A five minute silly bedtime story for early readers.

In the heart of a bustling city lived a young girl named Penny. She had a special way of looking at the world, a way that made even the most ordinary things seem hilariously funny.

Have you ever noticed that some friends help us see the silly side of life so we don’t get too serious or worried? They make us feel good about ourselves and make us laugh with them. They’re not just funny, and they are also smart and kind. When you spend time with them, you start to feel like life is a big, fun adventure too!

One day, while walking home from school, Penny saw a waddling penguin on a billboard advertising the zoo. It was love at first sight. Not because the penguin was cute (though it was), but because it reminded Penny of herself.

Penny sees the penguin on a billboard in our silly bedtime story

Some people think penguins are silly, but they’re actually amazing when they swim! They’re graceful and beautiful in the water. It’s not just their funny looks that make us smile. It’s something special that we can call “Penguinity.”

From that day on, Penny decided she was a “Penguin Person.” She didn’t waddle or eat fish, but she did have a knack for staying calm and relaxed when everyone else was stressed and worried. She could read faster than anyone else, and even when there was a lot of noise and confusion, she just sat there smiling, reading her book.

Penny at school

One afternoon, Penny noticed a group of kids looking glum. “What’s wrong?” she asked, her Penguinity curiosity piqued.

“We can’t find anything fun to do,” one of the kids sighed.

Penny knew just what to say. “Have you ever tried a penguin race?” she asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

“A penguin race? What’s that?”

Penny explained the rules: waddle like a penguin, arms tucked by your sides, fastest waddler wins. The kids looked at each other, hesitant at first, but Penny’s enthusiasm was contagious.

Soon, the playground was filled with laughter as kids of all ages waddled and wobbled, their serious expressions replaced by joyful smiles. Even the grumpy school principal couldn’t help but chuckle as he watched the scene from his office window.

Strange penguin race

Penny felt a warm contentment. She had done it again: turned a dull afternoon into a penguin party! Everyone was enjoying their time together.

There were times when Penny needed cheering up, too. She was shy and didnโ€™t always realize how special she was. At times, she even felt embarrassed about her silly ways. 

Her friend Bobbie was there to listen when she came to him feeling sad. “Everyone thinks I’m a joke!โ€ she said .โ€œThey always expect me to say something silly. What should I do?โ€ Bobbie encouraged her, โ€Keep being a Penguin, Penny. It’s what you do best!โ€

Penny talking with Bobby

Someone smart once said that everyone has a special talent, something you’re meant to do. In a sometimes serious world,  quirky humor and infectious laughter are pretty amazing talents!

One evening, as Penny was getting ready for bed, she looked at her reflection in the mirror and smiled. “Being a Penguin Person is pretty awesome,” she thought to herself, “I wouldn’t want to be anything else.โ€

Penny in the mirror

If your special talent is being silly, then go for it! Don’t be embarrassed or think it’s not important. Penguin People should be proud of what they do!  They’re like superheroes of silliness!

An adaptation of PENGUIN PERSONS from Penguin Persons & Peppermints by Walter Prichard Eaton

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