Puschel’s Somersault Tree Has No Leaves

A few autumn leaves swirled above the meadow. Puschel tried to catch one. It landed on his nose, slipped off and sailed right between his paws.

Puschel: This leaf is better at landing than I am.

Flauschi smiled.

Flauschi: Shall we do a somersault?

Puschel looked behind her. Then to the left. Then to the right.

Puschel: Where does that tree grow? I can only see oaks.

Flauschi: The German word Purzelbaum sounds like a tree, but it means a somersault: a little forward roll.

Puschel looked at her thoughtfully.

Puschel: A tree that can roll. Wuselwood gets more amazing all the time.

On a flat, soft patch of meadow, Flauschi showed him a little roll. Afterwards she sat on the grass again and opened her paws with a smile.

Flauschi: See? And here I am again.

Puschel: Without roots! I will try that too.

Puschel got ready. His ears were ready. His paws were ready. Only his big fluffy tail seemed to have a plan of its own.

Puschel curled up small, as though he wanted to become a round blue Wusel ball. But instead of rolling straight forwards, he tumbled a little to one side. His big tail swung with him. Then he lay on his back and gazed up at the sky in surprise.

A yellow autumn leaf floated down and landed on his belly. Puschel carefully raised his head.

Puschel: Flauschi?

Flauschi: Yes, Puschel?

Puschel: My somersault tree is already growing leaves.

Flauschi could not help giggling. Puschel examined the leaf very seriously.

Puschel: If an acorn comes next, I think I had better stay here.

Flauschi knelt beside him.

Flauschi: Are you all right?

Puschel moved his paws and nodded.

Puschel: Yes. Only my view is suddenly up above.

Flauschi took the leaf off his belly and placed it beside him on the grass. Then she helped him stand up.

Flauschi: There is no rush. Would you like to try again or take a break first?

Puschel: Once more. But this time I will tell my tail first.

He looked over his shoulder.

Puschel: Dear tail, we belong together. Please remember that when we tumble too.

Flauschi stayed beside him. Puschel took his time, and this time he managed a little forward roll. A moment later he sat on the grass. His tail rested behind him. Puschel looked first at Flauschi and then at his belly.

Puschel: No leaves.

Flauschi: But a very lovely somersault.

Puschel: A very lovely tree. But having a picnic underneath it will be tricky.

They both laughed. Then Puschel settled comfortably on the grass. Flauschi lay beside him, and together they looked up at the golden treetops. The yellow leaf still lay beside them on the grass.

Flauschi: Another one?

Puschel: For today, I would rather have a cosy tumble break.

A leaf sailed above them. Puschel followed it with his eyes.

Puschel: I have tumbled enough for today.