The Star-Tail Circus
Firlefanz dreams of the greatest circus in the world. Beyond the seven hills, the Star-Tail Circus awaits with a very special show!
Firlefanz woke up, and something tickled his nose. He had dreamed of colorful lights, of soft music, and of the laughter of many cheerful animals. "A circus!" whispered Firlefanz, and he sat bolt upright in his bed. "Today I want to see a real circus."
In the kitchen, Firlefanz nibbled on a warm jam sandwich and drank a sip of berry juice. He bobbed his feet as if music were already playing somewhere. "I wonder if there is a greatest circus in all the world?" he mused. "With jugglers and tightrope walkers and a real director with a top hat?"
Firlefanz hopped over to Papalapapp. He was sitting on the bench in front of his house, comfortably drinking his morning coffee. "Papalapapp, is there a greatest circus in the world?" Papalapapp smiled. "You mean the Star-Tail Circus. It travels far, far away, wandering beyond the seven hills." He set down his cup. "Come, I'll show you the way — and I'll come with you."
Firlefanz dressed for the great journey: the green hat, the sturdy boots, and the warm jacket. He tucked his walking stick under his arm. Papalapapp wrapped his scarf around himself and packed two red apples. "For the road," he said with a wink. "A circus journey makes you hungry."
They set off. Over seven seas, seven deserts, seven high mountains, seven rivers, seven forests, and seven blooming meadows. And the farther they went, the more often they heard it: a soft drumming, a gentle trumpeting, a giggle in the wind. The music of the circus drew them ever onward.
Beyond the last hill, there it finally stood: an enormous tent, as big as a mountain, with stripes of midnight blue and gold. Right at the top, a glittering flag was turning. Colorful lanterns swayed in the evening breeze, and friendly animals streamed in from everywhere. "We're here!" cheered Firlefanz.
At the entrance stood Director Mondino, a round, cozy gentleman in a velvet-blue coat and a tall top hat. "Welcome to the Star-Tail Circus!" he called, bowing deeply. "Step in, step in — the greatest show in the world is about to begin!"
Inside it was warm and full of soft lights. Firlefanz and Papalapapp settled into the cozy seats right at the front. First came Pippa, the juggler. She whirled glowing soap bubbles through the air, more and more and higher and higher, until it looked as if she were juggling with lots of little moons.
Then Filou, the tightrope walker, danced high above on a silver moonbeam, light as a feather. And the Pompom Bouncers, three round balls of fluff, jumped so high that they almost tickled the top of the tent. Firlefanz clapped and laughed until happy tears came to his eyes.
Then everything went very quiet. The lights grew soft and golden. Director Mondino slowly raised his hand. "And now," he whispered, "comes the Star-Tail!" Out of the darkness glided an enormous, gentle creature with great wings and a long, sparkling tail. Quietly it flew beneath the dome of the tent and scattered glittering stars everywhere.
The Star-Tail circled around, slower and slower, gentler and gentler. The little stars drifted down like warm, glowing snow. The music grew softer and softer, until it sounded like a lullaby. Firlefanz leaned against Papalapapp and yawned. "That was the most beautiful show in the whole world," he murmured.
Director Mondino waved goodbye to them with his top hat. "Come back soon!" he called softly. "The Star-Tail dances every night." On the way home, Firlefanz fell asleep on Papalapapp's back. And above him the stars shone, as if the Star-Tail had scattered them all across the sky — just for him.