Puschel and Flauschi plan a car made from a pine cone and four cork wheels in their Wusel workshop

The little Wusel story

Puschel studied the pine cone from every side. Puschel“It already has the shape of a racing car. It only needs four wheels!” An adult had prepared them from cork. Flauschi checked every axle while Puschel placed the finished car on the ramp. Puschel“Three, two, Wusel!” The pine-cone car rolled straight down. Flauschi waved her leaf flag, and Puschel cheered as if he had won the longest race in the world—even though the track was barely three paws long.

What you need

one large dry pine cone
four cork discs prepared by an adult
two smooth blunt wooden sticks for axles
a narrow strip of sturdy card for the base
child-friendly craft glue
a larger piece of card for a shallow ramp

How it works

An adult prepares four equal cork wheels with centred holes.
Glue the pine cone to the middle of the card base and let it dry well.
Attach the two axles parallel underneath the card.
Fit two cork wheels to each axle and check that they roll freely and stay secure.
Build a very shallow ramp and roll the pine-cone car along the floor.

Adult help: Adults cut and pierce the cork wheels, check the wood and cone for splinters and secure every small part. The finished car contains small parts and is not a toy for children under three.