The MoosicalMoo Cows were busy rehearsing for the upcoming Honeysuckle Hollow talent show. Bella, the littlest in the family, was practicing a new tune almost every minute of every day.
On this particular morning, she hummed as she brushed her teeth, whistled as she got dressed, and serenaded her family as she hopped down the stairs.
Her brother, Nolan, was waiting at the kitchen table with parents Jessie and Enzo.
“Come on, everybody!” called Enzo, handing Bella a sheet of music. “Let’s get started!”
The MoosicalMoos began to harmonize with one another: “La la la-la la-la la laaaaa!” They really sounded great! Suddenly, Bella’s voice stopped working.
“Luh luh luh,” she croaked.
“What’s the matter, dear?” asked Jessie.
“I can’t sing!” Bella whispered.
They all gathered around and tried to help get her voice back. She tried blowing into a straw, holding her breath, and stretching her neck. Alas, nothing worked!
“Oh no!” wailed Nolan. “What are we going to do?” The talent show was just a few weeks away and there was no one else who knew all the songs like Bella.
Just then, Mel Canberra popped her head in the door. She lived nearby in Honeysuckle Hollow, and often brought her kids, Tessa and Teddie, over to play. “Yoo-hoo, MoosicalMoos!” she called cheerily. “I was just passing on my way home and I was wondering if you singers needed some extra honey and lemon for your voices? I always carry some in my purse when there’s a show coming up!”
“How did you know? That’s exactly what we need!” laughed Enzo. “Bella lost her voice!”
Mel whipped out the honey and lemon, stirred it in a cup with some warm water, and handed it to Bella. “Three times daily and rest your voice for a few days,” she advised.
“Thank you,” mouthed Bella.
When Mel left, the MoosicalMoos got back to practice and Bella nodded along to the melodies, going over the lyrics in her head.
Three days later, Bella woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside her window. “La la la-la la-la la laaaaa!” she sang without even thinking. She couldn’t believe it! Her voice was back and better than ever!
She ran downstairs to tell Nolan, Enzo, and Jessie, who were gathered around the kitchen table. “I can siiiiiiiing!” she yelled. “And just in time for the show!”
The whole family jumped for joy and huddled together for a big group hug. “OK everybody,” said Enzo. “That was a good reminder that taking a break is just as important as practice. So, after each rehearsal we will rest our voices and spend the rest of the day doing something relaxing. Agreed?”
“Agreed!” said Jessie. “OK, from the top!”
The MoosicalMoos began to sing in beautiful harmony once more. “La la la-la la-la la laaaaa!”
Tune in next week to see what happens when Mel Canberra arrives home!
