Benny the Bunny and the Bright Blue Helmet
By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller
Moral of the Story:
Safety is love in action—it shows
you care about your life and the lives of those who love you. Wearing a helmet
isn’t about fear but about wisdom and protection.
Every smart choice we make today builds a safer tomorrow. Courage isn’t taking
risks; it’s doing the right thing even when no one is watching. A true friend
reminds others to stay safe, too. Preparedness helps you play, explore, and
have fun without worry. When we protect ourselves, we protect the joy of
everyone who cares about us. A helmet isn’t just gear, it’s a guardian for your
greatest gift: you.
In the sunny town of Cloverleaf
Park, where the bike paths wound between tall oak trees and the air smelled
like fresh-cut grass, lived a cheerful little bunny named Benny.
Benny loved to ride his shiny red bicycle more than anything. He’d zoom past
the flower fields, coast down the big hill by the pond, and race his best
friends, Tilly the Turtle, Freddy the Fox, and Penny the
Pigeon, every afternoon.
One bright morning, Benny hopped out
of bed and looked out the window. “It’s perfect riding weather!” he said. “Not
too hot, not too windy, just right!”
He grabbed his backpack and his water
bottle and ran toward the door.
“Benny,” called Mama Bunny, her voice calm but firm, “don’t forget your
helmet!”
Benny groaned. “Aw, Mom, do I really
need it? I’m just going to ride down to the park. I won’t go fast, I promise.”
Mama folded her paws. “You know the
rule. No helmet, no riding. Helmets aren’t for slow riders, Benny; they’re for
smart riders.”
Benny sighed. “Okay, fine.”
He slipped his bright blue helmet onto his head and buckled the strap under his
chin. “Happy now?”
Mama smiled and kissed his forehead.
“Very. Remember, the helmet doesn’t slow you down; it keeps you safe so you can
keep having fun.”
When Benny arrived at the park, his
friends were already waiting near the bike rack.
Tilly the Turtle was adjusting her skateboard knee pads. Freddy the Fox was
polishing his new scooter. Penny the Pigeon, who loved to ride her mini-bike,
was flapping her wings excitedly.
“Ready to race to the pond?” Freddy
shouted.
“Let’s go!” Benny said, climbing
onto his bike.
But just before they started, Freddy
squinted at him. “Benny, you’re the only one wearing a helmet.”
Benny blushed. “Yeah, my mom makes
me.”
Freddy laughed. “You don’t need that
thing! Look at me, I’m faster without it!”
Tilly hesitated. “I don’t know,
Freddy. My cousin fell off his skateboard once and got a big bump on his head.
He had to stay inside for a week.”
Penny nodded. “My mom says helmets
are like seatbelts for your head.”
Freddy just smirked. “Suit yourself.
But I’m riding free!”
The race began!
They zipped down the trail, wind whistling through their fur and feathers.
Benny’s helmet strap flapped a little, but he didn’t mind; it made him feel
brave.
The path curved through the trees,
then sloped into the big hill by the pond. Freddy, who was in the lead,
shouted, “Watch this!” and sped up, his scooter wheels spinning faster and
faster.
“Freddy, slow down!” cried Penny.
“That hill’s too steep!”
But before Freddy could stop, his
front wheel hit a loose stone. The scooter wobbled, tilted—and then CRASH!
Freddy tumbled into the grass,
landing with a thud. His scooter clattered to the ground beside him.
Benny slammed on his brakes and ran
to help. “Freddy! Are you okay?”
Freddy winced, rubbing his head.
“Ouch… I hit my head on a rock.”
Tilly and Penny rushed over. Tilly
frowned. “That’s what helmets are for, Freddy.”
Freddy looked down, ashamed. “I
should’ve listened.”
Benny knelt beside him and helped
him sit up. “It’s okay, buddy. Let’s get you to the bench.”
Mama Bunny was nearby, having packed
a picnic for the group. When she saw the commotion, she hurried over. “What
happened?”
“Freddy fell,” said Benny. “He hit
his head, but I think he’s okay.”
Mama crouched beside the young fox.
“You’ll be alright, but you’ll have a bump for a few days. You’re lucky it
wasn’t worse.”
Freddy looked up with watery eyes.
“I should’ve worn a helmet like Benny.”
Mama nodded gently. “Accidents
happen, sweetheart. What matters is that you learn from them.”
She turned to the group. “That’s why
helmets are so important. You never plan to fall—but being prepared keeps you
safe when life surprises you.”
After a little rest and some cool
water, Freddy felt better. He looked at Benny and smiled weakly. “Thanks for
helping me, Benny. You were right. From now on, I’m wearing a helmet every
time.”
Benny grinned. “We can even match!
I’ll help you pick out a cool one tomorrow.”
Tilly clapped. “Make it bright
orange like your fur!”
Penny chirped. “Then we’ll all have
helmets, Team Safe Riders!”
Mama laughed. “That’s a great name.
Why don’t you all ride safely together from now on?”
The friends nodded eagerly.
The next day, they all met at the
park again. Freddy proudly wore his new orange helmet. Tilly had a purple one
with stars. Penny had decorated hers with rainbow stickers. And Benny’s blue
helmet gleamed in the sunshine.
Together, they rode around the pond,
raced up the hill, and zipped through the trees, all safely, all smiling.
When they stopped to rest, Freddy
said, “You know, Benny, wearing a helmet doesn’t make me slower. It makes me
feel strong, like a superhero!”
Benny laughed. “That’s because real
heroes protect themselves and others.”
Tilly nodded wisely. “And real
friends remind each other to do what’s right.”
They all laughed, their helmets
shining like badges of courage in the golden afternoon light.
From that day forward, whenever
someone new came to the park without a helmet, Benny and his friends were the
first to offer gentle advice:
“Hey, friend! Want to join Team Safe
Riders? Safety first, fun forever!”
Poem:
The Helmet of Courage
A helmet’s not a silly thing.
It’s armor fit for any king.
It guards your thoughts, your dreams, your head,
So you can play with joy instead.
It shines so bright beneath the sun.
And helps you laugh while having fun.
It says, “I care, I’m wise, I see.
Protecting me is loving me.”
So when you ride or skate or scoot,
Remember, safety’s firm, not cute.
A hero’s heart is brave and smart,
With the helmet shining from the start.
Discussion
Questions:
1.
Why did Mama Bunny say helmets are
for smart riders, not slow riders?
2.
What did Freddy learn after his
accident?
3.
How can you remind your friends to
stay safe when they ride?
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