It was a busy morning at the pumpkin patch. Farmer Ben and his little daughter, Lucy, were busy picking pumpkins. They had to get ready for the big Autumn Festival. “Lucy, look at this one! It’s huge!” Ben called, showing a bright orange pumpkin.

Lucy smiled. “Can we make it into a big lantern, Papa?”

But the pumpkins weren’t just ordinary pumpkins. Deep inside the patch lived a tiny Pumpkin Fairy named Pippa. She was the size of an acorn, with glowing wings like tiny golden leaves. Pippa loved the festival, too, but she stayed hidden. No one knew she lived there except for the animals.

“Another festival, another year,” Pippa sighed, sitting on a small pumpkin. “I wish I could join, but they never invite fairies.”

Nearby, a rabbit named Thistle hopped over. “You always help with the pumpkins, Pippa. You deserve to enjoy the fun, too.”

“I do help,” Pippa agreed, sprinkling her magic dust to make the pumpkins grow big and round. “But it’s not the same.”

Just then, a boy named Jack wandered into the patch. He was Farmer Ben’s neighbor. Jack loved exploring, and today he was looking for the perfect pumpkin. “Hmm, that one’s too small. This one’s too bumpy,” he muttered, touching each pumpkin.

Suddenly, Jack spotted Pippa. “Whoa! A fairy!” he gasped, his eyes wide with surprise.

Pippa fluttered up, startled. “Oh no, he sees me!” she whispered to Thistle.

Jack grinned. “You’re a fairy, aren’t you? Can you do magic?”

Pippa hesitated, then nodded. “Yes, I’m the Pumpkin Fairy. I help these pumpkins grow.”

Jack’s eyes sparkled. “Can you grant wishes?”

“Maybe,” Pippa said slowly. “But wishes are tricky. You must be careful.”

Jack thought for a moment. He wanted to win the pumpkin-carving contest at the festival. “I wish to have the biggest, most amazing pumpkin!”

Pippa waved her wand, and in an instant, a giant pumpkin appeared. It was golden and sparkled in the sun. Jack was thrilled. “This is perfect! Thanks, Pippa!”

But as he tried to move the pumpkin, it wouldn’t budge. It was too heavy. “Uh, maybe this was a bad idea,” Jack said, scratching his head.

Pippa giggled. “I told you, magic is tricky. You still have two wishes left.”

Jack thought again. “I wish for a cart to carry it!”

With a flick of her wand, Pippa made a cart appear, but it was pulled by a mischievous squirrel. The squirrel darted around, causing the cart to wobble. “Whoa! Steady!” Jack shouted, chasing after it.

Pippa and Thistle laughed. “Remember, Jack, think before you wish!”

Jack finally caught the cart. He looked at the pumpkin, then at Pippa. “This isn’t working. I should’ve listened.” He paused, deep in thought.

After a moment, Jack smiled. “I wish for something different. I want to share the fun. Let everyone have the best festival ever!”

Pippa’s eyes lit up. “That’s a kind wish, Jack. I can do that!” She waved her wand, and suddenly, the whole pumpkin patch glowed. Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes started to shimmer and float in the air, turning into lanterns. Music filled the air, and animals danced around.

The festival was more magical than ever. People gathered, amazed at the floating lanterns. Farmer Ben and Lucy laughed and danced. Even the shy Thistle hopped joyfully.

Pippa landed on Jack’s shoulder. “Now this is a wish worth celebrating.”

Jack nodded, happy to see everyone enjoying themselves. “I didn’t need the biggest pumpkin. I just needed to share the magic.”

As the festival continued, Jack learned that sometimes the best wishes aren’t about winning or having the biggest things. Sometimes, the greatest joy comes from sharing the magic with others.

The Pumpkin Fairy Pippa watched from the pumpkin patch, smiling. For the first time, she felt part of the celebration, her magic lighting up the festival night.