Timmy loved learning about space. He loved how big and mysterious it was. He loved how there were so many planets and stars to discover. 

But, the number 1 thing Timmy loved about space, was that his Dad worked there. 

Timmy's Dad is an Astronaut, so he doesn't get to come home for months at a time. He goes on long adventures, learning about space.

(It also takes a long time to get back to Earth).

Every night at bedtime, Timmy turns off the lights in his room to turn on his star lamp. He likes to imagine that he is in space, just like his Dad.

Timmy had a large telescope that was a present from his Dad. He promised to teach Timmy how to locate stars with the telescope as soon as he returned from his work trip.

Some nights, when he really missed his Dad, Timmy would use his telescope to look up into space and try to find him. He would also pretend he was talking to his Dad on the phone, chatting away about his day.

Today is the first day of school, and Timmy does not want to go.

"I wish I could run away to space," Timmy said at breakfast time.

"Remember what your Dad told you, little one," said his Mom. 

Timmy's Dad told him, "while I am away, you have to be brave and bold just like an Astronaut."

"I wish I was brave," thought Timmy as he put his shoes on.

When Timmy got to class, he found a desk that already had his name on it. Another boy was sitting at the desk next to him. He looked even more nervous than Timmy.

Timmy sat down and waved hello to the boy. His name on his desk was Michael.

Timothy 

Michael

After the bell rang, a nice lady came in and introduced herself. 

"Hello, boys and girls! My name is Mrs. Dunphy. Welcome to 2nd Grade. I am very excited for all of us to become friends in our classroom community."

Mrs. Dunphy

2nd Grade Class!