Penelope the Determined Penguin and the Big Race: A Story About Doing Your Best
Penelope the penguin waddled with purpose. Every day after school, she practiced sliding on her belly, flipping through the snow, and swimming through icy patches. Why? Because the annual Penguin Plunge was approaching, a race down the snowy mountain and across the frozen bay, and Penelope was determined to win! Every year, the fastest penguin was crowned ‘‘Student of the Year’’ and received a shiny gold fish trophy. Penelope dreamed of holding that trophy high, her name echoing across the penguin colony. For that, she practiced hard, and her family was always there to support her.
Finally, the day of the Penguin Plunge arrived. There was a flurry of excited penguins, all eager to win. Penelope, feeling nervous but confident, waddled to the starting line.
Finally, the horn blew, and dozens of penguins started sliding down the mountain. Penelope kicked her webbed feet hard, gliding through the snow like a torpedo. She was fast, faster than any penguin she could see! A surge of pride filled her chest. This was it – she was going to win!
Suddenly, a sleek shadow shot past her. It was Peggy, the new penguin who had just arrived from a warmer climate. Peggy was tall and thin, unlike the short, round penguins of their colony.
No one expected her to be fast, but she moved with a graceful efficiency that surprised everyone. Penelope pushed herself harder, but Peggy remained ahead. As they reached the finish line, Peggy emerged first, followed by a panting Penelope. Disappointment washed over her. She hadn’t won.
Tears welled up in her eyes. She waddled slowly to the shore, where her parents awaited. They wrapped their wings around her in a warm embrace. ‘‘You did your best, sweetie,’’ her mom said softly. ‘‘And that’s what matters. This is still a great achievement!’’
‘‘But I wanted to win so badly,’’ Penelope murmured, her voice full of regret.
‘‘We know,’’ her dad said, ‘‘but you should be proud of yourself for trying so hard. It takes a lot of courage to compete. Keep practicing, and you’ll be better next year.’’
Penelope looked around. Most of the other penguins were focused on congratulating Peggy, the new ‘‘Student of the Year.’’ She felt a pang of jealousy but also respect for Peggy’s skill. Taking a deep breath, Penelope waddled over to Peggy. ‘‘Congratulations, Peggy,’’ she said, managing a small smile. ‘‘You were quite good out there.’’
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Have you ever tried your hardest at something, but you didn’t win or get the prize? How did you feel? (This question helps readers connect
with Penelope’s emotions and allows them to express their feelings of disappointment.)