Story 7: Buying Your First Piano with Penguin Power and a Thermometer!(v1)
Key Takeaways of the Story
It’s gratifying to be able to able to buy your musical instrument with your own money
It’s really motivating to have a goal like buying an instrument when busking, it can get you out of the home on days you feel a bit lazy
Having a visual for your goal is so much more fun, you can see the progress and bring it with you when performing on the street.
When working toward a goal the anticipation is exciting!
Christmas is a great time of the year to be performing on the street because people are even more generous!
Story
Flippers and feathers, my young readers! Gather 'round as I treat you with a tale of musical dreams. This chapter follows the journey of our delightful hero, Taiyo, a spirited little penguin residing on the sunny shores of Manly, near Penguinville, Australia. Prepare for a story filled with melodies, courage, and a pinch of Dad humour!
Oh slimy fish scales, how did Taiyo enjoy learning the piano on the cheap keyboard his parents had gifted him! But one fateful day, after taking lessons with Jessica, a talented Owl from New York, he discovered the piano of his dreams. It boasted a whopping 88 keys, unlike his current 61-key keyboard. The touch of the keys felt like the gentle touch of sand under his flippers—it was just like a real piano! Oh, the weighted keys, as explained by Jessica, gave it an enchanting touch.
Eager to share his newfound excitement, Taiyo rushed home and pleaded with his parents to buy him the remarkable piano. "It would help me improve and allow me to play beautiful music for the whole family," he chirped. His penguin mum left out a laugh, flippers flapping in amusement, “Fish and shells, let’s check how much it cost!” It was a staggering 1,200 clams! His mum found it too expensive, but Taiyo had a brilliant idea. "What if Koala Santa brings it for me?" he suggested. Dad chimed in, "Even for Koala Santa, it's a tad too pricey. But hey, why not save up your busking money to buy it yourself, just like you did with your other instruments? And he don’t forget Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” he added with a grin.
Taiyo pondered upon this proposition. Indeed, he had purchased lots of instruments and gear before, using his busking earnings, but nothing as expensive as this piano. Could he really do it at only nine years old? How long would it take? The little penguin longed for the piano in the present, not in some distant future.
Daddy Penguin, sensing his son's dedication, shared a secret with him: "Draw an empty thermometer on a large piece of paper and write your goal at the top. Every time you earn some money, fill up the thermometer with a different colour to represent the exact amount you earn. Make it as beautiful as you can!"
My dear readers, Taiyo's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he wasted no time in crafting his colourful thermometer. He envisioned how splendid it would be to fill it up, step by step, bringing him closer to his dream.
The following weekend, Taiyo couldn't contain his eagerness to go busking. He was determined to earn enough to buy his beloved piano. Carrying the thermometer drawing with him, he explained to his audience what the money was for. Everyone was moved by his dedication and rallied to support him. In one session, he earned $140, and the next weekend, it soared to $160. With each passing session, his thermometer filled up, inching him closer to his goal. The excitement was palpable; the penguin prodigy was on the verge of playing on his dream piano!
As Taiyo often visited his favourite music store, Mall Music, the owner—a possum named Geoff—allowed him to play the very piano he longed for. Taiyo could almost taste the sweet victory of owning it himself. Oh, how he yearned for that day!
Then, my young readers, something magical occurred—Christmas was just two weeks away! Taiyo noticed his earnings skyrocketed, sometimes surpassing $200 in a single session. The holiday spirit touched people's hearts, and they were even more generous with their contributions. The penguin prodigy couldn't help but notice the joyful anticipation building within him. The jingle of Christmas echoed in the air.
Filled with enthusiasm, Taiyo decided to play during the weekdays as well, making
the most of the Christmas holiday. On New Year's Day, he proudly showed his nearly full thermometer. “Oh slimy fish scales,I've saved 1,100 clams!" he exclaimed, though a touch weary from his busking adventures. Mama penguin beamed with pride: “Oh my oily darling, you did so well!” Understanding his fatigue, Daddy penguin reassured him, "No need to force yourself, my little maestro. Take a break. However, why not share videos of your musical prowess on social media and ask people to donate towards your goal? It's like performing on the street, but online!"
Surf and barrel, Taiyo couldn't believe his luck! Within a mere thirty minutes, generous folks online had contributed enough for him to purchase his cherished piano.
Guess what my dear friends, the very next day, he waddled into Mall Music, clutching his hard-earned money in his flippers, and approached Geoff, the possum store owner. "I would like to buy this piano, please!" Taiyo proudly proclaimed, handing over twelve crisp 100 clams notes. Geoff’s eyes sparkled with admiration as he counted the money. “Congratulations, young penguin! Your dedication and passion have brought you one step closer to becoming a true musician.”
With the help of his dad, he carefully loaded the new piano into the car, his heart brimming with joy.
Back home, Daddy Penguin skillfully assembled the piano in the living room. Taiyo positioned himself in front of the instrument, ready to create melodies that would enchant and inspire. As his flippers danced across the keys, beautiful music filled the air, and a grin stretched across his beak. He had done it! Taiyo had bought his first piano with his own hard-earned money.
Years later, if you were to stumble upon videos of Taiyo playing music in his cozy nest, you'd notice that the same piano he bought all those years ago still stood proudly by his side. It served as a reminder of his perseverance, talent, and the thrill of achieving a dream. And my dear readers, as this chapter comes to a close, what other musical adventures await Taiyo as he continues to grow and explore the world of music?
Rest well, my young friends, for tomorrow brings new tales and endless possibilities.
Questions before falling asleep, to encourage your kids to imagine themselves in Taiyo’s shoes
Have you ever bought something with your own money? How did that feel? Do you still have it?
What instrument would really like to have but can’t afford just yet? How could you work for it?
Original Videos:
PS:
This is just a draft, I am not a writer but I welcome your opinions below to help me write a children's book that can truly inspire children to find their passion for music and start playing in the streets for everyone's enjoyment.