CHARLIE’S DAY OUT

Charlie the pussycat had settled down nicely at school, he had made a lot of new friends and was behaving himself as best as he could. Mrs. Cat was very proud of him, so was his teacher, Miss Hazel.

One fine day, Miss Hazel told her class that they were all going on an outing the very next day. She told them that they would be going on a picnic by the big oak tree in the woods. Charlie and his classmates were so excited! They spent their lunch break talking about their outing: what they would bring along to eat, (very important!) and what exciting games they would all play together. When Charlie arrived home after school he told his Mummy and Daddy about the wonderful outing they were to have the next day. Mrs. Cat was happy for Charlie, she knew he loved picnics, especially on a school day!

The next morning Tickles, Charlie’s best friend, arrived bright and early, they always walked to school together. The tiger had packed his rucksack full of food, he had peanut butter sandwiches, two bananas, an apple, orange and some homemade cookies his Mummy had baked just for the picnic. He also had a ball, which he was carrying in his paws.

Charlie’s Mummy was preparing Charlie’s picnic food when Tickles arrived. “You are here early this morning!” Exclaimed Mrs. Cat. When she let Tickles in, “I’m afraid Charlie is still sleeping in bed, you know how lazy he is about getting up in the mornings! I think you had better go upstairs and wake him up yourself!” Tickles went up to wake the lazy pussycat and to remind him also to get his lovely colourful kite.

The two animals scampered downstairs as excited as two bees buzzing around a flower. “Can you imagine!”

Squealed Charlie “No school work today, just fun and play!” “Now, you behave yourself, Charlie! Don’t get up to any mischief!” Warned Charlie’s Mummy. And do what Miss Hazel tells you!”

Charlie went to say goodbye to his Daddy, and the two friends set off for school. They met other animals on the way, who were all carrying their rucksacks with food and toys. When they got to school, Miss Hazel was waiting for them by the gate to line up for the short walk to the big oak tree in the woods. Everyone arrived on time and they soon set off for their picnic.

Miss Hazel had brought a huge blanket that she had knitted herself and when they got to their site she laid it on the grass, underneath the big oak tree which was the shadiest area around them. The children placed their rucksacks on the blanket and went to play with Tickle’s ball. Miss Hazel sat down on her blanket and surveyed her surroundings. It was a lovely day! The sun was shining brightly and all the flowers and leaves looked fresh and bright and colourful as the sun dried up the last few remaining wet diamonds that had fallen on the plants and grass the night before. She thought that it was a perfect day for a picnic and she was in high spirits! She was happy she picked this lovely day for a picnic!