Benny's Brave Day

Today is Benny Bear's first day at Forest School. His new backpack is green. His lunch box is packed with honey sandwiches. But his tummy feels full of butterflies.

"What if nobody plays with me?" Benny whispers. "What if I can't find the bathroom?"

Mama Bear kneels down. "Brave doesn't mean you don't feel scared," she says. "Brave means you feel scared and you try anyway."

She gives Benny a tiny paper heart to keep in his pocket. "Squeeze it when you need a hug."

At school, everything is big and new. Benny squeezes the paper heart. Squeeze.

A small turtle is sitting all alone, looking just as nervous. Benny takes a deep breath, and says, "Hi. I'm Benny. Do you want to build with blocks?"

The turtle smiles. "I'm Tess. Yes, please!" Together they build the tallest tower in the room. It falls down with a CRASH, and they laugh and laugh.

When Mama Bear comes at the end of the day, Benny runs to her. "Mama! I was scared AND I was brave. Both at the same time!"