Slushy, a talking trombone, tells the sad plight of his master, Slide Hooper, a professional trombonist who becomes ill. One of Slide's compassionate students takes it upon himself to help him in his hour of need. Young readers will learn from this story that "life is not a "bed of roses." The next Slushy story will be more uplifting and humorous, but read this first. (Age Level 9-11)