Kindergarten day is here! Alma's tummy feels full of fluttery butterflies. By the front door, the little red backpack waits, and Alma takes one big, brave breath.
At the gate, Alma's lip wobbles a little — but the wave is big and brave. "Bye-bye, Mama!" The teacher opens her arms wide, warm as sunshine.
Look! The hook with the little red apple is Alma's very own spot. Up on tiptoes — hup! — the jacket swings onto the hook. Alma did it all alone.
Circle time! Everyone sits in a cozy ring on the round rug. The teacher opens today's storybook, and Alma listens with great big eyes. What will happen next?
Painting time! Alma's brush swirls and swirls — out comes a great big sun. A little dot of yellow lands right on Alma's cheek. Oops — even the cheek is sunny now!
Snack time! Crunchy crackers, creamy milk — mmm, so yummy. Alma's feet swing happily under the little chair. Munch, munch, crunch — this is the best snack ever.
On the playground, Alma climbs up, up, up the big red slide. Then — wheee! — down Alma zooms, hair flying, arms high in the air. Again, again!
Nap time. Alma lies down softly on the little mat and pulls up the cozy blanket. Shhh — eyes closed, breathing slow. Time for a tiny, tiny dream.
Alma holds up the big painted sun — and everyone claps! The teacher claps, the friends clap, clap-clap-clap. Alma stands tall and proud as a sunflower.
Home time! "Goodbye, teacher! See you tomorrow!" Alma skips out through the gate into the golden afternoon. What a big, wonderful, brand-new day it was.
