Eli and the Brave Little Pebble

Tick-tock! went the bedroom clock. Tomorrow was Eli’s very first day of school.

He tucked his soft dinosaur under his arm, but his tummy felt funny. It was full of wild, fluttery butterflies!

Eli squeezed his knees close to his chest. "What if I do not know anyone?" he whispered.

His shoulders slumped. Tom sat gently on the bed. But would Eli find any friends tomorrow?

Tom reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a small, smooth grey stone. Eli touched its cool surface.

Tom whispered, "This is a courage pebble. Just remember our secret rhyme: A little pebble in my hand, one brave step across the land!" But would a tiny stone really help Eli tomorrow?

The next morning, the big school gate looked huge. Children were running and laughing. Clang! went the gate.

Eli stopped walking. Do you see the little black cat on the yellow backpack near the gate? What if he just could not go inside?

Step by step, Eli walked into the playground. There were bright red swings and big blue slides everywhere.

It was beautiful, but so noisy! Eli reached into his pocket and felt the smooth grey pebble. He was not ready to let go of Tom's hand yet. Who would help him now?

Then came the hardest moment of all. It was time for Tom to say goodbye at the classroom door. Gulp!

Eli felt the fluttery butterflies rushing back into his tummy. His eyes grew wet. How could he say goodbye?

Eli stood all alone by the coat pegs. He felt frozen, like a statue. Slowly, he put his hand in his pocket.

Can you rub your hands together to warm up Eli's pebble?

In his head, Eli sang: A little pebble in my hand, one brave step across the land! But would the secret rhyme actually work?

Eli opened his eyes. In the corner of the room, a little girl with red braids was searching under a shelf. She looked sad.

Right next to Eli’s shoe was a bright blue toy block. Should Eli try to help her?

Eli’s heart beat fast. He squeezed the lucky pebble one last time for courage.

He bent down, picked up the blue block, and took one quiet, brave step forward. What would she do when she saw him?

Eli walked to the girl and held out the block. "I found this," he said. "I am Eli."

The girl smiled. "I am Léa! Let’s build a giant castle!" Ta-da! went the blocks. Suddenly, the butterflies in Eli's tummy turned into happy, bubbly excitement.

The school bell rang. Eli ran straight into Tom’s arms.

"Look!" Eli shouted, showing him the pebble. "I made a friend! Her name is Léa, and we built a giant tower!" Eli felt so big and proud.

That night, Eli put the smooth pebble on his nightstand next to his warm lamp. He snuggled under his soft duvet.

He whispered his favorite song: A little pebble in my hand, one brave step across the land!

What little object would you put in your pocket to give you courage tomorrow? Goodnight, little brave explorer.