Pip Goes to School

An Inkly Story

It was the first chilly morning of fall, and little Pip the Penguin zipped up his red backpack with a flutter of excitement.

“Today’s the day,” Pip whispered. “I’m going to school!”

He had never been to school before. He had packed everything he thought he might need:

• A jellyfish sandwich

• Three crayons (blue, blue-er, and bluest)

• And his lucky pebble

Pip waddled all the way across the snowy hill to Icy Point School, where animal friends were already laughing and playing.

But when he stepped inside the classroom, his tummy did a little flop.

There were so many new faces.

A polar bear cub waved.

A seal clapped its flippers.

A puffin offered Pip half a cookie.

Still, Pip felt shy.

“Welcome, everyone!” said Ms. Walrus. “Let’s start with a name game. When I point to you, say your name and your favorite thing to do!”

When it was Pip’s turn, he squeaked,

“Um… I’m Pip… and I like… sliding on my belly.”

A few kids giggled. Not in a mean way—in a me too! kind of way.

“I like that too!” said the puffin.

“Me three!” said the seal.

Soon they were coloring, counting snowflakes, and singing silly songs about squids. Pip even shared his jellyfish sandwich (but not the lucky pebble—that stayed tucked in his pocket).

At recess, Pip showed everyone how to slide just right down the snow hill.

Even Ms. Walrus tried (and landed with a plop!).

By the end of the day, Pip didn’t want to leave.

But as he waddled home, he smiled big.

School was full of new things—but also full of new friends.