Being Brave – Learn to try new things

Many shy children struggle to make new friends and take time navigating new social situations. Through Walshy’s story, children can learn that with just a little bit of courage, they can make new friends easily.

For many young children, it can seem daunting to join a new school and make new friends with other children from a different environment. Although shy children would like to be friends with their outspoken peers, it can get a little intimidating for them. This story about Walshy, a shy pet chameleon who gets lost in Grandmamma Belle’s backyard, will teach shy children how they can take the initiative and bravely extend the hand of friendship to their peers or classmates.

Here’s Cate letter detailing Walshy’s complete story:

Hello Everybody!

I hope all of you are doing well and keeping yourselves safe. Just a few days ago, an odd incident took place in our backyard: a veiled chameleon was seen climbing up and down Grandmamma Belle’s oak tree!

All of us, the insects and birds living in Grandmamma Belle’s backyard, were surprised to see a chameleon in our midst!

He changed his colors so well that it was difficult to distinguish him from the background. When Kenneth tried to get close to him and introduce himself, he ran away to another corner of the garden.

It was so odd! We couldn’t understand why he would run away, we only wanted to be his friend.

That was when Mama told us that it must be that the chameleon is shy! He was new in the garden and he didn’t know any of us.

So instead of chasing after the new chameleon, we waved to him to come over and play.

When he saw us waving enthusiastically, he tilted his head and turned purple as if he was confused. But after that, when we smiled at him, he smiled back and turned pink. But still, we were hesitant to talk to him fearing he might run away.

“H-hello… HELLO!”, the chameleon called to us from afar.

We were so happy he was talking to us and keeping the same distance between us, we asked him, “What is your name?”

“Walshy!” He spoke quietly. “I’m lost. I am Arthur’s pet. I live next door to you. Yesterday, I was strolling near Arthur’s bedroom window when I accidentally tripped and fell. But now, I can’t climb up.” 

We were  sad to hear that and wanted to make sure he could go back to his home.

“Bobble the crow can help you reach Arthur’s window upstairs!” Sally the spider offered.

“Thank you so much!” He turned bright yellow with joy.

“I always saw you playing in bushes from the window, but I didn’t know how to talk to you.” He said shyly to the birds, insects, and the butterflies.

“It’s alright. I’m glad we have met now! Would you like to be our friend and visit us sometime?” I asked him

He instantly replied, “YES!”

We all laughed together afterwards Bobble gently held Walshy in his claws and flew him towards Arthur’s window.

Walshy is a shy chameleon who sometimes doesn’t know how to make friends, but I hope that being friends with us will help him be more open and confident in himself to make more new friends.

Do you get shy making new friends, or do you have a shy friend? If yes, you can write about it in a letter to me and I’ll make sure to reply as soon as possible!

Your brave friend,

Cate Caterpillar

P.S. Walshy visited today, and we played ‘Hide the Blueberry’ with him. Walshy won every game!