HAT SHOP

Ronald the Raccoon had a busy, busy day ahead of him.

He tossed away his blanket and stretched his arms up, up, UP and yawned the biggest yawn any raccoon had ever yawned.

Ronald slipped his paws into his slippers and walked over to the sink. He brushed his teeth, combed his fur, and then he looked in the mirror and said “Today is going to be a great day!”

Ronald drove to work. Ronald worked at a hat shop.

Ronald’s job is to match each and every animal with their perfect hat. He is very good at his job.

Ronald’s day at work officially started when he unlocked the front door to the hat shop. Open for business!

First, Gertrude the Goose came in looking for nice hat to pick flowers in.

Ronald had just the thing. He went into the back and emerged with the most beautiful floppy hat of straw and ribbon!

Gertrude gasped. “It’s perfect!” she said. And it was.

Next, Billy the Badger entered seeking a fancy hat to wear to a party later that day.

Ronald had just the thing. He walked over to his fancy hat stand and plucked a silky, shiny top hat from the hook.

Billy beamed. “It’s perfect!” he said. And it was.

Then, Carla the Cat walked in in pursuit of a suitable hat to bake a cake in.

Ronald had just the thing. He reached underneath the counter and pulled out the poofiest, fluffiest chef’s hat of all time!

Carla clapped. “It’s perfect!'“ she said. And it was!

When the workday had ended, Ronald began to close up his shop. Before he locked up, however, Carla the Cat, Billy the Badger, and Gertrude the Goose walked in through the door!

“What are you all doing here?” Ronald asked.

“We’re here for your party!” Gertrude exclaimed.

Ronald looked around at his friends. Gertrude was holding a bouquet of sunflowers. Billy was dressed in his fanciest suit. And Carla was holding a delicious cake that said had Happy Birthday Ronald written in yellow icing.

“A party? For me?” said Ronald.

“Yes for you!” said Gertrude, Billy, and Carla.

Billy took his hands out from behind his back and handed Ronald a box tied with a bow.

Ronald opened the box. It was a birthday hat with ribbon and sequins and puffballs. “It’s perfect!” he said. And it was.