Lin's Brave First Day

Ages 3–6

On her first day at a new school, Lin wants to feel brave, and she carries a worry-bird on her shoulder that gets smaller and smaller with every kind face and new friend, until, at pickup, it flies away and she runs happily into her grown-up's arms.

A gentle reminder that new places get easier little by little, and that grown-ups always come back.

On the morning of her first day, something small and fluttery landed on Lin's shoulder. It was a worry-bird, feathers dusty blue. "Are you sure about this place?" it peeped. Lin wanted to feel brave. She rubbed her paper star and took a breath.

"Come in, come in!" said a warm voice, and a yellow sleeve waved her forward. Lin peeked around the door frame. The worry-bird puffed up its feathers and hid its face — but Lin stepped inside anyway.

Every cushion in the rug corner was taken! Lin's chin wobbled. Then Miss Marigold's hand patted a spot right beside her own. "Room for one more," she said. And the worry-bird got smaller — just a little, little bit.

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