Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

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Short Stories for Kids

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The Penguin Parade

A mischievous penguin named Percy and a wise snow owl named Oliver form an unbreakable friendship on their journey to the legendary "Penguin Parade."

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time in a snowy wonderland called Antarctic Bay, there lived a penguin named Percy. Percy was a mischievous little penguin with a passion for adventure. One day, while prancing on an icy rock, he stumbled upon a hidden map. It revealed the location of a secret tunnel that led to the legendary “Penguin Parade” – an enchanting gathering of penguins from all corners of the Antarctic.

Excitement filled Percy’s heart as he embarked on a journey to find the tunnel. With the map clutched tightly in his wing, he waddled through treacherous blizzards, climbing over daunting icebergs, and dodging pesky seals along the way. Finally, he arrived at the entrance of the tunnel and began his descent.

Twists and turns awaited Percy inside the tunnel. He tripped over his own feet, skated on slippery ice, and even bumped into a feisty snow owl named Oliver. Together, they laughed at their mishaps and formed an unbreakable friendship. As they continued their journey, they encountered a group of wise old penguins who warned them about the ice cliffs that guarded the Penguin Parade.

With determination in their eyes, Percy and Oliver reached the ice cliffs and devised a plan. Percy, being the nimblest of them all, scaled the cliffs while Oliver used his wings to distract the fierce snowy vultures that guard it. With their teamwork, they managed to outsmart the vultures and as they reached the top, they were greeted by the majestic sight of the Penguin Parade.

Gleeful chatter filled the air as penguins from different colonies gathered, each with their unique talents and quirks. There were singing penguins, dancing penguins, and even penguins sliding on their bellies down icy slopes. Percy and Oliver joined in the festivities, showcasing their comedic talents and quickly becoming the highlight of the parade.

Amidst the laughter and cheer, a valuable lesson unfolded. Percy and Oliver had shown that no challenge is too great when you have a true friend by your side. They demonstrated the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and embracing one’s unique abilities. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Antarctic Bay, Percy and Oliver bid farewell to the Penguin Parade, knowing that they had not only embarked on an adventure but had also found lifelong friendship.

And so, the tale of Percy and Oliver, the mischievous penguin and the wise snow owl, traveled across the Antarctic. Their story taught future generations the power of friendship and the wonders that await those who dare to follow their dreams.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1wonderlandA place filled with marvelous and magical qualities
2mischievousPlayfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
3prancingMoving with lively and confident steps
4treacherousDangerous or deceptive
5blizzardsSevere snowstorms with strong winds and intense snowfall
6dauntingIntimidating or causing fear due to difficulty or challenge
7peskyAnnoying or causing irritation
8descentThe act of moving downward
9feistyShowing lively energy and aggressive assertiveness
10unbreakableIncapable of being broken or destroyed
11determinationFirmness of purpose and resolute determination
12nimblestThe most agile or capable of moving quickly and easily
13majesticHaving an impressive beauty or dignity
14festivitiesCelebrations or social gatherings
15perseveranceSteadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What did Percy find while prancing on an icy rock?
2. How did Percy and Oliver become friends?
3. What warned Percy and Oliver about the ice cliffs?
4. How did Percy and Oliver outsmart the snowy vultures?
5. What talents and quirks did the penguins at the Penguin Parade have?
6. What lesson did Percy and Oliver demonstrate during the parade?
7. What did the sun do as Percy and Oliver bid farewell to the Penguin Parade?
8. What did the tale of Percy and Oliver teach future generations?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time in a snowy wonderland (1)______ Antarctic Bay, there lived a penguin named Percy. Percy was a mischievous little penguin with a passion for adventure. One day, while prancing on an icy rock, he stumbled upon a hidden map. It revealed the location of a (2)______ tunnel that led to the legendary “Penguin Parade” – an enchanting gathering of penguins from all corners of the Antarctic.

Excitement (3)______ Percy’s heart as he embarked on a journey to find the tunnel. With the map clutched tightly in his wing, he waddled through treacherous (4)______, climbing over daunting icebergs, and dodging pesky seals along the way. Finally, he arrived at the entrance of the tunnel and began his descent.

(5)______ and turns awaited Percy inside the tunnel. He tripped over his own feet, (6)______ on slippery ice, and even bumped into a feisty snow owl named Oliver. Together, they laughed at their mishaps and formed an unbreakable friendship. As they continued their journey, they (7)______ a group of wise old (8)______ who warned them about the ice cliffs that guarded the Penguin Parade.

With determination in their eyes, Percy and Oliver reached the ice cliffs and devised a plan. Percy, being the nimblest of them all, scaled the cliffs while Oliver used his wings to distract the fierce snowy vultures that guard it. With their teamwork, they managed to outsmart the vultures and as they reached the top, they were greeted by the majestic sight of the (9)______ Parade.

(10)______ chatter filled the air as penguins from different colonies gathered, each with their unique talents and quirks. There were (11)______ penguins, dancing penguins, and even penguins sliding on their bellies down icy slopes. Percy and Oliver (12)______ in the festivities, showcasing their comedic talents and quickly becoming the highlight of the parade.

Amidst the laughter and cheer, a valuable lesson unfolded. Percy and Oliver had shown that no challenge is too great when you have a true friend by your side. They demonstrated the (13)______ of perseverance, teamwork, and embracing one’s unique abilities. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Antarctic Bay, Percy and Oliver bid farewell to the Penguin Parade, knowing that they had not only embarked on an (14)______ but had also found lifelong friendship.

And so, the tale of Percy and Oliver, the mischievous penguin and the wise snow owl, (15)______ across the Antarctic. Their story taught (16)______ generations the power of friendship and the wonders that await those who dare to follow their dreams.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the importance of having a passion for adventure?
2. How would you feel if you stumbled upon a hidden map like Percy did?
3. Do you think it’s important to have friends who can laugh at your mishaps with you? Why or why not?
4. What unique talents or quirks do you have that you could showcase at a gathering like the Penguin Parade?
5. How do you think the lesson of perseverance applies to your own life?
6. Do you think teamwork is always necessary to overcome challenges? Why or why not?
7. What do you think it means to embrace one’s unique abilities? Can you give an example from your own life?
8. How would you feel if you were part of a gathering like the Penguin Parade? Why?
9. What do you think the golden glow of the sun symbolizes in the story?
10. Why do you think the tale of Percy and Oliver traveled across the Antarctic?
11. Do you think it’s important to follow your dreams? Why or why not?
12. How does the story of Percy and Oliver relate to your own experiences with friendship?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. wonderland
2. mischievous
3. prancing
4. treacherous
5. blizzards
6. daunting
7. pesky
8. descent
9. feisty
10. unbreakable
11. determination
12. nimblest
13. majestic
14. festivities
15. perseverance

Meanings:
(A) Annoying or causing irritation
(B) Moving with lively and confident steps
(C) A place filled with marvelous and magical qualities
(D) Severe snowstorms with strong winds and intense snowfall
(E) Dangerous or deceptive
(F) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance
(G) Having an impressive beauty or dignity
(H) The act of moving downward
(I) Celebrations or social gatherings
(J) The most agile or capable of moving quickly and easily
(K) Incapable of being broken or destroyed
(L) Firmness of purpose and resolute determination
(M) Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
(N) Intimidating or causing fear due to difficulty or challenge
(O) Showing lively energy and aggressive assertiveness
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Percy find while prancing on an icy rock?
(a) A shiny pebble
(b) A fish
(c) A hidden map
(d) A feather

2. Where did Percy embark on his journey to find the tunnel?
(a) Arctic Circle
(b) Antarctic Bay
(c) Sahara Desert
(d) Amazon Rainforest

3. Who did Percy bump into inside the tunnel?
(a) Sammy, the seal
(b) Oliver, the snow owl
(c) Wendy, the walrus
(d) Benny, the beluga whale

4. What did Percy and Oliver encounter at the ice cliffs?
(a) Fierce snowy vultures
(b) Friendly polar bears
(c) Playful dolphins
(d) Curious penguins

5. What did Percy and Oliver showcase at the Penguin Parade?
(a) Their singing skills
(b) Their dancing moves
(c) Their sliding abilities
(d) Their comedic talents

6. What lesson did Percy and Oliver teach?
(a) The power of friendship and embracing one’s abilities
(b) The wonders that await those who follow their dreams
(c) All of the above
(d) The importance of perseverance and teamwork

7. How did Percy and Oliver outsmart the vultures at the ice cliffs?
(a) Percy and Oliver flew over the cliffs
(b) Percy and Oliver hid from the vultures
(c) Percy scaled the cliffs while Oliver distracted the vultures with his wings
(d) Percy and Oliver asked the vultures for directions

8. What did Percy and Oliver bid farewell to at the end of the story?
(a) The Penguin Parade
(b) The Antarctic Bay
(c) The ice cliffs
(d) The hidden tunnel

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Percy discovers a visible map that leads to the mythical “Penguin Parade”.
2. Percy experiences pleasant sunny weather, smooth sailing icebergs, and friendly seals on his journey.
3. Percy is a walrus who lives in Antarctic Bay.
4. Percy and Oliver join the Penguin Parade and become the highlight of the festivities.
5. Percy and Oliver meet foolish young penguins who encourage them to explore the ice cliffs.
6. Percy embarks on a journey to find the secret tunnel.
7. Percy and Oliver outsmart the snowy vultures guarding the ice cliffs.
8. Percy forms a friendship with a snow owl named Oliver.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this story in two sentences. Here are some hints:
Who are the main characters?
What happens in the story?

Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What did Percy find while prancing on an icy rock?
Percy found a hidden map.

2. How did Percy and Oliver become friends?
They bumped into each other inside the tunnel and laughed at their mishaps, forming an unbreakable friendship.

3. What warned Percy and Oliver about the ice cliffs?
A group of wise old penguins warned them about the ice cliffs.

4. How did Percy and Oliver outsmart the snowy vultures?
Percy scaled the cliffs while Oliver used his wings to distract the vultures.

5. What talents and quirks did the penguins at the Penguin Parade have?
The penguins at the Penguin Parade had various talents and quirks, including singing, dancing, and sliding on their bellies down icy slopes.

6. What lesson did Percy and Oliver demonstrate during the parade?
Percy and Oliver demonstrated the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and embracing one’s unique abilities.

7. What did the sun do as Percy and Oliver bid farewell to the Penguin Parade?
The sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the Antarctic Bay.

8. What did the tale of Percy and Oliver teach future generations?
The tale of Percy and Oliver taught future generations the power of friendship and the wonders that await those who dare to follow their dreams.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) called
(2) secret
(3) filled
(4) blizzards
(5) Twists
(6) skated
(7) encountered
(8) penguins
(9) Penguin
(10) Gleeful
(11) singing
(12) joined
(13) importance
(14) adventure
(15) traveled
(16) future
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. wonderland
Answer: (C) A place filled with marvelous and magical qualities

2. mischievous
Answer: (F) Playfully causing minor trouble or annoyance

3. prancing
Answer: (B) Moving with lively and confident steps

4. treacherous
Answer: (E) Dangerous or deceptive

5. blizzards
Answer: (D) Severe snowstorms with strong winds and intense snowfall

6. daunting
Answer: (N) Intimidating or causing fear due to difficulty or challenge

7. pesky
Answer: (A) Annoying or causing irritation

8. descent
Answer: (H) The act of moving downward

9. feisty
Answer: (O) Showing lively energy and aggressive assertiveness

10. unbreakable
Answer: (K) Incapable of being broken or destroyed

11. determination
Answer: (L) Firmness of purpose and resolute determination

12. nimblest
Answer: (J) The most agile or capable of moving quickly and easily

13. majestic
Answer: (G) Having an impressive beauty or dignity

14. festivities
Answer: (I) Celebrations or social gatherings

15. perseverance
Answer: (M) Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Percy find while prancing on an icy rock?
Answer: (c) A hidden map

2. Where did Percy embark on his journey to find the tunnel?
Answer: (b) Antarctic Bay

3. Who did Percy bump into inside the tunnel?
Answer: (b) Oliver, the snow owl

4. What did Percy and Oliver encounter at the ice cliffs?
Answer: (a) Fierce snowy vultures

5. What did Percy and Oliver showcase at the Penguin Parade?
Answer: (d) Their comedic talents

6. What lesson did Percy and Oliver teach?
Answer: (d) The importance of perseverance and teamwork

7. How did Percy and Oliver outsmart the vultures at the ice cliffs?
Answer: (c) Percy scaled the cliffs while Oliver distracted the vultures with his wings

8. What did Percy and Oliver bid farewell to at the end of the story?
Answer: (a) The Penguin Parade
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Percy discovers a visible map that leads to the mythical “Penguin Parade”. (Answer: False)
2. Percy experiences pleasant sunny weather, smooth sailing icebergs, and friendly seals on his journey. (Answer: False)
3. Percy is a walrus who lives in Antarctic Bay. (Answer: False)
4. Percy and Oliver join the Penguin Parade and become the highlight of the festivities. (Answer: True)
5. Percy and Oliver meet foolish young penguins who encourage them to explore the ice cliffs. (Answer: False)
6. Percy embarks on a journey to find the secret tunnel. (Answer: True)
7. Percy and Oliver outsmart the snowy vultures guarding the ice cliffs. (Answer: True)
8. Percy forms a friendship with a snow owl named Oliver. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

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A little girl named Mia embarks on a magical adventure through the Candy Kingdom after awakening a Jelly Bean Tree.

A magical swan named Saffron and a brave boy named Milo embark on a journey to defeat an evil sorcerer and teach a lesson about friendship.

The Saffron Swan

A magical swan named Saffron and a brave boy named Milo embark on a journey to defeat an evil sorcerer and teach a lesson about friendship.

Lily conquers the Marshmallow Mountains, learns the secret recipe, and shares everlasting marshmallows with the world.

The Marshmallow Mountains

Lily conquers the Marshmallow Mountains, learns the secret recipe, and shares everlasting marshmallows with the world.

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