"Oh, he’s just shy," his father said. At home, Meeky was comfortable speaking. He liked to ask questions. "Why is the cheese yellow?" "Why are some mice white?" "How many whiskers will I have when I grow up?"

Meeky was excited when his father told him that he was going to school. He had seen Jamie and Lucy pack their bags every day. He wanted the delicious cheeses that Mom would pack for them. Sometimes they brought home drawings. He wanted very much to go to school.

Soon it was the first day of school. Meeky combed his whiskers and his mother packed his favourite cheese. They walked to school together. Mom had always told Meeky to be careful and watch out for cats when they cross the road.

Ms Emily was waiting at the door of the school to greet the children. "Hello Meeky, I’m your teacher," Ms Emily smiled at Meeky. Suddenly Meeky felt scared. He couldn’t let go of his mom’s hands. There was a lump in his throat. He looked down and didn’t say a word. "Meeky, don’t be shy, Ms Emily will take good care of you," his mom said as she hugged him. As mom walked off, Meeky was really scared but he didn’t cry.

Ms Emily read them a story. The story was about the three little pigs. Meeky enjoyed the story very much. He wanted to "huff and puff" like his friends. But Meeky didn’t say a word.

After the story, Ms Emily said that everyone could do some drawing. Everyone went to a table but Meeky wouldn’t move. Ms Emily asked if Meeky would like to go and draw. But Meeky did not say a word.

Ms Emily asked Meeky if he would like to do something else. But Meeky did not say a word. When it was time for music and singing. Everyone was standing in a circle. Everyone sang. But Meeky didn’t sing. Meeky liked the songs but he did not sing.

Every day, it was the same. Meeky would do what everyone else was doing but he did not speak or sing.

At home, Meeky told his parents about school every day. He liked the stories. He liked the songs. He liked the drawing. But he didn’t tell his parents he never spoke.

One day a new mouse joined the class. Her name was Ariel. When Ms Emily said "Hello’’ to Ariel, she looked down and kept quiet. Meeky felt sorry for Ariel because she looked lonely. One day they were sitting together during snack time. Meeky offered Ariel his favourite cheddar cheese. She smiled at him and took it. She gave him a piece of her carrot cake. Meeky said "Thank you." Suddenly Meeky was able to talk to Ariel. He started telling her about his collection of cartoon mouse stickers and even showed her his sticker book.

When Meeky helped Ariel in class, he felt brave. He was no longer afraid. He could speak in class. He started speaking to the mice in the class. He started speaking to Ms Emily. Meeky could sing too. Meeky and Ariel became good friends.