When I tell my family about my playground plans after school that day, they are so proud of me. “What a great idea, sugar,” Momma says.

“Where are you going to get the flowers and plants?” Daddy asks me.

“I’m going to ask for donations,” I say. “That way, everyone can help celebrate Earth Day!”

I decide to ask Miss Clarabelle, my next-door neighbor, to help. She works at Hillside Nursery.

“I’m sure we can make a donation,” Miss Clarabelle says. She calls the nursery, and they agree to give us some beautiful flowers.

Next I call Granny. She’s a member of the Garden Club and has a real green thumb.

“Of course I’ll help you, Kylie Jean,” Granny tells me. “And I’m sure the rest of the Garden Club ladies would be happy to help plant flowers. I’ll ask them at our next meeting.”

I smile. My Earth Day project is in full bloom!

* * *

When Lucy and I get on the bus on the next morning, I sit in my favorite spot, right behind Mr. Jim, our bus driver. Lucy sits down next to me.

“Mr. Jim, I need a favor,” I tell him.

“What do you need me to do?” Mr. Jim asks.

I smile sweetly. “You’re pretty handy with tools,” I say. “Remember that day the bus broke down and you fixed it? Well, I have some playground equipment that needs to be fixed, and I think you’d be perfect for the job!”

Mr. Jim scratches his bearded chin. “I reckon I can do that for you kids,” he replies.

“Fantastic!” I exclaim. “We are having a work day on the playground on Saturday, so please plan to come and don’t forget to bring your tools.”

Lucy gives me a high five. Then she shares some big news. “I called my uncle last night. When I told him about our playground plan, he offered to donate some old grain barrels from his farm for our trash and recycling containers!”

I think that good news deserves another high five!

Later at school, we just keep getting more good news. Paula and Cara were able to get some donations and sign up volunteers, too!

“I told everyone at church last night about our plan,” Paula says. “The youth group volunteered to paint all of the old equipment! Now we just need to get the paint donated and choose a color.”

“We already have paint!” Cara says. “My daddy and I went to the hardware store. The owner offered to donate paint that doesn’t smell bad. It’s better for people, animals, and the earth.”

“I bet I know what color you want, Kylie Jean!” Lucy says.

Everyone knows my favorite color is pink. “Pink is my best color, but it might not be right for a playground,” I tell her.

“I think we should paint everything green,” Paula says. “It’s a nature color. Plus, it’ll blend in so we can enjoy the pretty plants and flowers.”

“Paula, you are a paint-picking genius!” I tell her, and everyone else agrees.