Characters

• Caleb — toddler boy: A curious 3-year-old boy with light fair skin, big round hazel eyes, short tousled sandy-brown hair with a slight cowlick, rosy cheeks. Wearing a signature red explorer vest with gold buttons over a yellow-and-white striped t-shirt, green cargo shorts, white socks, and little brown lace-up boots. Always carries a tiny blue backpack with a star keychain.
• Lily — young girl: A confident 5-year-old girl with light fair skin matching Caleb, long wavy sandy-brown hair often in two braids with pink ribbons, bright hazel eyes like her brother, a small beauty mark on her left cheek. Wearing a coral-pink t-shirt with a sunflower print, denim overalls with a daisy patch on the pocket, and yellow rain boots.
• Bubbles — golden retriever puppy: A round, fluffy golden retriever puppy with soft golden-cream fur, big soulful dark brown eyes, a shiny black nose, floppy velvety ears, a spotted pink tongue that always sticks out, and a constantly wagging tail. Wearing a teal bandana with white paw prints tied around his neck.
• Sarah — mother: A warm, graceful mother with light fair skin, long straight sandy-brown hair usually in a loose ponytail with a scrunchie, soft hazel eyes, light freckles across her nose and cheeks. Wearing a teal v-neck wrap top, comfortable cream joggers, and white slip-on canvas shoes. A small gold locket necklace around her neck.
• Jack — father: A tall, athletic father with light fair skin, short neat sandy-brown hair like his children, warm hazel eyes, light stubble on his jaw, and a friendly wide smile. Wearing a navy-blue plaid flannel shirt with rolled-up sleeves, khaki pants, brown leather belt, and rugged canvas sneakers. Has a pencil tucked behind his right ear.
• Nana Joy — grandmother: A warm, round-faced elderly woman with light fair skin with gentle wrinkles, soft silver-white hair in a neat bun held by a tortoiseshell clip, kind hazel eyes behind round gold-rimmed glasses. Wearing a cozy burnt-orange cardigan with wooden buttons over a cream floral blouse, a long olive-green skirt, and comfortable tan slip-on shoes. A beaded reading-glasses chain around her neck.
• Sofia — little girl: A bubbly 3-year-old girl with warm tan-olive skin, big bouncy curly dark brown hair held back by a bright yellow headband, large expressive brown eyes, dimples when she smiles. Wearing a ruffled red polka-dot dress with a white Peter Pan collar, white ankle socks with lace trim, and shiny red Mary Jane shoes. A tiny charm bracelet on her wrist.

Full Story

Scene 1: Sofia wrings her hands. 'I'm scared for my dance recital,' she says. Caleb hugs her tight.

Scene 2: Caleb jumps up. 'Let's make a giant GO SOFIA banner!' Lily claps. Everyone cheers.

Scene 3: Outside they unroll the big white sheet. Caleb dips his brush in blue paint. 'G for Go!'

Scene 4: Lily paints O with orange. Sofia adds sparkly stickers. Glitter shakes loose!

Scene 5: Glitter flies high! It sticks in Caleb's hair, Lily's braids, Bubbles' fur. Jack's flannel sparkles too.

Scene 6: They shake and laugh. The banner shines bright. 'Time for the recital!'

Scene 7: They march down the path. Banner waves high. Bubbles leads with happy barks.

Scene 8: At the center they unfold the banner. Friends gasp and cheer. Sofia's tummy flips.

Scene 9: They rush to front row seats. Banner drapes over rail. Sofia waves then goes backstage.

Scene 10: Spotlight on Sofia. She steps out but freezes stiff. The crowd quiets.

Scene 11: Caleb leaps up flapping arms in silly wiggle dance! Sofia bursts laughing. She twirls fast!

Scene 12: Sofia hugs Caleb tight. 'You danced with me!' Everyone cheers. Sofia shines as the star.