Little Tiger woke up early on Monday morning. Today was his very first day at Jungle School! His tummy felt full of butterflies. He looked at his orange and black stripes in the mirror.
“What if I’m too different?” Little Tiger whispered to his mama.
“Oh, my sweet one,” Mama Tiger said with a big hug. “Being different makes you wonderful!”
At Jungle School, Little Tiger saw many animals. There was Emma Elephant with her long trunk, Benny Bear with fuzzy fur, and Lucy Leopard with pretty spots. Little Tiger felt nervous and hid behind a tree.
“Hello!” called Mrs. Monkey, the teacher. “You must be our new student!”
“I’m Little Tiger,” he said quietly.
“Welcome! Come meet your friends!”
During circle time, each animal shared something special. Emma said, “My trunk gives the best hugs!” Benny shared, “My fur keeps me cozy.” Lucy said, “My spots help me hide-and-seek!”
When Little Tiger’s turn came, his cheeks felt warm. “I have stripes,” he said softly. “But I don’t know what makes them special.”
Just then, it started raining! The animals looked sad because they couldn’t play outside.
“Oh no!” said Emma. “How will we have fun?”
Little Tiger had an idea. He stood up and began to dance, letting his stripes create beautiful patterns. “Look! My stripes make moving pictures!”
The animals gasped. As Little Tiger moved, his stripes looked like sunshine, then tree branches, then gentle waves.
“Amazing!” shouted Benny. “Teach us!”
Soon everyone was dancing together. Emma moved her trunk gracefully, Lucy’s spots sparkled as she jumped, and Benny’s fur bounced. They had the best dance party ever!
“Little Tiger,” said Mrs. Monkey, “your stripes brought joy to our class! You made this rainy day magical!”
Little Tiger’s heart felt warm and happy. He looked at his new friends and smiled big.
“I’m different,” Little Tiger said, “and that’s what makes me special!”
When Mama Tiger picked him up, Little Tiger ran to her with the biggest smile.
“How was your first day?” she asked.
“Perfect, Mama! Being different makes me wonderful, just like you said!”
From that day on, Little Tiger’s stripes danced with joy wherever he went.
