Transcript for Parent Storytellers
Two small penguins named Violet and Sadie sat huddled together inside a giant glass jar. The jar stood on a shelf in a big, empty room, and the penguins could see everything around them through the clear glass walls.
“How did we even get in here?” asked Violet, tapping on the glass with her flipper.
“I don’t remember,” said Sadie with a sad sigh. “But we need to get out. I miss the cold and the snow.”
Violet looked around the jar for something that might help them escape. In the corner, she spotted a small, sparkly object.
“Look!” she exclaimed, waddling over to pick it up. “It’s a diamond!”
“A diamond?” Sadie’s eyes grew wide. “Where did that come from?”
“I don’t know, but diamonds can cut glass,” said Violet. She had learned that from watching a nature show once. “Let’s try it!”
Carefully, Violet used the diamond to scratch a circle on the side of the jar. She scratched and scratched until finally, with a soft “pop,” the circle of glass fell out, leaving a penguin-sized hole.
“We did it!” cheered Sadie, following Violet through the opening. They slid down the shelf and landed with a soft plop on the floor.
“We’re free!” said Violet, flapping her flippers happily. “But now what?”
Sadie thought for a moment. “I know! Let’s go to the North Pole. I’ve always wanted to see it.”
“Great idea!” said Violet. “But how do we get there?”
“We’ll walk, of course,” said Sadie confidently, even though she wasn’t quite sure which direction to go.
The two penguins waddled out of the empty room, down a long hallway, and through a door that someone had left open. Outside, they found themselves in a snowy park with trees and pathways.
“This is more like it,” said Violet, feeling the nice, cold snow beneath her feet. “But which way is north?”
Just then, they noticed a squirrel running up a tree. The squirrel was wearing a tiny blue backpack and seemed to be in a hurry.
“Excuse me!” called Sadie. “Could you tell us which way to the North Pole?”
The squirrel paused and looked down at them. “North Pole, eh? That’s a long way from here. But you’re in luck – my cousin Scout lives there! Just keep following that icy path.” The squirrel pointed with his paw. “It’ll take you right there… eventually.”
The penguins thanked the squirrel and started waddling along the icy path. They walked for what seemed like a very long time, sliding over frozen puddles and making little snowballs as they went.
After many days of traveling (or maybe it was just a few hours – it’s hard for penguins to tell time), the air grew even colder, and the snow became deeper.
“I think we’re getting close,” said Violet excitedly.
“How can you tell?” asked Sadie.
“Look!” Violet pointed ahead with her flipper. A large sign made of icicles read: “Welcome to the North Pole!”
“We made it!” Sadie did a happy dance, spinning in circles on the slippery ice.
As they waddled past the welcome sign, they spotted a large, white figure sitting on a snow bank, looking rather upset.
“Is that… a polar bear?” whispered Violet.
“I think so,” said Sadie. “But why does he look so sad?”
They cautiously approached the polar bear, who was much bigger up close than they had expected.
“Hello there!” called Violet, trying to sound brave. “Are you okay?”
The polar bear looked up, surprised to see two penguins. “Oh! Hello. No, I’m not okay at all. I forgot my pants and underwear at home, and now I’m stuck with my summer fur instead of my winter fur! I’m freezing!”
The penguins tried not to laugh, but the thought of a polar bear needing pants was pretty funny.
“I’m Teddy,” said the polar bear with a sniff. “And I’m very cold.”
“I’m Violet, and this is Sadie,” said Violet. “We just arrived at the North Pole. We’ve never met a polar bear who wears pants before.”
“Well, most don’t,” said Teddy. “But I’m different. I have thinner fur than other bears, so I need extra warmth.” He wrapped his arms around himself and shivered dramatically.
Just then, they heard a rumbling sound. Coming across the snow was a large vehicle with tracks instead of wheels, like a snowmobile but much bigger.
“It’s a snowcat!” exclaimed Teddy, jumping up excitedly. “Maybe they can help me!”
The snowcat pulled up beside them and stopped. The door opened, and out stepped Nora – the same girl who had once helped Sparkle the Unicorn and the Yeti when they accidentally arrived at the North Pole!
“Teddy!” Nora called, bundled up in her warm winter coat. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Your mom is worried sick.”
“Nora! I’m so glad to see you,” said Teddy. “I forgot my pants and underwear, and I’m freezing in this summer fur!”
Violet and Sadie couldn’t help it – they burst out laughing. A bear who wore underwear! It was just too funny!
Teddy looked embarrassed but also started to chuckle. It did sound pretty silly when he said it out loud.
“Come on, I’ll take you home,” said Nora, smiling at the laughing penguins. “Who are your new friends?”
“This is Violet and Sadie,” said Teddy. “They just arrived at the North Pole.”
“Nice to meet you,” said Nora. “Would you like to come with us? I’m sure Teddy’s family would love to meet you.”
The penguins happily agreed and climbed aboard the snowcat with Teddy and Nora. As they drove across the snowy landscape, Teddy told them all about life at the North Pole – how he and the other polar bears lived in cozy ice houses, went fishing in the freezing sea, and yes, sometimes wore specially made pants when it got extra cold.
When they arrived at Teddy’s home – an impressive structure made of packed snow with colorful lights strung around the entrance – there was a group of polar bears waiting outside.
“Teddy! There you are!” called a large bear who must have been Teddy’s mom. Another smaller bear was holding something in his paws.
“I brought your pants, Teddy!” said the smaller bear, who turned out to be Teddy’s little brother, Max. He handed over a pair of fluffy white pants with a hole in the back for Teddy’s tail.
“And don’t forget these!” said another bear, holding up what looked like enormous underwear with little fish printed on them.
Everyone laughed, including Teddy, who quickly put on his underwear and pants. “Much better,” he sighed with relief.
“Thank you for finding our Teddy,” said Teddy’s mom to Nora and the penguins. “Would you like to stay for dinner? We’re having fresh fish!”
“Yes, please!” said Violet and Sadie together. After their long journey, they were very hungry.
After a delicious dinner of fish (Teddy’s family was surprised at how much the little penguins could eat), Teddy’s dad made an announcement.
“I think we should all go on an adventure tomorrow,” he said. “We could walk west to the Shimmering Ice Falls. It’s beautiful this time of year.”
“Can Violet and Sadie come too?” asked Teddy hopefully.
“Of course,” said Teddy’s dad with a warm smile. “Any friends of Teddy’s are welcome.”
That night, as the penguins snuggled into guest beds made of soft, fluffy snow, Violet turned to Sadie and whispered, “I’m glad we escaped that glass jar.”
“Me too,” said Sadie sleepily. “And tomorrow we get to see the Ice Falls!”
The penguins fell asleep, dreaming of their next adventure with their new friend Teddy the pants-wearing polar bear.