This is a last-minute effort to join in the holiday fun. Enzo and I brainstormed ideas for this story. He did not like my execution, but it was wrapped up among a day filled with a 5k, church pageant practice, a day of treat making, and a Christmas party. Thanks Susanna Leonard Hill for hosting this contest. I can only hope that all my word count tools were correct at 250 words. LOL
Penguin’s Quest for Answers: Saves Christmas
By Stacy S. Jensen
Penguin knew he was on Santa’s Naughty list.
He counted on his flippers and feet all the incidents.
He ate his sister’s snack after school. Penguin protested, “But, it was on my plate.”
He knocked down a line of friends ready to fish. “I slipped.”
He fell into a mongoose on the beach causing chaos. “I didn’t mean to do it.”
Penguin tried to be nice.
He helped Grandma down the beach, made lunch for Mom, and sheltered eggs for Uncle.
But, nothing Penguin did removed him from the naughty list.
So, he left Boulder Beach, South Africa headed to the North Pole.
When he arrived, Penguin found Santa and made his case.
“I’ve been good.”
“Ah,” Santa said.
“I’m not sure how to get off the naughty list,” Penguin said.
“ACHOO!” Santa sneezed.
“Are you sick Santa?” Penguin asked.
“Maybe, just a … ACHOO,” Santa said.
“I can help,” Penguin offered.
Santa was too tired to protest.
Penguin checked the flight map, Santa’s sack, and the list.
Santa gave Penguin his special hat and off he flew to deliver presents.
When he returned to the North Pole, Santa said, “You saved Christmas.”
“Am I off the naughty list?” Penguin asked.
Santa snored.
The elves helped Penguin return home.
“Where have you been?” Mom asked.
“Just helping a friend,” Penguin said.
“Santa left you a present,” she said.
Penguin found his very own hat with the words “TRAINEE” across the front and a book “How to be Nice All Year.”
This is lovely, Stacy! Penguin got a hat for Christmas and you pulled this wonderful story out of yours.
Great rhythm…and I love the ‘3’s’…you knew I would, right?
And I know many little kids just like Penguin…I think it’s a perfect story!
I have a soft spot for penguins Stacy! Cute story! Love Penguin’s cheeky character and I’m glad he is no longer on the ‘naughty’ list 🙂
Stacy I think you did a great job if this was a last minute story. I especially like the ending! Good luck with the contest!!
So fun, Stacy! Love the hat and book at the end. My favorite: “Santa snored.”
I’m so glad that Penguin is off the “naughty” list for helping Santa. Such a cute story, that kids will definitely relate to.
No penguins are naughty. Period!
Great story!
Fun story. Good luck!
Penguin and Santa, a match made in the Arctic. 🙂 Redemption is a good quality to have, glad Penguin was forgiven for his trespasses. Wonderful story Stacy!
No Christmas is complete without a trainee penguin! Very cute!
I love this story, Stacy! I can’t imagine why Enzo was disappointed with the execution! Penguin’s personality is so bright and saucy, and he’s like so many kids. He may have been naughty, but at least he cared enough to keep trying to get on the nice list and in so doing became a Christmas hero. And I loved that the ending was happy and satisfying without going all sweet – you stayed true to your story! Thanks for joining in the fun!
This is an awesome story, Stacy! I’m wondering what Enzo’s vision for this story was, because this one works for me. Penguin is trying so hard to be good. And the results are so funny. Great job! I hope you send this one out!