Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Playful Penguin’s Party

Peter the mischievous penguin learns the importance of bringing joy to others through a grand party.

Try this story at a different level?

 

Once upon a time, in a snowy land of ice and Penguins, lived a mischievous penguin named Peter. Peter was known for his playful nature and his love for parties. He always found a reason to celebrate, whether it was a little success or simply a beautiful day. One sunny morning, as Peter looked out at the clear blue sky, he had a brilliant idea. “I should throw a grand party for all the Penguins in our colony!” Peter exclaimed.

Word of the Penguin’s party spread quickly, and soon, all the Penguins were excitedly preparing for the big event. Peter worked tirelessly decorating the icy shores with colorful ribbons, and he even convinced the fish to help cater the party. Everything was going smoothly until Peter realized that he had forgotten an important part of any good party – music! Panic rushed through his body as he realized that without music, the party would be a flop.

But Peter, being the clever penguin that he was, had a solution. He remembered his friend, a musically talented seal named Sammy, who lived on a nearby iceberg. With hope in his heart, Peter waddled all the way to Sammy’s home to ask for his help. Upon arriving, Peter explained his predicament, and Sammy instantly agreed to lend a helping paw. Together, they composed a lively and catchy penguin party song that would surely get everyone on their feet.

On the day of the party, the penguins gathered eagerly on the shores, dressed in their finest tuxedos and bowties. As the sun set, signaling the start of the party, Peter took a deep breath and pressed play on the boombox. The lively music filled the chilly air, and like magic, all the penguins started dancing wildly, sliding and spinning on the slippery ice. Peter’s heart filled with joy as he watched his friends laugh and celebrate together.

As the night went on, the party became wilder and crazier, and everyone was having the time of their lives. But beneath the fun and laughter, there was something that Peter had learned. It wasn’t just about throwing a grand party; it was about bringing joy to others and making them feel special. Peter realized that the greatest gift one can give is the gift of happiness. From that day forward, Peter made it his mission to bring joy to his friends every chance he could, and he never forgot the lesson he had learned on that unforgettable night.

🎧 Listen:

📖 Vocabulary:

1mischievousBehaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful
2colonyA group of the same species living closely together, often for mutual benefit
3exclaimTo cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, especially in surprise, anger, or excitement
4tirelesslyWithout stopping or taking a break; with great effort or energy
5ribbonsLong, narrow strips of fabric used for decoration
6caterTo provide food and drink for an event or occasion
7predicamentA difficult or confusing situation
8composedCreated or put together in a calm and deliberate manner
9livelyFull of life and energy; active and outgoing
10tuxedosFormal suits with a dinner jacket and bow tie, typically worn for formal occasions
11boomboxA portable sound system capable of playing music loudly
12slipperyHaving a surface that is wet or icy and causing slipping or sliding
13joyA feeling of great pleasure and happiness
14celebrateTo engage in joyful activities, often as part of a group or community
15unforgettableSo remarkable as to be remembered for a long time

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What was Peter known for in the snowy land of ice and Penguins?
2. What was Peter’s brilliant idea?
3. How did word of the Penguin’s party spread?
4. What did Peter forget to include in the party preparations?
5. Who did Peter go to for help with the music?
6. What did Peter and Sammy compose together?
7. How did the penguins react when the music started playing?
8. What did Peter learn from throwing the grand party?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Once upon a time, in a snowy land of ice and Penguins, lived a mischievous penguin named Peter. Peter was known for his (1)______ nature and his love for parties. He always (2)______ a reason to celebrate, whether it was a little success or simply a beautiful day. One sunny morning, as Peter (3)______ out at the clear blue sky, he had a brilliant idea. “I should throw a grand party for all the Penguins in our (4)______!” Peter exclaimed.

Word of the Penguin’s party spread quickly, and soon, all the Penguins were excitedly preparing for the big event. Peter worked tirelessly decorating the icy shores with colorful ribbons, and he even convinced the fish to help cater the party. Everything was going smoothly until (5)______ realized that he had forgotten an important part of any good party – music! Panic rushed through his body as he realized that without music, the party would be a flop.

But Peter, being the clever penguin that he was, had a solution. He remembered his friend, a musically talented seal named (6)______, who (7)______ on a nearby (8)______. With hope in his heart, Peter waddled all the way to Sammy’s home to ask for his help. Upon arriving, Peter explained his predicament, and Sammy instantly (9)______ to lend a (10)______ paw. Together, they composed a lively and catchy penguin party song that would surely get everyone on their feet.

On the day of the party, the penguins gathered eagerly on the shores, dressed in their finest tuxedos and bowties. As the sun set, signaling the (11)______ of the party, Peter took a deep breath and pressed play on the boombox. The lively music filled the (12)______ air, and like magic, all the penguins started dancing wildly, sliding and spinning on the slippery ice. Peter’s heart filled with joy as he watched his friends laugh and celebrate together.

As the night went on, the party became wilder and crazier, and everyone was having the time of their (13)______. But beneath the fun and laughter, there was something that Peter had learned. It wasn’t just about throwing a grand party; it was about (14)______ joy to others and making them feel (15)______. Peter realized that the (16)______ gift one can give is the gift of happiness. From that day forward, Peter made it his mission to bring joy to his friends every chance he could, and he never forgot the lesson he had learned on that unforgettable night.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is the importance of celebrations and parties in your culture?
2. How would you feel if you were in Peter’s position and realized you forgot an important part of the party?
3. Do you like throwing parties? Why or why not?
4. Do you think music is essential for a successful party? Why or why not?
5. How would you feel if you were one of the penguins attending Peter’s party?
6. What is the significance of bringing joy to others? Why is it important?
7. How do you usually bring joy to your friends and loved ones?
8. Do you think it’s important to celebrate even the little successes in life? Why or why not?
9. How would you feel if you were the musically talented seal, Sammy, and Peter asked for your help?
10. What is the greatest gift you can give to someone? Why?
11. How do you think Peter’s mission to bring joy to his friends impacted his own happiness?
12. Have you ever learned a valuable lesson from a memorable experience? If so, what was it and how did it shape your life?

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. mischievous
2. colony
3. exclaim
4. tirelessly
5. ribbons
6. cater
7. predicament
8. composed
9. lively
10. tuxedos
11. boombox
12. slippery
13. joy
14. celebrate
15. unforgettable

Meanings:
(A) Long, narrow strips of fabric used for decoration
(B) A difficult or confusing situation
(C) Created or put together in a calm and deliberate manner
(D) Without stopping or taking a break; with great effort or energy
(E) A portable sound system capable of playing music loudly
(F) To provide food and drink for an event or occasion
(G) So remarkable as to be remembered for a long time
(H) A feeling of great pleasure and happiness
(I) Full of life and energy; active and outgoing
(J) To cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, especially in surprise, anger, or excitement
(K) To engage in joyful activities, often as part of a group or community
(L) A group of the same species living closely together, often for mutual benefit
(M) Having a surface that is wet or icy and causing slipping or sliding
(N) Formal suits with a dinner jacket and bow tie, typically worn for formal occasions
(O) Behaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the name of the mischievous penguin?
(a) Sammy
(b) Watson
(c) Robert
(d) Peter

2. What did Peter forget to prepare for the party?
(a) Music
(b) Food
(c) Decorations
(d) Invitations

3. Who did Peter ask for help with the music?
(a) Sammy the seal
(b) Watson the penguin
(c) Robert the fish
(d) Jones the polar bear

4. What did Peter and Sammy compose together?
(a) A lullaby
(b) A love ballad
(c) A sad melody
(d) A penguin party song

5. What did the penguins wear to the party?
(a) Hawaiian shirts and flip flops
(b) Onesies and slippers
(c) Tuxedos and bowties
(d) Sweaters and scarves

6. What did Peter realize was the greatest gift one can give?
(a) Money
(b) Happiness
(c) Material possessions
(d) Knowledge

7. What did Peter vow to do after the party?
(a) Throw more parties
(b) Bring joy to his friends
(c) Take a break from party planning
(d) Never celebrate again

8. What lesson did Peter learn on the unforgettable night?
(a) Parties are a waste of time
(b) Penguins are the best dancers
(c) It’s about bringing joy to others
(d) Music is the most important part of a party

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Peter remembers his musically talented friend, Sammy the seal, who agrees to help.
2. Peter remembered to organize music for the party and remains calm.
3. Peter decides to throw a grand party for all the Penguins in his colony.
4. Peter ignores the importance of bringing joy to others and makes it his mission not to do so.
5. Together, Peter and Sammy compose a lively and catchy penguin party song.
6. The party becomes wild and crazy as everyone dances and celebrates together.
7. On the day of the party, all the penguins gather dressed in their casual attire.
8. Peter is a diligent penguin who hates throwing parties.
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 was Peter known for in the snowy land of ice and Penguins?
Peter was known for his playful nature and his love for parties.

2. What was Peter’s brilliant idea?
Peter’s brilliant idea was to throw a grand party for all the Penguins in their colony.

3. How did word of the Penguin’s party spread?
Word of the Penguin’s party spread quickly among the penguins.

4. What did Peter forget to include in the party preparations?
Peter forgot to include music in the party preparations.

5. Who did Peter go to for help with the music?
Peter went to his friend, a musically talented seal named Sammy, for help with the music.

6. What did Peter and Sammy compose together?
Peter and Sammy composed a lively and catchy penguin party song together.

7. How did the penguins react when the music started playing?
The penguins started dancing wildly, sliding and spinning on the slippery ice when the music started playing.

8. What did Peter learn from throwing the grand party?
Peter learned that the greatest gift one can give is the gift of happiness and bringing joy to others.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) playful
(2) found
(3) looked
(4) colony
(5) Peter
(6) Sammy
(7) lived
(8) iceberg
(9) agreed
(10) helping
(11) start
(12) chilly
(13) lives
(14) bringing
(15) special
(16) greatest
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. mischievous
Answer: (O) Behaving in a way that is intended to be playful but can also be annoying or slightly harmful

2. colony
Answer: (L) A group of the same species living closely together, often for mutual benefit

3. exclaim
Answer: (J) To cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently, especially in surprise, anger, or excitement

4. tirelessly
Answer: (D) Without stopping or taking a break; with great effort or energy

5. ribbons
Answer: (A) Long, narrow strips of fabric used for decoration

6. cater
Answer: (F) To provide food and drink for an event or occasion

7. predicament
Answer: (B) A difficult or confusing situation

8. composed
Answer: (C) Created or put together in a calm and deliberate manner

9. lively
Answer: (I) Full of life and energy; active and outgoing

10. tuxedos
Answer: (N) Formal suits with a dinner jacket and bow tie, typically worn for formal occasions

11. boombox
Answer: (E) A portable sound system capable of playing music loudly

12. slippery
Answer: (M) Having a surface that is wet or icy and causing slipping or sliding

13. joy
Answer: (H) A feeling of great pleasure and happiness

14. celebrate
Answer: (K) To engage in joyful activities, often as part of a group or community

15. unforgettable
Answer: (G) So remarkable as to be remembered for a long time
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the name of the mischievous penguin?
Answer: (d) Peter

2. What did Peter forget to prepare for the party?
Answer: (a) Music

3. Who did Peter ask for help with the music?
Answer: (a) Sammy the seal

4. What did Peter and Sammy compose together?
Answer: (d) A penguin party song

5. What did the penguins wear to the party?
Answer: (c) Tuxedos and bowties

6. What did Peter realize was the greatest gift one can give?
Answer: (b) Happiness

7. What did Peter vow to do after the party?
Answer: (b) Bring joy to his friends

8. What lesson did Peter learn on the unforgettable night?
Answer: (c) It’s about bringing joy to others
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Peter remembers his musically talented friend, Sammy the seal, who agrees to help. (Answer: True)
2. Peter remembered to organize music for the party and remains calm. (Answer: False)
3. Peter decides to throw a grand party for all the Penguins in his colony. (Answer: True)
4. Peter ignores the importance of bringing joy to others and makes it his mission not to do so. (Answer: False)
5. Together, Peter and Sammy compose a lively and catchy penguin party song. (Answer: True)
6. The party becomes wild and crazy as everyone dances and celebrates together. (Answer: True)
7. On the day of the party, all the penguins gather dressed in their casual attire. (Answer: False)
8. Peter is a diligent penguin who hates throwing parties. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

📚 How about these other Level 4 stories?

Penelope, the brave pirate princess, embarks on daring adventures, outsmarting sea monsters, cunning pirates, and even making a wish with a magical Golden Mermaid.

The Pirate Princess

Penelope, the brave pirate princess, embarks on daring adventures, outsmarting sea monsters, cunning pirates, and even making a wish with a magical Golden Mermaid.

In a small village nestled deep in a magical forest, a little girl named Lily discovers a talking teapot with the power to grant wishes.

The Talking Teapot

In a small village nestled deep in a magical forest, a little girl named Lily discovers a talking teapot with the power to grant wishes.

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

The Dragon’s Dream

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

The broken letterbox becomes a source of laughter and connection as the townsfolk turn it into an interactive game for a mischievous squirrel named Nutkin.

The Broken Letterbox

The broken letterbox becomes a source of laughter and connection as the townsfolk turn it into an interactive game for a mischievous squirrel named Nutkin.

A young princess named Isabella embarks on a quest, armed with a magical crown and a talking parrot, to find an enchanted crystal and discovers that true strength lies within herself.

The Curious Case of the Crooked Crown

A young princess named Isabella embarks on a quest, armed with a magical crown and a talking parrot, to find an enchanted crystal and discovers that true strength lies within herself.

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

The Cupcake Castle Caper

In the magical land of Sprinkleville, a mischievous gnome named Minty Mischief plots to steal all the cupcakes from the famous cupcake castle, but a young girl named Ella is determined to stop him and save the town from chaos.

Feedback