map. They just believe, and giggle, and float. They trust the adventure.
Sometimes, I think grown-ups forget that little things matter. A puddle can be a portal. A leaf can be a ship. A bunny can be the bravest sailor in the land. Faith doesn’t have to look big or serious—it can look like kneeling in the mud, whispering prayers to a stream, or helping a worm find its way back to the water.
So maybe the next time you see a puddle, you’ll remember what Jesus said. Maybe you’ll see it as a chance to believe again—with wonder, joy, and a heart that floats like a leaf boat in the hands of God.
✨ Let’s Go On Our Own Leaf Boat Quest!
Here’s your mission, young adventurer:
🚤 Captain Alice’s Leaf Boat Challenge
Make your own mini boat from leaves, sticks, or bark. Find a little stream, puddle, or tub. Name your boat! Name your crew! Float it with joy!
Want help? Download the Captain Alice Leaf Boat Builder Sheet! It includes step-by-step instructions, doodle boxes to draw your boat and crew, and a space to record your boat’s name and adventures.
🔎 Scavenger Hunt Ideas:
- Something squiggly
- Something that floats
- Something with a shadow inside it (like the Wednesday bush!)
- A puddle that looks like a map
Print out the Puddle Explorer’s Scavenger Map, a fun activity sheet where you can check off finds, sketch discoveries, and color in the best leaf boat launch zones
🌼 From One Sister to Another
Alice, if you’re reading this: you made something beautiful. Your story made me laugh, think, and want to build a boat out of dandelions. I’m so proud of you.
And to all the little sisters and brothers out there with a story inside—write it. Draw it. Scribble it with crayons. Even if your socks get muddy or your paper gets wet, the adventure is worth it.
To help you remember your own adventures, I made a printable journaling prompt just for you! It’s called “My Family Blessings & Adventure Log.” You can write about:
- A time you shared something special with a sibling
- A family adventure that made you smile
- A blessing you see in your brother, sister, or parent
- Something funny that happened in the backyard
You can draw pictures, write sentences, or even doodle a bunny wearing a captain’s hat.
Like Mr. Fluffernutter says:
“Adventure never waits. It wriggles.”
Keep floating,
Ariel 💚
