There once was a kid, so shy and scared,
Who often felt like nobody cared.
They wanted to join in all the fun,
But their fear held them back, one by one.

But then one day, they met a friend,
Who showed them kindness, without an end.
They laughed and played, and the kid felt glad,
No longer feeling quite so sad.

But soon enough, it grew quite late,
And the little one began to feel their weight.
So they said goodbye to their new friend,
And headed home, round the final bend.

When they got home, they climbed in bed,
And laid their weary, sleepy head.
But as they drifted off to sleep,
They felt a feeling they couldn't keep.

A surge of anger, mad and wild,
Rose up inside, just like a child.
But then they thought of all their fun,
And quickly turned that feeling, one by one.

They felt so grateful for their friend,
And all the joy that they did send.
And with that thought, they drifted off,
Feeling happy, and not at all rough.

So if you're ever feeling scared,
Or shy, or sad, or maybe impaired,
Just remember, there's always a way,
To find your joy, and save the day!

Reflections

Here are a few questions to ask kids to think about the story:

1. How did the main character feel at the beginning of the story?
2. What helped the main character overcome their fears and make a new friend?
3. How did the main character feel after spending time with their new friend?
4. What emotions did the main character feel before falling asleep, and how did they deal with them?
5. What lesson did the main character learn about finding joy and happiness?
6. Have you ever felt shy or scared in a new situation, and what did you do to overcome your fears?
7. Have you ever made a new friend who helped you feel happy and included?
8. What are some ways you can find joy and happiness in your own life, even when you're feeling sad or mad?