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