Idris Joins the Team
Idris just moved to town and doesn’t know anyone. Then a ball rolls by...
Idris the monkey had just moved to a new town. His things had come in a little red truck, and now he stood alone at the edge of Pine Hill Park, hugging a football.
All the other children were laughing and playing. Idris wanted to say hello, but the words were stuck in his throat like jam in a jar.
Just then, a ball rolled across the grass, all the way to Idris’s feet. Maya the mouse came running. ‘Sorry!’ Maya panted. ‘Can you kick it back?’
Idris kicked the ball. It flew through the air, straight to Maya! ‘Whoa!’ said Maya. ‘Nice kick! Do you want to play with us?’
Idris nodded so hard his head almost wobbled off. Maya gave him an orange shirt to wear. ‘Welcome to the Orange Tigers,’ said Maya.
Idris played and played. He passed to Maya. Maya passed to Lily. Lily passed back to Idris. It was like a happy ball dance.
That night, Idris looked out of the window at the new town. It didn’t feel so new anymore. ‘Tomorrow,’ he whispered, ‘I have friends to play with.’
The little lesson
A kind hello can turn a stranger into a friend.
Let’s talk about it
- How could you help a new child feel welcome?
- What do you think Idris was feeling at the start?
Finish stories to collect Idris as a sticker in your Sticker Book.
More Football stories
Where Is Jamal’s Boot?
It’s match day, but Jamal can only find one boot. Where could it be?
Splash! Rani’s Match in the Rain
Rain pours on match day, but Rani has an idea that makes the game the muddiest, happiest ever.
Splash! Arjun’s Match in the Rain
Rain pours on match day, but Arjun has an idea that makes the game the muddiest, happiest ever.
You might also like
Hugo Comes Last (and Wins)
Hugo comes last in the race, but wins something more special than a medal.
Splash! Percy and the River Race
Every jungle animal enters the big river race. Can Percy win with a leaf boat?
Olive and the Map to Treasure Island
Olive finds an old map with a big red X. Time to go hunting for treasure!