Stephanie arrived at the park with a map, four pencils and a very important plan.

“We’re going on an expedition,” she announced.

Benjie looked inside her bag.

“Have you packed sandwiches?”

“No.”

“Then it might be a very short expedition.”

Troy held up a blue snack bag. “I’ve got apple slices and biscuits.”

“Excellent,” said Benjie. “We may continue.”

Amaya was looking across the grass. At the far end of the park stood an enormous tree. Its branches spread out like arms ready for a hug.

“Let’s go there,” she said.

Stephanie unfolded her map.

“That’s exactly where we’re going! We’ll cross the little bridge, follow the short path and find a leaf as big as Benjie’s face.”

Benjie put his hands around his cheeks.

“That is quite a lot of leaf.”

Their families were coming too. The grown-ups carried picnic blankets and chatted as the four friends set off ahead.