It was the first day of school. Mother made a special breakfast.

“Here’s your notebook, Mike,” said Minnie. “I wish I could go to school.” “Next year, Minnie. After one more birthday,” said Mike. Minnie was four last week. She got a new watch. But she couldn’t tell time. Missy looked in the refrigerator. She wanted a cheese sandwich for lunch.

“Time for school,” said Mother. The mice put their notebooks in their book bags.

“Have a good day at school,” said Mother. She stood in the door with Minnie. Minnie waved goodbye. She felt sad. Molly waved back. “It’s a pretty day. Let’s walk to school,” said Missy. “It’s not far. I know the way,” Minnie said. “Next year, Minnie,” Mike said again.

Mike had a football. He wanted to play ball with his friend Mick at recess. Everyone got into the big red truck to ride to school. But not Minnie. She was too little to go.

Minnie and Mother came back in. Mother sat down to read. I wanted to go too, thought Minnie.

Minnie went slowly down the walk. The air smelled wonderful. She kicked leaves in piles. She looked at some squirrels. She looked at her watch. It was pretty on her arm.

Soon, Minnie came to the schoolyard. The children were inside. Minnie saw Molly in the window. Molly waved to Minnie. Minnie wanted to go inside. She’d stay for just one minute.

Miss Mabel was the teacher. She was writing on the board. Some of the mice were working. But one mouse was sleepy. He stayed up too late. Another mouse was whispering to a friend. He should have been listening.

Minnie waited near the door. “Sit here,” Molly whispered.

Miss Mabel pointed to the board. The mice weren’t paying attention. Miss Mabel didn’t notice. Minnie sat next to Molly. The desk was big.

Miss Mabel asked an easy question. All the children smiled. They raised their hands. Everybody is happy, Minnie thought. Maybe in school, you wave when you’re happy.

Then Miss Mabel asked a hard question. The kids put their hands down. I’m feeling happy, Minnie thought. I’ll wave to Miss Mabel to let her know. Minnie raised her hand and waved.

Miss Mabel smiled and walked to Minnie’s desk. “Yes?” Miss Mabel said. “I don’t know your name.” Minnie didn’t know what to say.

She covered her face with her hands. Molly said, “Minnie, when you raise your hand, it means you know the answer.

Miss Mabel said, “Minnie, that was a hard question. I’m surprised you wanted to answer. Can you read?” Then, Miss Mabel understood. Minnie didn’t know the answer. How could she? She was too little to go to school. Miss Mabel had an idea.

She said, “Minnie, please come with me. I need a helper.” Minnie didn’t know how to help. But Miss Mabel was smiling. She looked nice. Minnie wanted to help her.

Minnie followed Miss Mabel to the board. She didn’t know where they were going.

Miss Mabel said, “Minnie, please hold my stick for me. That way, I can watch the children while you point.” Then she said, “Sometimes, children don’t pay attention, if the teacher’s not looking at them. If children don’t pay attention, they don’t learn.” Minnie took the stick. She was glad to have a job.

Now Miss Mabel could watch the children. They sat up tall in their chairs. Many held up their hands. A lot knew the answers to the hard questions. If they weren’t sure, they wanted to guess.

Miss Mabel went to get the snack. She made a phone call. Miss Mabel wasn’t looking, so Mick tickled Mike’s ear.

Miss Mabel came back. She said, “Snack time!” The children were happy. Yum, thought Minnie.

Minnie helped give out the snacks. Miss Mabel held the tray. Minnie handed each mouse a cup. She didn’t spill any on the floor.

Miss Mabel said, “Story time. Come to your rug spots.” She said, “I’m going to read a book. It’s about a mouse family picnic.” Miss Mabel said, “Minnie, please sit beside me. I might need more help.”

Minnie loved stories about mice. She leaned back to listen.

Minnie closed her eyes just for a second. Soon, she was sound asleep.

At noon, in walked Mother. She was worried.

When she saw Minnie, she didn’t look worried. Minnie was happy to see her mother’s smile. School’s nice, Minnie thought.

“Bye,” said Minnie. “Goodbye,” said Mother. “Goodbye,” said Miss Mabel. “Bye,” said all the kids.

Mother and Minnie walked home. “Mother,” said Minnie, “I can’t wait till next year! I can go to school every day.” Mother said, “I know. But don’t leave the yard again without asking, Minnie.” Minnie yawned. “I promise.”