Penelope the Panda and her family decided to move to a new home. She left her panda friends and moved to a koala neighborhood with more bamboo to eat. Every kind of animal had their neighborhoods, and it was strange to be entering another species territory, something completely unheard of.

Penelope would be starting at a new school, the koala school, once they got moved in. Penelope had heard rumors that the koalas did not like other animals, and would even tease them for being different. Penelope had never, ever, been this nervous her entire panda life. 

School

Finally the day arrived that Penelope would be going to school. She was worried, but was sure that someone would want to be friends with her. Before she went in, her mom hugged her goodbye and said, “ Just because you are different than the other students, it doesn't mean you don’t belong. Remember that.” And with that the bell rang and Penelope rushed into the school.

We have a new student!

Penelope walked in a few minutes late to class. Her first class! She had gotten lost and could not find her way, luckily she stumbled upon the room she needed to find. When she walked in, the teacher was taking attendance. Written up in the board was, "We have a new student!" This worried Penelope. The teacher had drawn so much attention to Penelope, when all she wanted to do was fit in.

We have a new student!

The teacher, who’s name was Mrs. Summers, pointed Penelope to a desk in the corner. After finishing attendance, Mrs. Summers looked back towards Penelope then said, “Penelope? Would you like to come up front and tell us a little bit about yourself?” She said it as a question but Penelope knew she had no choice. So she stood up and made her way to the front.  

“Well,” Penelope began, “ My name is Penelope Panda, and I just moved here with my mom and dad from the Panda neighborhood. I love reading and my favorite food is bamboo.” At that, one koala snickered in the back and said, “Typical panda. They are all the same.” She felt her face get red as laughter began to spread across the room. She looked to Mrs. Summers, who simply nodded and Penelope returned to her seat.