Cinnamon Goes To School

My new story has been much requested after my first story about a hamster called Cinnamon.
Cinnamon loves to nestle in Kelti's cardigan pocket, and this school day was no exception... although Kelti did not know he was there. Listen to my story and find out what happens. Thank you so much for your kind messages and continued support. You make my heart smile.

Transcript

Hello,

My name is Jacqueline and I'm a very proud grandma.

I write stories for my grandchildren and I'm very happy to share them with you too.

So make yourself comfortable,

Settle back because my next story is about to begin.

Cinnamon Goes to School Kelty was sitting at the kitchen table doing her homework.

It was art homework and the task was to draw a favourite animal using only a black pencil.

A few weeks earlier Kelty had done a painting of Duggee,

Her little dog,

For her art homework,

So she didn't feel she should draw him this time.

Instead she decided to draw Cinnamon,

Her hamster.

Stay still Cinnamon,

Kelty said to her hamster,

Who was walking around on the table in front of her.

Drawing you is not easy when you fidget.

Cinnamon sat down but did not stay still for long.

Kelty had given him some special hamster sticks to chew on while she worked,

But he kept moving from one stick to another,

Thereby changing position.

You are a cheeky hamster,

Kelty said as Cinnamon walked across the paper she was drawing on and looked up at her.

Kelty picked Cinnamon up and gave him a cuddle.

They really were fond of each other and Cinnamon seemed to understand every word Kelty said.

Please can you sit still for five more minutes and then I will be finished,

She asked her little pet as he looked into each other's eyes nose to nose.

Kelty smiled as she placed Cinnamon back onto the table next to his sticks.

He sat down as requested and chewed happily on one of them.

Kelty quickly picked up her pencil and continued drawing,

Confident she would get it finished before Cinnamon became fidgety again.

That's a very good drawing,

Said Kelty's mum coming into the room and peering over her daughter's shoulder.

You really are very talented and your drawings are so life-like.

The painting you done of Duggee amazes me every time I look at it.

Kelty's mum had been so impressed with Kelty's painting of Duggee that she framed it and hung it on the wall in the dining room.

Thanks mum,

Said Kelty,

Holding up the finished drawing of her hamster.

Very good my darling.

Is that your homework finished now?

Her mum asked as Cinnamon moved towards her,

Looking to see if she had a special treat for him.

Not quite,

Said Kelty.

I also have to write a few paragraphs about Cinnamon.

Tomorrow in class we will take it in turns to stand up in front of everybody and show our drawing while explaining about the animal we have drawn.

Well,

Your drawing is excellent,

Said mum as she picked up the inquisitive hamster so he could search for any treats on her.

And I'm sure you will describe Cinnamon so perfectly that everyone will believe he's in the classroom with you.

The next day in school the children were excited to share their homework with each other.

Settling at their desks,

Their teacher,

Miss Summer,

Came into the room and stood at the front of the class waiting for silence.

Soon the chatter stopped and the room became quiet.

Good morning boys and girls,

Miss Summer said cheerfully.

Good morning Miss Summer,

The class sang together.

Did you all finish your homework?

Miss Summer asked as she looked around at the children,

Smiling at each one in turn.

Yes,

Miss Summer,

The class said together as they started rustling their papers,

Eager to show off their drawings.

That's good,

So let's get started with Ben,

Miss Summer said,

Moving over to where Ben was sitting.

Ben scraped his chair on the floor as he stood up nervously.

No one really liked going first,

But Miss Summer knew that Ben had enough confidence to stand up and speak without too much hesitation.

Standing by his side,

Miss Summer said,

OK Ben,

Let's start by looking at your drawing.

Ben shuffled the papers on his desk and then held up a piece of paper on which he had drawn the fluffiest looking dog.

Some of the girls giggled and Miss Summer shushed them.

Here Ben,

She said,

Taking his paper,

Let me pin your drawing to the board at the front of the class so we can all look at it while you tell us about your dog.

This is Bruce,

Ben began glancing over at his drawing which was now pinned to the board.

Bruce has been my buddy for a year now and I love him.

I rescued him from a dog shelter and we are best friends.

We have lots of fun together and Bruce loves running in the cornfield at the back of my house.

People laugh at Bruce because he looks so fluffy and when he lays down you can't tell his head from his tail,

But he doesn't care.

I try to brush him but he bites the brush as I am doing it and sometimes bites me by accident,

So I don't bother any more.

I like Bruce looking fluffy.

He is unique and has taught me not to worry when people say or do mean things to me.

He is always happy and that makes me always happy.

When someone has been mean to me I go home and bury my face in Bruce's fluffy fur and he licks my neck and makes me feel better.

Then we look into each other's eyes and I feel he says to me,

Don't worry about others,

They don't love you as much as I do.

We have each other and that is a great thing to be happy about.

Then I hug him tightly and we go for a long run out in the field.

This helps me forget and I no longer waste my time worrying about mean people.

Ben clapped and cheered as Ben sat down,

Feeling a little embarrassed by the kind response from his classmates.

Thank you,

Ben,

Said Miss Summer.

That was wonderful and I am so happy Bruce is such a good friend to you.

He has taught you a great life lesson.

Well done and thank you for sharing it with us.

Ben grinned and felt very proud of Bruce.

Okay,

Let's leave Ben's drawing up on the board and we'll add the others to it,

Said Miss Summer as she moved to the next child.

Daisy,

It's your turn now.

Daisy stood up and showed her drawing of her tabby cat.

Then Miss Summer pinned it to the board as Daisy told the story.

Four other children showed their drawings of their pets and told their stories.

And then it was Penny's turn.

Penny,

Said Miss Summer,

Can you show us your drawing please?

Penny slowly stood up and looked at her drawing before turning the paper round so her classmates could see it.

Right in the centre of the paper was a drawing of a butterfly.

As Miss Summer pinned the butterfly drawing to the board,

Penny told the class she was frightened of all animals,

But she loved to watch the butterflies out in her garden as they flew amongst the pretty flowers.

It's okay to be frightened,

Said Miss Summer gently,

Going back over to Penny,

But are you really frightened of all animals?

I've never been near any animals,

Penny said timidly as she looked around the room at the faces staring at her.

But some of the dogs I see from my house look so big and when I hear them barking that also frightens me.

She suddenly looked scared as she continued.

Looking at all these different pictures on the board makes me feel scared,

So I must be frightened of all animals.

Miss Summer put her arm around Penny to comfort her and said,

It's the thought of what the barking dog might do to you that has made you scared,

Not the actual animal.

The loud noise it makes probably doesn't help either.

I also don't like loud noises,

Said Penny,

Who had always been one of the quieter children in the class.

Thunder and lightning really scares me.

Miss Summer felt Penny shudder as the thought of all the things she was scared of ran through her mind.

She hugged Penny a little tighter.

Most animals aren't scary,

Miss Summer said,

Trying to reassure Penny.

It's our imagination which makes us feel scared and sometimes the stories we read about animals in books can add to that fear.

Do you have any friends who own animals?

No,

I don't,

Whispered Penny.

I don't have many friends outside of school.

Well maybe one of your classmates will introduce you to their pet one day,

Suggested Miss Penny as she looked around at the children all sitting quietly at their desks,

And then you'll see just how nice animals can be.

But for now,

Penny,

Enjoy the butterflies in your garden.

I will,

Miss Summer,

Said Penny,

As she sat down feeling a little happier.

Miss Summer rubbed Penny's arm comfortingly and then turned back to the class.

Now it's Nicky's turn,

She said.

Nicky stood up and happily held her drawing high in the air so her classmates could see it.

She had drawn many different animals on the paper.

There was a rabbit,

A snake,

A tortoise and even a chinchilla.

Nicky talked about how much she loved animals,

All animals,

And simply longed for a pet of her own,

But she couldn't have one because her mum was allergic to them all.

That's a shame,

Said Miss Summer,

But it's not nice for your mum to have allergies.

No it isn't,

Agreed Nicky,

But I do get to play with some chickens now and then as my auntie owns a farm.

What fun,

Said Miss Summer,

And you get to be outside in the fresh air when you play with them.

Thank you for sharing with us,

Nicky.

Now,

Simon,

It's your turn.

Simon stood up and talked about how scared he used to be of dogs until his neighbour's dog had puppies.

His neighbour let him see the puppies and taught him how to hold them.

Eventually,

After a few visits,

Simon's fear of dogs disappeared.

His drawing was of one of the puppies and he went on to explain that in four days' time this little puppy was going to come and live with him.

It was his new pet and he was very excited for all the adventures they were going to have together.

And Penny,

He said kindly,

You can come over and meet him.

He's only tiny at the moment,

But as he grows you will learn to not be scared of him and will see how lovely dogs can be.

That's very kind of you,

Simon,

Said Miss Summer.

Don't you think so,

Penny?

Yes,

Replied Penny shyly.

Thank you,

Simon.

I will try and be brave.

I'll help you,

Penny,

Said Simon.

You'll be okay with me.

The class clapped,

Happy that Penny was going to overcome her fear.

Now lastly,

It's Kelty's turn,

Said Miss Summer,

Going over to where Kelty was sitting.

Stand up and share your drawing with the class.

Kelty stood up and showed the class her drawing of Cinnamon.

Miss Summer took it from her to pin on the board as Kelty started to talk about her pet.

Cinnamon is a pretty hamster and a very special friend,

Kelty began.

He normally likes to go everywhere with me,

But I can't bring him to school as pets aren't allowed.

I named him Cinnamon because when my mum bakes cakes and I smell the cinnamon she puts in them,

It makes me feel warm and happy inside,

Explained Kelty.

When I look at my hamster,

I feel warm and happy inside too.

Some of the children in the class started to laugh,

But Kelty continued.

Cinnamon is very friendly and loves everybody.

The laughing became louder and some of the children started to point at Kelty.

What's wrong,

Children?

Asked Miss Summer.

Kelty's pocket is moving,

Said Amanda.

I can see a nose poking out,

Said Henry.

There's a little foot,

Shouted Tristan,

Pointing at Kelty's cardigan pocket.

And everyone started to laugh as Kelty's hamster crept out of her pocket and climbed up her cardigan until he was sitting on her shoulder.

He turned to look at the class and Kelty smiled as she said,

This is Cinnamon,

My pet hamster.

I'm sorry,

Miss Summer,

But I didn't know he was in my pocket.

The class thought this was wonderful and even Miss Summer smiled.

Cinnamon stood up on his hind legs as if to say hello to everyone.

He was a very inquisitive hamster and nothing really scared him,

Not even when he came face to face with a large wild rabbit in the back garden one day when he had been outside playing with Kelty.

Kelty thought the rabbit was going to eat her hamster,

But Cinnamon quickly jumped onto the rabbit's back and went for a ride on him as the rabbit hopped about the garden,

Trying to shake the annoying hamster off his back.

It really was a funny sight to see.

Can we hold Cinnamon?

Asked Mark.

Oh,

Please,

Miss Summer,

Can we hold him?

Pleaded Vicki.

Well,

Said Miss Summer,

As Cinnamon is already at school,

I guess it's an ideal opportunity for those who don't have a pet to hold him.

That's if it's okay with you,

Kelty.

Yes,

Of course,

Said Kelty.

Cinnamon is very friendly and enjoys a hug from anyone.

Penny,

Would you like to hold Cinnamon?

Penny looked a little worried and said,

Could I just look at him up close while you hold him?

That's a good idea,

Said Miss Summer,

As Kelty carried Cinnamon over to Penny.

Kelty held Cinnamon on the palm of her hand and slowly moved her hand out towards Penny.

Penny,

This is Cinnamon,

She said softly.

Hello,

Cinnamon,

Said Penny,

Smiling nervously at the hamster.

Cinnamon stood up on his hind legs and looked up at Penny,

Twitching his nose as if sniffing her.

He's very cute,

Said Penny,

Relaxing slightly.

He's very soft too,

Said Kelty.

Here,

Why don't you touch the top of his head with one of your fingers?

Will he bite me?

Asked Penny,

Suddenly putting her hands behind her back.

No,

Said Kelty,

He's very friendly and loves having his head stroked.

Look,

If it makes you feel more comfortable,

I'll stroke him with you.

Penny thought about this for a moment and then said,

OK.

And the two girls held out their index fingers and together they gently stroked Cinnamon's head.

Oh,

Exclaimed Penny,

His fur really is soft.

The children,

Who had been quietly watching,

Laughed kindly.

Would you like to try and hold Cinnamon now?

Asked Kelty.

Penny chewed her bottom lip as she thought about this new challenge.

Can I stroke his body first?

She asked.

Of course you can,

Replied Kelty,

Turning Cinnamon around so his body was easier for Penny to reach.

Penny stroked Cinnamon slowly with one finger.

Then she used another finger and then another until she was using her whole hand.

All of a sudden Kelty said,

Oh,

Penny,

I think I'm going to sneeze quickly.

Take Cinnamon so I don't drop him.

Penny held her hand out without thinking twice.

Kelty swiftly placed Cinnamon on Penny's palm just before letting out a giant sneeze and placing both her hands over her face.

Penny didn't seem to notice that Kelty's sneeze was pretend.

She just focused on Cinnamon.

Soon a big smile crossed her face as the hamster snuggled into her cupped hands.

Penny looked relaxed and happy and the class clapped.

Looking around at everyone,

Penny said,

Maybe I'm not scared of all animals after all.

Miss Summer winked at Kelty as she realized what Kelty had done when she pretended to sneeze.

Turning back to Penny,

She said,

That's great,

Penny.

I'm pleased for you.

But Cinnamon is just the start of your animal adventure.

Don't forget,

Simon is going to introduce you to his new puppy very soon.

And you can come and meet my tabby cat anytime,

Said Daisy.

Penny felt quite excited at the thought of meeting new animals and was so happy that she no longer felt scared at the thought of that.

OK,

Class,

Said Miss Summer.

Well done all of you for doing such excellent work this morning.

Now let's continue with our lessons.

Kelty,

I think Wilson,

The caretaker,

Has an old cage in his store room.

Why don't you go and see if you can borrow it to put Cinnamon in until the end of the day?

You can put it at the front of the class so that he can watch us work.

With Cinnamon safely back in her pocket,

Kelty went to find Wilson.

He gave Kelty the cage along with a piece of apple from his lunchbox.

Then with Cinnamon happily settled in the cage and nibbling on the apple slice,

The class got back to their lessons.

I hope you enjoyed listening to my story.

Before you go,

I'd like to ask you a question.

Are you scared of any animals?

Thanks again for listening and come back soon to hear another story from Grandma.

Bye for now.

Reviews

No I am not. Glad Penny has partly overcome her fear of animals! The story has made me feel sleepy and satisfied! Thank you for putting sooooo much time and effort into all your stories! I would recommend! 📚✨💖 Cinnamon sounds adorable!🥰🐹 (:(:(:

Can u make a wings of fire med please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please please and if so THANK YOU 🙏

And if not why?

👍🍩💖
Love it

Find the odd one

😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😚😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙😙

That was amazing! I loved that one and I’m happy kelti helped penny (I hope I’m spelling that right) overcome her fear! Cinnamon is a kind and very loving hamster 🐹 -your biggest fan!❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🩷🤎🤍🩶🖤💟

I am scared of dogs snakes and bugs ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡10000000000000000000000000000000000000 stars ⭐ for you

I was scared if black cats till my familly got one and with in 24 hours my fear was gone

Kɪɴᴅ ᴏғ ɴᴏᴛ ʀᴇʟʟʏ ᴀʟsᴏ ɢᴏᴏᴅ sᴛᴏʀʏ👍😍🤩🤩😜🤪😋😉🤤

I love your Cinnamon stories. Please can you make a story about Penny meeting the pets?? I just feel like I need to know what Penny's first impression was.

I don’t know any that I’m scared of but Anyway, this was amazing I listened to this right after I I listen to the one that I’m like the other cinnamon one which is really cool I found it very nice. I love this it’s amazing it’s so nice that I miss summer let her have it and didn’t get in trouble the summer seems like a lovely teacher I wish I had it I had her teacher teacher

I loved this story and my favourite animal is hamsters because I have 3 hamsters can you please make a story were cinnamon goes to a water park basically he sneaks into keltis bag and goes swimming to lol I love your story’s have an amazing day

100% not scared 😳 of any animal 🦔 💪!! I love 💕 animals!!

Flo flo and Willa xoxo
Lots of love 💕
P.s. the kid 👦 Ben was from the meditation 🧘‍♀️ called best friends! Cause his dog 🐕 was Bruce!!
💋😘🥰😍🥰😘💋

I love it thank you
ps. Sometimes I am afraid of spiders

I’m not scared of any animals. I love animals! I am vegan and i think that all animals deserve to be alive! Do you like horses? Great story!

Great I am scared of 🐍 snakes spiders 🕷 mice 🐭 🐀 rats and skunk 🦨
Five stars ✨💫🌟⭐️🎖🔯🌠✴️✡️✡️*️⃣☪️

After you reply: your correct, most animals are more scared of us than we are of them.😳😬😱

I love you

No I’m not scared 😱 of animals but I get grossed out with some bugs but I’m not scared of them love your meditations hope you make a new one soon 👋

I remember Bruce
I think I asked for a dog 🐶 story and that is when you made best friends. Also I used to be scared of dogs but when my family got one I felt vary happy to have one and love a lot of different dogs now.

Amazing 🤩

I am scared of spiders and snakes!! I don’t know why I have just always been scared of them.