Why the School Bell Welcomes — Under a sky full of drifting leaves, Otto held his backpack straps and hurried beside Suki the kitten. He wanted the two front seats saved before the big children rushed in. Read the full story →
Under a sky full of drifting leaves, Otto held his backpack straps and hurried beside Suki the kitten. He wanted the two front seats saved before the big children rushed in. The schoolhouse smelled like chalk dust, damp grass, and warm wood. Then a tiny voice yawned, “Wait for me.”
On the bell rope sat a silver moth with sleepy wings. “I am the bell’s keeper,” she whispered. “No one has asked the bell to say hello yet.” Otto looked at Suki, then at the open door and the smiling teacher. He touched the rope softly. Bong! The sound rolled over the flowers, the path, and every shy paw.
Suki tucked her paw into Otto’s. Children turned toward the door instead of pushing past it. Ever since, the school bell rings first not to hurry anyone, but to say, You belong here; next time you see the bell tower, listen for Otto’s gentle bong.
