Once upon a time, nestled in a cozy nest of soft straw, lived a little egg named Pip. Pip wasn't like the other eggs. While they wiggled and jiggled, excited to hatch, Pip stayed very, very still. Pip was afraid!
“What if it’s scary outside?” Pip worried. “What if I’m not good at being… whatever is *outside* an egg?” The mama hen would gently cluck, “It’s okay to be a little scared, Pip. But wonderful things are waiting for you.”
Every day, Pip watched the other eggs crack open. Out popped fluffy little chicks! They cheeped and chirped, exploring the world with tiny pecks. Pip wished Pip could be brave like them, but the thought of cracking the shell felt enormous.
One sunny morning, a little breeze tickled Pip’s shell. *Crack!* A tiny line appeared. Pip gasped! “Oh dear!” Pip squeaked. But the breeze tickled again, and the crack grew a little bigger.
A friendly worm peeked up from the straw. “It feels a bit strange at first,” the worm wiggled, “but it gets easier! And then you get to see everything!” Pip took a deep breath. Maybe the worm was right.
Pip pushed a little, and *crack!* Another piece of the shell fell away. It wasn’t so bad! Pip pushed again, and again, until finally, with one big push, Pip hatched!
Pip blinked in the sunshine. Everything *was* new and bright! Mama Hen gave Pip a warm cuddle. The other chicks cheeped a welcome. Pip wiggled Pip’s tiny wings and took a little step.
It *was* a little scary, but it was also wonderful! Pip discovered Pip could peck for yummy seeds, and fluff Pip’s feathers, and chirp with all the other chicks. Pip learned that trying new things, even when they’re a little scary, can be the best adventure of all.
And as the sun set, Pip snuggled close to Mama Hen, feeling safe, happy, and very proud of being a little chick. Now close your eyes, little one, and dream of all the wonderful things *you* will do tomorrow.