Just think, what would this world be like if we didn't have friends? It would be pretty lonely, wouldn't it? We need friends to tell our troubles to, share good and bad times and help us with things that are difficult for us.

 Going to school is one of those times that is made easier if shared with a friend. Today, Kitsy Cat needed her friend, Alf Elephant, to do exactly that.

 "I'm scared!" whimpered Kitsy Cat.

 "Don't be afraid, because I'll sit beside you," said Alf Elephant.

 To many, the elephant and the cat made a strange combination of friends. But, friends are like that. They don't have to look like us, have the same colour eyes, hair, or be the same size. Friends are friends!

 Kitsy Cat didn't know where to put her coat, but Alf Elephant found the cloakroom and put his jacket beside hers. He showed her where the bathroom was and where her desk was.

 When the teacher came into the room, Kitsy Cat trembled. Mrs. Muskrat looked so stern and tall. What if she yelled at her, or even worse, called on her to answer a question? Kitsy Cat shook so hard that her knees knocked against each other and her little hair bow bobbed up and down.

 Mrs. Muskrat was going over the names and suddenly Kitsy Cat heard her name being called.

 "Kitsy Cat, where are you?" asked the teacher.

 Kitsy Cat tried to open her mouth, but it seemed as if her lips were locked together. Mrs. Muskrat was looking up and down the aisles, but no one spoke or raised their hand.

 "Kitsy Cat is right here," said Alf Elephant, pointing to his friend.

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 "Can Kitsy Cat speak?" asked the teacher.

 "Yes," answered Alf Elephant. "She is very shy."

 Mrs. Muskrat came down the aisle and stood beside Kitsy Cat's desk and laid her paw on Kitsy Cat's new scribbler.

 "Is your name Kitsy Cat?" asked the teacher.

 "Y… E …S," stammered Kitsy Cat.

 "Welcome to my class, Kitsy Cat. This must be your friend, Alf Elephant?" asked the teacher, indicating the elephant.

 "Yes," said Kitsy Cat, more firmly this time.

 "Well, I'm sure you and your friend will have a great time in my class. I'm so glad to meet you with a little bit of help from your friend," said Mrs. Muskrat.

 Question about the story: What bobbed up and down on Kitsy Cat's head when she was trembling?

 Send answers to Storytime, c/o Verna Dunlop, RR#1, Moser River, NS BOJ 2KO or e-mail the answer to the question to vernadunlop@yahoo.com. Prizes will be sent to those sending in the answer.

posted on 01/26/10