Anna watched on as T. Bear and Stella decorated the front of Hotel Flamingo with giant feathery flamingos and shiny green palm leaves. Summer was officially over, but for the creatures of Animal Boulevard there was always something to celebrate. The highlight of autumn was the carnival, and as it was her first time Anna was keen to make a splash.
‘More flamingos, do you think?’ she said.
‘I suppose you can never have too many!’ said T. Bear.
The carnival was seen as the last hoorah before winter set in. It was a celebration of life, a huge parade, with exciting music and wonderfully exotic food. Everybody joined in, and revellers travelled from miles around to take part.
‘All going well?’ croaked Mrs Toadly, appearing at Anna’s side. Mrs Toadly was a Carnival Director, and it was her job to ensure Animal Boulevard looked as wonderful as possible. At this time of year she never sat still, not even for a second. ‘Your display is looking mighty fine!’
‘Thank you!’ said Anna. ‘I thought we’d go for a pink theme.’
‘I noticed,’ said Mrs Toadly, laughing. ‘I saw it from the other side of town.’
‘Really?’ said Anna, not sure if that was a good or bad thing. ‘Too much, do you think?’
‘There’s no such thing as too much!’ said Mrs Toadly. ‘And that’s why I’m here, to reward you for all this effort. You’ve made such a big impression on everyone that I thought Hotel Flamingo should lead the parade.’
‘Lead it?’ said Anna. ‘At the very front?’
‘I take it you are entering a float?’ asked Mrs Toadly. ‘There’s a competition for the best display each year.’
‘What’s a float?’ asked Anna.
‘It’s an extravagant display on wheels,’ replied Mrs Toadly. ‘A truly terrific way to promote your hotel!’
Anna never missed a chance to sell Hotel Flamingo, but it would be a lot of work in such a short space of time.
‘I’d have to ask the other staff to help,’ she said.
‘And don’t forget, if your float wins, you’ll get a Golden Palm!’ said Mrs Toadly. ‘It’s a mighty fine honour.’
T. Bear climbed down from a ladder with giant flamingo wings draped over his shoulders. ‘Carnival is in my bones,’ he said. ‘I know what to do.’
‘So you’ll take part?’ asked Mrs Toadly.
T. Bear whispered into Anna’s ear, ‘It’s usually Mr Ruffian and the Glitz Hotel who get the call to lead.’
Anna knew she couldn’t refuse. ‘We’re in!’ she said.
‘Wonderful!’ exclaimed Mrs Toadly, bouncing into the air. She carried on down the road, leaping from foot to foot. ‘The parade runs from the Opera House to Boulevard’s Cat’s Paw sports arena. Make it as bright and colourful as you can imagine!’ she cried.
‘It’ll be the biggest and brightest, filled with dancers and music!’ said T. Bear. ‘Won’t it, Miss Anna?’
‘Yes, it will! We’re going to win that Golden Palm!’
Anna and T. Bear walked inside, ideas filling both their heads.
‘We only have a week to go,’ said Anna, ‘so call a staff meeting. We must make plans. I’ll ask Ms Fragranti and her flamingos to join us!’
‘Brilliant idea,’ said T. Bear, clapping his paws together. He did a little dance. ‘This is going to be the greatest carnival ever seen!’