The Top and the Ball

Quick Answer

Why This Story Works for Bedtime

The tone is calm and introspective, with small “toy world” moments that feel cozy. It’s a good bedtime story for children who like feelings and gentle lessons without loud action.

Story Synopsis

A top and a ball live together among other toys. The top spins proudly and believes the ball must admire him. The ball, shiny and graceful, bounces away and returns, and the top interprets every movement as a sign of affection. Time passes, and the toys are separated by ordinary life—lost corners, dusty shelves, and forgotten boxes. The top’s pride and assumptions slowly fade into something more tender and real: longing, memory, and quiet regret. When the top meets the ball again, he realizes how much he imagined and how little he truly understood. The story is gentle, not dramatic, and it leaves a soft question for children: how do we know what someone else feels? It’s a bedtime-friendly way to talk about feelings, humility, and paying attention to reality rather than wishes.

Story Excerpt

A whipping top and a little ball lay together in a toy box among soldiers dolls and tiny dishes The box smelled of wood and paint and everything inside it waited for morning play The top lay on his side and looked at the ball who wore a smooth dress of morocco leather and shone softly in the dim light Shall we be married said the top since we live in the same box But the ball thought very highly of herself like a proud young lady She did not even bother to answer She only rested there round and neat as if she had not heard a word The next day the little boy who owned the toys opened the box Sunlight spilled in and his hands went straight for the top He painted the top bright red and yellow and then tap tap he drove a brass headed nail right into the middle When the boy set the top spinning the colors whirled into a merry ring and the brass head flashed like a tiny star Look at me called the top dizzy with pride as he spun What do you say now Shall we be engaged to each other We should suit so well you spring and I dance No one could be happier than we should be At last the ball answered and her voice sounded pleased with itself Indeed Do you think so Perhaps you do not know that my father and mother were morocco slippers she said and that I have a Spanish cork…

In One Glance