A Chilly Penguin in a Warm Place
Tux the penguin waddled through the souk. His red envelope satchel bounced. Snowshoes made of coconut shells felt funny on hot sand. "Squawk!" he peeped. The sun was very warm. He needed to deliver a special invitation before the Summer Solstice ended. But where was the Elder's tent?
Kofi's Mostly Right Directions
Tux saw a man with a colorful robe. This was Kofi! Kofi sold shiny pots and big, fragrant spices. "Squawk! Elder's tent?" Tux asked, flapping his flippers. Kofi smiled. He pointed left, then right, then wiggled his fingers in a circle. "Past the singing birds and turn at the giggle-bushes!" he boomed. Tux nodded and waddled off, following the confusing directions.
Up, Up, to Zara's Rooftop!
Tux peeked over a fluffy rug. He was more lost now! The sun was getting sleepy. He needed help fast! He looked up and saw a girl on a clay roof. It was Zara, the cloud watcher! She watched the wind's handwriting. Maybe she could see the tent from up high? "Squawk!" he called, pointing his flipper upwards. How would a penguin get to a rooftop?
A Rooftop View and a Wind Whisper
Tux flapped his wings and pushed with his little feet. Wobble! He climbed the crates, one by one. Up, up, up! He finally reached the clay roof. "Squawk! Elder's tent?" he asked Zara, panting. Zara giggled. She pointed to a faint wisp of smoke far away. "The wind whispers that way! See the purple flag?" she said, tracing a path in the air. The sun was almost gone!
Race Against the Setting Sun
Tux ran as fast as his little legs could go. Past the clanging pots, past the sweet-smelling bread. He dodged a wobbly cart and squeezed between two big sacks of dates. The purple flag was bigger now! He could hear soft drumming. The Summer Solstice was ending very, very soon! He had to hurry!
