Maya is a very happy little mouse. She owns a tiny bakery in the middle of a quiet village. Every morning, she puts on her clean white apron. Today, she is busy mixing flour and water to make the very first bread of the day. It is going to be delicious!

Tweet, tweet! Good morning, Maya! chirps Pip the sparrow. Pip flies down and lands right on the windowsill. Maya looks up and smiles. Good morning, Pip! she says. The bread is in the oven. It will be ready very soon!

Suddenly, there is a soft knock at the door. Knock, knock! Is anyone home? asks Hoppy the rabbit. He peeks his head inside the bakery. Maya laughs. Welcome, Hoppy! Can you smell the fresh bread? It smells wonderful, doesn't it?

Pitter the hedgehog walks in very slowly on his little feet. He is carrying a beautiful yellow wildflower on his prickly back. Good morning, Pitter! Maya says. Is that flower for me? Pitter nods and carefully hands the flower to Maya.

Next, Cotton the gentle lamb arrives at the door. Her white wool is as soft as a cloud. Baa, baa! Good morning, everyone! Cotton says in a kind voice. Maya claps her paws together. You are just in time, Cotton! The bread is almost done.

Let’s get the garden table ready, my friends! says Maya. Cotton the lamb wants to help. She picks up a clean, checkered tablecloth in her mouth. Maya and Cotton go outside to the wooden table under the big tree to spread the cloth.

Maya runs back inside to the big oven. She uses her oven mitts to pull out a huge, golden loaf of bread. It is round and warm, and it smells like a dream. Here it is! Maya cries out happily. The first bread of the day!

Out in the garden, Pip the sparrow and Hoppy the rabbit are waiting at the table. They are very excited to eat together. Pip flutters his wings, and Hoppy wiggles his ears. I am so hungry for warm bread! says Hoppy.

Maya brings the bread to the table and starts to slice it. She gives the very first warm piece to Pitter the hedgehog. Here you go, Pitter, she says kindly. Pitter reaches up with his tiny paws to take the yummy bread.

The sun is high and warm in the sky. Maya and all her friends sit together in the garden, eating and laughing. Sharing the bread makes everyone feel wonderful. Being kind to friends is the best way to start a happy day!