Bebe and the Spelling Bee: A Little Hedgehog Story

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Bebe and the Spelling Bee: A Little Hedgehog Story"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Little Stories for Tiny People: Anytime and Bedtime Stories for Kids
• Host/Author: Rhea Pechter
• Episode: Bebe and the Spelling Bee: A Little Hedgehog Story
• Release Date: March 29, 2025

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Introduction to the Story

The episode opens with Rhea Pechter, the host, sharing an anecdote about receiving a handwritten letter from studio spiders struggling with spelling due to an internet outage. This whimsical introduction sets the stage for the story, inspiring Rhea to craft "Bebe and the Spelling Bee."

Notable Quote:

• Rhea Pechter [00:09]: “Their letter was riddled with spelling errors, and it got me thinking. Is spelling a lost art to one of my favorite characters? It certainly isn't.”

Setting the Scene: Classroom Antics

The narrative unfolds in a school setting where Little Hedgehog and her best friend, Bebe Hedgehog, prepare for the upcoming class spelling bee. Their classroom is under the strict supervision of Ms. Hammer Thistle, a salmon-colored flamingo known for her no-nonsense approach.

Notable Quote:

• Ms. Hammer Thistle [02:27]: “Students, before we begin our work, in recent nights, there have been a number of you getting up to sharpen your pencils at ill-considered times.”

The Class Spelling Bee Begins

Ms. Hammer Thistle initiates the class spelling bee, explaining the rules meticulously. Each student has 20 seconds to spell their word correctly. The first participant, Tulip the Turtle, struggles and ultimately gets eliminated, setting a competitive tone.

Notable Quote:

• Ms. Hammer Thistle [07:08]: “You must repeat the word. Spell the word without interruption, then repeat the word again.”

Bebe’s Ambition and Friendship

During the competition, Bebe reveals her determination to win the spelling bee, aspiring to compete in the more prestigious school-wide event and eventually the All Forest Spelling Bee. Her friend, Little Hedgehog, admires her dedication, highlighting the strong bond between them.

Notable Quote:

• Bebe Hedgehog [07:54]: “Phoebe, I am convinced little guy is advanced at blink communication. He has developed an eye blinking code.”

Meeting the Competitor: Chase Prickleton

A pivotal moment occurs when Dylan, a usually top student, confides in Bebe about losing the class spelling bee to a new student, Chase Prickleton, who is revealed to be Bebe’s distant cousin. This revelation adds personal stakes to the upcoming competition.

Notable Quote:

• Dylan [15:03]: “I lost my class spelling bee.”

Preparing for the School-Wide Spelling Bee

Bebe and Little Hedgehog devise an intensive training regimen to enhance Bebe's spelling skills. Their strategies include creating flashcards, reading the dictionary, and practicing spelling during various daily activities, demonstrating Bebe's commitment and creativity.

Notable Quote:

• Bebe Hedgehog [19:25]: “You can make flashcards, like, 500 of them.”

The School-Wide Spelling Bee: A Night Under the Stars

The school-wide spelling bee takes place under a brilliant quarter moon in the courtyard. The atmosphere is festive yet tense as students and teachers gather to witness the competition between Bebe and Chase.

Notable Quote:

• Ms. Swindletooth [24:27]: “It's the spelling, spelling, spelling bee.”

The Showdown: Bebe vs. Chase

The competition is intense, with both Bebe and Chase spelling words flawlessly for an extended period. The tension builds as words become increasingly difficult, testing their endurance and knowledge. Despite the prolonged contest, Bebe maintains her composure, while Chase eventually makes a mistake.

Notable Quotes:

• Mr. Lumdrum [25:48]: “Bebe, your word is indubitably.”
• Chase Prickleton [31:35]: “Discontinuance.”

Victory and Sportsmanship

Bebe triumphs by correctly spelling the final word, "conscionable," securing her victory in the spelling bee. Chase graciously acknowledges Bebe’s skill, emphasizing the importance of honor and respect over mere competition.

Notable Quote:

• Chase Prickleton [33:14]: “I didn't want you eliminated because of a silly error. You are a formidable opponent.”

Conclusion: Celebrating Achievement and Friendship

The episode concludes with Bebe celebrating her hard-earned victory with Little Hedgehog and her classmates. The story underscores themes of perseverance, friendship, and the joy of learning, leaving listeners with a heartwarming message about striving for excellence and supporting friends.

Notable Quote:

• Bebe Hedgehog [33:56]: “Bebe, you did such a good job.”
• Little Hedgehog [33:58]: “I knew you would win.”

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Perseverance and Hard Work: Bebe’s rigorous preparation demonstrates the value of dedication in achieving one’s goals.
2. Friendship and Support: The strong bond between Bebe and Little Hedgehog highlights the importance of supporting friends in their endeavors.
3. Sportsmanship: Chase Prickleton’s graceful acceptance of defeat emphasizes integrity and respect in competition.
4. Creativity in Learning: Bebe’s innovative study methods encourage creative approaches to learning and problem-solving.

Conclusion

"Bebe and the Spelling Bee: A Little Hedgehog Story" is a delightful tale that combines humor, heartfelt moments, and valuable life lessons. Through engaging characters and a captivating narrative, Rhea Pechter crafts a story that not only entertains but also imparts essential values to young listeners and their families.

Transcript

[Rhea Pechter]

This is Rhea. Welcome to Little Stories for Tiny People. Last week, I received a letter from these spiders who live in the uppermost corners of my studio. Yes, it was handwritten or foot written. Anyway, I usually get messages from the spiders via email, and I realized they rely heavily on spellcheck, their handwritten letter. Handwritten because their Internet has been down, which they were complaining about. Their letter was riddled with spelling errors, and it got me thinking. Is spelling a lost art to one of my favorite characters? It certainly isn't. So I have to thank the studio spiders because their terrible spelling inspired this story. It's called Bebe and. Oh, I guess the Internet's back. I'll get to that email later. It's called Bebe and the Spelling Bee. Take it away, Crystal.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Remember, there are no pictures. You have to imagine the pictures in your mind. You can imagine them however you want. Okay, here we go.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Bebe. Can you believe the class spelling bee is tonight?

[Rhea Pechter]

It was a Wednesday evening and Little Hedgehog and Bebe, her best friend of all time, had just sat down at their desks. I can hardly contain myself.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

You'll definitely win.

[Rhea Pechter]

Thank you. I try never to expect a definite win, but my spelling bee record is nearly flawless.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Nearly?

[Rhea Pechter]

My family conducts a yearly spelling bee at our annual family reunion.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Makes total sense.

[Rhea Pechter]

Two years ago, I recorded my first and only spelling bee loss to a distant cousin of mine. His name was. Ahem, Ms. Hammer Thistle, a salmon colored flamingo glared at the class.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Students, before we begin our work, in recent nights, there have been a number of you getting up to sharpen your pencils. At ill considered times, the students blinked.

[Rhea Pechter]

Up at Miss Hammerthistle.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Such as last night when someone decided to sharpen his pencil as I took attendance.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Bebe. Wasn't that Garvin?

[Rhea Pechter]

I do recall it being Garvin. Garvin, a lizard with a mohawk of spikes on his head, casually stared out the window as if none of this had anything to do with him.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

This was an example of an inappropriate.

[Rhea Pechter]

Interruption to at that very moment, the loudspeaker crackled to life. Ms. Hammer Thistle narrowed her eyes at it as if this was a most inappropriate interruption.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Good evening, students.

[Rhea Pechter]

It is I, Principal Petri Dish.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

We've got an exciting school activity coming up.

[Rhea Pechter]

Usually Ms. Swindletooth, your favorite school activities director, would be here to tell you all about it, but she is currently away at a professional development workshop entitled Supercharge youe Adjectives how to Inspire Youths With Whimsical Words. Little Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a Look.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

And giggled.

[Rhea Pechter]

The class seemed torn between relief and disappointment at Ms. Swindletooth's absence. Before they could decide how to feel about it, Principal Petridish went on, but diligent as she is, she pre recorded a message for all of you regarding our upcoming event. Here it is.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

Contain yourselves. I beg of you. Restrain yourselves. Come on and take a seat. Pour some tea. Listen to me.

[Rhea Pechter]

Cause it's a. Ms. Windletooth's pre recorded message went silent and the students exchanged puzzled expressions, believing there had been some sort of malfunction. In fact, Ms. Swindletooth had taken a long dramatic pause for effect.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

Spelling. Spelling. Spelling.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Be.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

Yeah, it's a. Spelling. Spelling. Spelling.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Be.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

You got it. Spelling. Spelling. Spelling bee. Let's do this. Spelling. Spelling. Spelling bee. S P E L L I N G B E E It's a spelling bee. It's. It's a spelling bee.

[Rhea Pechter]

It.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

It's a spelling bee.

[Rhea Pechter]

The loudspeaker fell silent. Little Hedgehog and Bebe clasped their teensy paws together and their eyes sp anticipation. Well, now that was a lively and memorable message. As Ms. Swindletooth put it so straightforwardly, our school spelling bee is coming up next Friday. As you all know, today each class will conduct its own spelling bee. The winners of those class competitions will move on to the school wide event. So good luck everyone and have a great nih GT I mean N I.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

G h T As I was saying, students, I will no longer allow you to sharpen your pencils when I am in the middle of the class tried.

[Rhea Pechter]

But could not hold back their giggles. Ms. Hammer Thistle's eye twitched near the door. Garvin withdrew his pencil from the sharpener, inspected it, and returned to his seat, oblivious. Once Ms. Hammer Thistle had preened her ruffled feathers, she arranged the class for its spelling bee.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

You will have 20 seconds to spell your word, which I will track with this pocket watch.

[Rhea Pechter]

Ms. Hammer Thistle held up a gleaming timepiece.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

You must repeat the word. Spell the word without interruption, then repeat the word again. You may request the word to be repeated, used in a sentence, or defined. If you spell your word correctly, you continue. If you spell the word incorrectly, you will return to your desk and display proper attentive listening skills to learn from more successful students.

[Rhea Pechter]

The all in a row. During Ms. Hammer Thistle's recitation of the rules, most fidgeted, a few stared at the ground and several whispered, including Little Hedgehog.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Phoebe, I am convinced little guy is advanced at blink communication. He has developed an eye blinking code And I'm pretty sure I've cracked it. Like the other day when I dropped a cricket into his enclosure. He blinked eight times in a row, and I strongly believe it meant that cricket is going to be tasty. Can you believe it, Bebe?

[Rhea Pechter]

I really can't, Bebe replied, but in truth, she was only half listening because this was her moment, her time to shine. She'd been looking forward to the school wide spelling bee for months, and nothing was going to stop her from achieving her goal of getting on that stage or podium. She wasn't really sure what the setup would be anyway.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Students, we shall now begin. Tulip, please step forward.

[Rhea Pechter]

Tulip, a shy turtle who rarely spoke in class and often disappeared into her shell at the slightest provocation, took a shaky step forward.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Tulip, your word is toil.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Um, toil.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Could I hear it in a sentence? I toil every night to give my students chances at bright futures. Despite their best efforts to fail, Little.

[Rhea Pechter]

Hedgehog and Bebe exchanged a significant look. Tulip turned a deeper shade of green. Her head began creeping inside her shell.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

To t o y l.

[Rhea Pechter]

By the time Tulip repeated the word, her head had vanished from view.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

That is incorrect. Tulip, you may return to your seat.

[Rhea Pechter]

Poor Tulip was just the first, but many followed, dropping off one by one, mostly due to incorrect spellings offal o f f, but occasionally due to hitting up against the 22nd time limit.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Swift SW.

[Rhea Pechter]

I little hedgehog got out on her second word. Despite the fact that she was a good speller, her downfall was her tendency to get distracted.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Focus f o c. Oh, I just saw Ms. Jazzy, the art teacher, carrying a goldfish tank down the hallway, and I'm pretty sure the goldfish was wearing a tuxedo.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

That is incorrect. Little Hedgehog, please return to your seat.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Oh, okay.

[Rhea Pechter]

Within 10 minutes, every student was sitting except for Garth, B.B. and Garvin, who had been eliminated from the bee but had gotten up to.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Visit the pencil sharpener. Garth, your word is irony. Irony. Can you please use it in a sentence? It is the great irony of my life that my job is to cultivate the minds of the youth within the walls of a school when, as a young flamingo, I eschewed school altogether in favor of reading textbooks on my own time at the watering hole.

[Rhea Pechter]

From her seat, Little Hedgehog held back a giggle and exchanged a look with Bebe, who stood beside Garth, making sure to hide her amusement behind a serious expression.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Irony. I r u n e y. Irony. That is incorrect. Did Bebe just win?

[Rhea Pechter]

Cried an Excitable penguin named Carmen.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

In order to win, Bebe must spell her next word correctly. Garth, please remain standing.

[Rhea Pechter]

Garth remained standing, but slouched and crossed his paws over his chest.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Yes, Miss Hammer Thistle. The class fell silent, suddenly interested in the outcome of this competition. After not really paying attention for most of it, Little Hedgehog leaned forward in her seat, smiling brightly at her best friend.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Your word is handily.

[Rhea Pechter]

Could I please hear the word in a sentence?

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

There are some uninformed individuals who believe it is for students to chew bark in the classroom at any time of their choosing.

[Rhea Pechter]

However, as Ms. Hammerthistle went on, Bebe smiled out at the classroom. She didn't actually need to hear her word used in a sentence. She could have provided the sentence herself. But this was a big moment for her and she wanted to soak it.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Up ideal with these facile arguments. Handily. With my thorough presentations on the risks of conspicuous bark chewing in the classroom environment. Handily.

[Rhea Pechter]

H A N D I L Y Handily.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Garth, you may return to your seat. Class, please lightly applaud. B.B. i said lightly. Here you go, kids. Grasshopper fritter delight and a side of apple walnut snail pudding.

[Rhea Pechter]

At lunch, most of the young creatures chatted about usual stuff.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

My dad's taking me to a cat rodeo this weekend.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

No way.

[Rhea Pechter]

I wish I could go. The class spelling bees were all but forgotten, except to the winners and their best friends of all time.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Bees, after you win the school wide spelling bee next week, you'll go on to the all first spelling bee.

[Rhea Pechter]

If I win. As my great great great Uncle Humphrey Spinetop would say, don't count your hermit crabs before they oh, hey guys. Little hedgehog. And Bebe turned to see Dylan, a studious rat in Mr. Turtleton's class. Dylan looked more bedraggled than usual, which was saying something. Dylan, are you happen?

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Kinda. Yeah.

[Rhea Pechter]

Dylan said, hanging his head.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

I lost my class spelling bee.

[Rhea Pechter]

This was shocking. Dylan was one of the top students in the entire school.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Did you start giggling uncontrollably in the middle of spelling a word? I've done that before.

[Rhea Pechter]

Did you get hung up on a word with a homophone such as compliment and compliment, or affect and affect?

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Worse than that. The bee went on for the entire length of the class to the bitter end.

[Rhea Pechter]

Wow. Whoa.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

For the last 20 minutes, it was just me and this other kid, a new student. He was unstoppable. He spelled the word equivocate without. Well, without any equivocation.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Who is this new student?

[Rhea Pechter]

We must know immediately. Turn Around.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

He's right over there.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little Hedgehog and Bebe swiveled in their seats to see a smallish hedgehog taking a large spoonful of Grasshopper Fritter Delight. The two best friends mouths fell open in shock. Little Hedgehog was shocked because in all her life, she'd never seen any student wolf down school lunch with such gusto. Bebe was taken aback for a completely different reason, one that had nothing to do with grasshopper fritter delight. The hedgehog across the room was none other than Chase Prickleton, her distant cousin. Years ago, I recorded my first and only spelling bee loss to a distant cousin of mine. He was not so distant anymore.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

And in this photo, you can see me.

[Rhea Pechter]

Lassoing worms using the method taught to me by my Aunt Claudia. It was after school, and Little Hedgehog and Bebe were in Bebe's underground burrow. Sorry, that must be a misprint. They were in Little Hedgehog's Burrow, weren't they? Oh, it's not a misprint. Little Hedgehog and Bebe were in Bebe's burrow, standing in front of a wall filled with framed photos of Bebe's family members.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Wow, Bebe, I didn't even know one could lasso a worm.

[Rhea Pechter]

In general, one cannot. It is extremely difficult. I've never known any hedgehog to do it besides my Aunt Claudia.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Right.

[Rhea Pechter]

Myself goes without saying. And Bebe paused, her expression solemn. Chase Prickleton. She pointed a paw at a photo of Chase Prickleton lassoing three worms at once. Hmm. After the surprise encounter with her cousin in the lunchroom. Why, hello, Bebe. Why, hello, Chase. Bebe had suggested Little Hedgehog come over so she could share the worm lassoing photos and devise a plan. Because while Bebe knew she shouldn't count her hermit crabs before they leave their shells or whatever. In truth, up until the moment she'd seen Chase Prickleton, she had expected to win the school wide spelling bee in a week's time and proceed to the All Forest Spelling Bee. Now all bets were off. Thank you, Mom, Bebe said as her mother handed her a glass of dandelion iced tea.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Thank you, Mrs. Hedgehog.

[Rhea Pechter]

Little hedgehog trilled. Bebe's mom smiled apologetically and pointed to her voice box. Little Hedgehog, Bebe said, my mom would love to say you're welcome, but she is saving her voice for a cricket calling seminar she's leading next Saturday in the wilds south of the forest. Bebe's mom nodded.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Oh, okay. That makes total sense.

[Rhea Pechter]

As the Two friends sipped their iced tea. They brainstormed.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

You can make flashcards, like, 500 of them.

[Rhea Pechter]

I already have 3,000 spelling flashcards, and I have memorized them all.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

What about reading the dictionary?

[Rhea Pechter]

I read the dictionary daily, but I could increase my study time.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

How many minutes have you been reading it? Every day?

[Rhea Pechter]

Two hours.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Hmm.

[Rhea Pechter]

Eventually, Little Hedgehog and Bebe developed a training regimen for the next seven nights. To maximize Bebe's chances of beating her cousin, they enacted the plan the following night at school.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Action item number one. Take opportunities to spell during class, such as when Garvin is sharpening his pencil. Parsimonious.

[Rhea Pechter]

P a R S I m o n I O U s. Students, may.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

I remind you there are appropriate.

[Rhea Pechter]

And action item number two. Spell a word while answering a teacher's question.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Yes, Bebe, go ahead. Please explain photosynthesis to the class.

[Rhea Pechter]

Photosynthesis, P h o t o s y n t h e s I s is the process by which plants turn.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Action item number three. Invent rhymes or songs to remember tricky words.

[Rhea Pechter]

It goes C o n s c I e n t I o u s. It's conscientious. Bebe diligently applied every action item and then some. After school each night, she and little Hedgehog skipped home, spelling the whole way excessive. E x c e s s I v e. As the sun rose each morning, Bebe turned on her spelling tapes and fell asleep listening to words absurd. A b s u r d overkill, O v. Each evening at breakfast, she arranged her cricket flavored Alphabet cereal into words like belabor, B e l. She spelled a word every time she blinked, which was once every 56 seconds. She spelled a word every time a student in class said the words Ms.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Hammer Thistle, can I go to the bathroom?

[Rhea Pechter]

Which was once every 32 seconds. Bebe spelled words all night, every night for an entire week. By the end of it, she was as ready as she could potentially possibly be for a showdown with her distant cousin, Chase Prickleton. Students, please find your seats in an orderly fashion. The school wide spelling bee had finally arrived and the students filed into the courtyard beneath a brilliant quarter moon and a smattering of stars. It was early spring, and the air was warm and filled with the scent of flowers. Moths and other insects flew in lazy circles. Little Hedgehog followed the rest of her class to their seats in the third row, while Bebe joined the handful of other class spelling bee winners at the north end of the courtyard.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Why, hello, Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

Chase Prickleton said upon seeing his cousin approach he was the very picture of calm. Greetings. The cousins shook paws. Best of luck to you, bebe said, and turned to find her podium. But Chase surprised her.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

As our great, great, great, great great granduncle Winterly Pricklepot once said upon entering.

[Rhea Pechter]

The arena for a fencing tournament in.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

The Himalayan mountains, it is not the.

[Rhea Pechter]

Number of touches one lands, he began.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

But the honor and respect with which one fences.

[Rhea Pechter]

The cousins finished together. Bebe had been nervous entering the courtyard, but she found herself grinning. Chase grinned back. Welcome to our school spelling bee. We will begin with a word from our MC, your favorite school activities director, Ms. Windletooth. Bebe and Chase nodded to one another, then scampered to their respective podiums. Ms. Swindletooth, a rabbit of unusual size with substantial front teeth and ears, took her place at the microphone and swept her eyes over the audience of students and teachers. Then she took a deep breath and sang.

[Ms. Swindletooth]

It's the spelling, spelling, spelling be ick.

[Rhea Pechter]

The students had found Ms. Swindletooth's immediate launch into song jarring enough. They were positively stupefied to see her leap into the air and cradle her right paw to her chest with a wounded expression.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

She's been stung.

[Rhea Pechter]

Cried the excitable penguin named Carmen. They all heard and then saw a single hornet wandering through the air. Once it became clear that Ms. Swindletooth, while in need of an ice pack, would make a full recovery, a cheeky chipmunk named Johnny Bee Chiptooth cried.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Would have been funnier if it was a bee.

[Rhea Pechter]

Everyone failed to hold back their giggles. But it couldn't have been a bee, since bees don't fly at night. Obviously. With Ms. Swindletooth carted off to the nurse's office, Principal Petri Dish took over. Thank you to Ms. Swindletooth for that alarmingly riveting introduction. Let us begin. The first 36 minutes of the spelling bee were uneventful, save for the fact that One of the three judges, Ms. Partridge, kept giving hints.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Martin, your word is belief.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Could I have, in a sentence, it.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Is my strong belief that I comes before E except after C. Oh, belief.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

B, E L I E F Belief.

[Rhea Pechter]

Overall, nothing interesting happened in those first 36 minutes. The seven class spelling bee winners were understandably good at spelling, but even the best spellers have their limits. Starla, your word is discombobulate.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Discombobulate. D I S C O M B U oh no, I got lost.

[Rhea Pechter]

After Starla, Martin was eliminated on the word eliminate, followed by Jarvis, who missed on the word flibbertigibbet, which is in in fact a real word. At minute 57, the third to last speller tripped on the word peregrination, leaving only two spellers, Bebe and Chase Prickleton. Go, Bebe, go. New kid. Beneath the splendid quarter moon and the starry night sky, Bebe took in her surroundings. She could see her best friend beaming at her from the third row. The judges were off to her right, dour faced Ms. Hammer, thistle, cheery Mr. Lumdrum, and a giddy looking Ms. Partridge. And at the podium beside her was her cousin Chase, looking serene in the moonlight. Bebe took a deep breath and settled in for what she expected to be a long night ahead. Chase, Mr. Lumdrum said with a slight smile, your word is unforeseen. Yes, Bebe thought to herself, it will be a very long night.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Unforeseen.

[Rhea Pechter]

Chase began with a confident smile.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

U N F O R s At.

[Rhea Pechter]

The next podium, Bebe's eyes went wide with shock. Most of the audience had no reaction whatsoever, but a handful of students, perhaps nine, gasped. Ms. Hammerthistle and Mr. Lumdrum exchanged a significant look at the judges table. While Ms. Partridge stared up at the moon. Principal Petri Dish raised her eyebrows. Chase himself winced with immediate regret. He'd forgotten the letter E in the middle of the word. With a forlorn expression, he finished, een Unforeseen. I'm sorry, Chase, that was incorrect. The crowd of students erupted into chatter and whispers.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Did Bebe just win? That was so quick.

[Rhea Pechter]

In order to win, said Mr. Lumdrum from the judges table, Bebe must spell her next word correctly. Bebe, your word is indubitably. The entire courtyard fell silent. At her podium, Bebe was like a statue. She exchanged a look with Little Hedgehog, who was standing on her seat in the third row, smiling. Prickle to prickle, Bebe felt no stress whatsoever. This was one of her very favorite words. Indubitably. I n d u b I T a. Bebe paused. Her mind went to her great, great, great, great, great granduncle. Winterly pricklepot.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

It is not the number of touches one land, but the honor and respect with which one fences.

[Rhea Pechter]

Then she continued, be ly Indubitably. The crowd remained silent because no one knew how to spell indubitably. Bebe. Mr. Lundrum said, I'm sorry, that is incorrect. It looks like we're in for the long haul, everyone. And so they were. For the next full hour, Bebe and Chase spelled word after word flawlessly.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Preposterous.

[Rhea Pechter]

P r e p Outrageous O u.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

T r a risible R I S.

[Rhea Pechter]

I yawns went up all over the courtyard as the night wore on. At one point, Ms. Partridge fell asleep and had to be elbowed awake by Mr. Lumdrum.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Hmm. Are we done?

[Rhea Pechter]

They were not done. Principal Petri Dish had to get out her book of difficult words to keep it interesting. Bebe, your word is rendezvous.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Chase, your word is indefatigable.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Bb, your word is content.

[Rhea Pechter]

Until finally, when it seemed like the two hedgehogs could go on forever, Mr. Lumdrum, said, Chase, your word is discontinuance.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Discontinuance.

[Rhea Pechter]

Chase paused and put a paw to his chin. Prickles. His brow wrinkled.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

D I s C o n t I n u ence discontinuance.

[Rhea Pechter]

Mr. Lumdrum seemed torn between a smile and a frown. Chase, I'm sorry.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

That is incorrect.

[Rhea Pechter]

Chase and Bebe exchanged a smile, and he shrugged. Bebe, if you get this next word correct, you win the bee. Your word is conscionable. The audience of students and teachers gave no reaction. Many of them were asleep. Others stared ahead, appearing to be listening but actually planning what they'd do after school. Little Hedgehog sat on the edge of her seat with her teensy paws clasped together and her eyes sparkling with delight for her best friend. C O n S C I o N A B L E Conscionable. The audience waited silently, since they had no idea if that was correct, but Chase knew. He grinned at Bebe and gave a nod. She nodded back. Bebe, congratulations. That is correct. You are the winner of our school spelling bee. Everybody give it up for Bebe Hedgehog.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

You didn't have to do that, Bebe.

[Rhea Pechter]

I know you spelled indubitably wrong on purpose. The cousins stood together between their podiums as the students filed out of the courtyard. I could tell you knew how to spell unforeseen. At this, Chase nodded. I didn't want want you eliminated because of a silly error. You are a formidable opponent. I wanted to have a fair fight.

[Ms. Hammer Thistle]

Well, thank you.

[Rhea Pechter]

Bebe put out a paw, but Chase pulled her in for a hug instead. The two cousins parted ways. Chase into the night, and Bebe to her best friend, who stood waiting, her eyes enormous.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Bebe, you did such a good job.

[Rhea Pechter]

I knew you would win.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

I just knew it. And now you get to go to the All Force Belly. Be A. Can you believe it?

[Rhea Pechter]

It was truly a beautiful night. My gut is telling me the studio spiders are not pleased. They tend to send terse emails in threes. Oh well, I hope you enjoyed this preposterous story. Little Stories for Tiny People is written, performed and produced by me, Rhea Pechter, my in house Tech Director. Peter Kay runs my website and puts my stories in the Internet for all of you to enjoy. Thank you to my Little Stories Premium subscribers for supporting the show. Thank you to Krystal for the super important reminder message at the beginning. And thank you to the many premium subscribers who supplied sound effects used in this story. Thank you to Nikhil, Sahana, Theo, Eleanor, Frankie, Maren, May, Maxwell, Isabelle, A.B. leeson, Claire, Ann, Poppy, Izzy, Felix, Mia, Katerina, Luciana, Jasmine, Philip, J.J. davis and Lily. And thank you as always for listening in.

[Bebe Hedgehog]

Sa.