A Beautiful Day

Mom and baby greet Nicholas as he stretches in bed.

“What a beautiful day,” says Mom. “Wake up Nicholas.”

“Hello sun,” says Nicholas. “Good morning birds.”

Dad and Nicholas sit at the breakfast table. Nicholas waves to his friend Jacob through the kitchen window.

“It’s a lovely day,” says Dad. “Let’s have a picnic by the river.”

“Can my friend Jacob come?” asks Nicholas.

The animals jump up and down with excitement. Nicholas and Jacob put their arms around each other.

“Don’t forget me. I love picnics!” says Donkey.

“And me. I want to come too!” says Dog.

“Follow us,” say the birds.

Dad carries a picnic basket on his head. Mom, the children and all the animals follow him to the picnic spot.

Nicholas and the dog get ready to race.

“I’ll race you to that tree,” Nicholas says.

At the tree, Nicholas bends over panting.

“I won, I won,” says Donkey.

“Not fair,” says Nicholas. “You’ve got four legs.”

Nicholas does a handstand. Jacob does a handstand on one hand.

“Look what I can do,” says Nicholas.

“I bet you can’t do this,” says Jacob.

Mom, Dad and baby arrive at the river bank.

“Here’s our picnic spot,” says Dad.

Nicholas, Jacob, Donkey and Dog leap into the river.

“Race you to the water!” says Jacob.

The family sits on a red and white checked picnic blanket and eat their snacks.

“Come and eat, boys and girls,” says Mom.

Outside Jacob's house, Nicholas waves goodbye to his friend.

“Time to go home,” says Mom.“Say goodbye to Jacob.”

Nicholas and Dog are fast asleep in bed, while Donkey sleeps outside under the stars.